Schwab Charitable – Strategic Giving Simplified

Once you have made a contribution to the Schwab Charitable Fund, the assets become the property of the Schwab Charitable Fund and cannot be returned under any circumstances.

Tax laws require that your charitable gifts be irrevocable and unconditional in order for you to receive the associated tax benefits. If you were to retain control over the assets transferred to a charitable gift fund, there would be no "gift" for purposes of a charitable deduction. While the Schwab Charitable Fund will allow you to recommend how assets are invested and disbursed, all recommendations are subject to the approval of the Schwab Charitable Fund.

Grants from the Schwab Charitable Fund will be made only to U.S. organizations that are tax-exempt public charities¹, or to U.S., state or local governmental organizations qualified to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions, such as state colleges or universities². The fund cannot approve recommended grants that fulfill a donor's pre-existing pledge to a charity, or would be used to support or purchase items at any charitable event, such as fundraising dinners, concerts, auctions or other benefit functions where the donor would receive a quid pro quo. Chances are, the organizations you choose to support to fulfill your philanthropic goals will be acceptable, but you should keep in mind that the Schwab Charitable Fund has final discretion regarding grant recipients.