Focus Area
Charitable Planning
Goulston & Storrs helps clients structure and implement charitable giving strategies that reflect their values, achieve philanthropic goals, and optimize tax efficiency. We advise on the creation, operation, and administration of private foundations, donor advised funds, charitable trusts, and other vehicles to ensure lasting impact for both donors and beneficiaries.
Our Charitable Planning practice integrates philanthropy into the broader context of wealth transfer, estate, and tax planning. We work with individuals, families, and family offices to define charitable objectives, structure effective giving vehicles, and implement sustainable strategies that balance philanthropic impact with tax advantages. Whether establishing a new charitable entity, structuring a major gift, or enhancing an existing program, we guide clients through the full life cycle of planning, governance, compliance, and administration.
We have extensive experience forming and advising private foundations, private operating foundations, supporting organizations, donor advised funds, and a variety of charitable trusts. Our attorneys address governance matters, fiduciary duties, compliance requirements, changes in classification, and operational concerns while ensuring adherence to federal and state laws.
In addition to entity formation and compliance, we assist with ongoing administration, investment oversight, and coordination with other aspects of a client’s estate and financial planning. Many of our clients also turn to us for advice on legacy giving, family involvement in charitable activities, and approaches to engaging the next generation in philanthropy. Where clients seek guidance on programmatic grantmaking or impact strategy, we connect them with trusted philanthropic advisors.
By combining legal insight, tax knowledge, and practical experience, we help clients create charitable structures that are both mission-driven and financially sound—ensuring that their contributions make a meaningful difference today and for years to come.
- Charitable Entity Formation – Structuring and establishing private foundations, supporting organizations, and donor advised funds.
- Charitable Trusts – Creating and administering charitable remainder annuity trusts, charitable remainder unitrusts, and charitable lead annuity trusts for philanthropic and tax benefits.
- Governance and Compliance – Advising on fiduciary duties, legal requirements, and operational best practices, as well as changes in classification and activities.
- Philanthropic Engagement – Supporting legacy giving plans and family participation in charitable work; connecting clients with outside advisors on programmatic grantmaking and strategy.
Expertise
Key Contacts
Matthew R. Hillery
Director, Boston
mhillery@goulstonstorrs.com+1 617 574 4048
Andrew D. Rothstein
Director, Boston
arothstein@goulstonstorrs.com+1 617 574 4089
Kerry L. Spindler
Director, Boston
kspindler@goulstonstorrs.com+1 617 574 3504Related Insights
See all insightsRecognition
Goulston & Storrs Receives Top Rankings in Chambers 2025 High Net Worth Guide
August 8, 2025
In the News
Jaclyn O’Leary Joins Goulston & Storrs’ Boston Office as Director in Private Client & Trust Group
January 13, 2025