Giving While Living ... And Beyond

May 29, 2009, Forbes.com — So how has the current recession affected your philanthropy? For many donors, a reduced asset base has meant refocusing their charitable giving. Some are shifting priorities, choosing to focus on the communities and issues hit hardest by the economic downturn; others are adjusting gift amounts to reflect changes in their finances and still others see the recession as an opportune time to revisit their legacy plan and review and rethink the question of what kind of legacy they hope to leave. They are taking a hard look at the charitable designations named in their estate plans, which, for many, is a long overdue exercise, since interests, intent and financial circumstances will have changed since the estate plan was first drafted.