Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Introduces Charitable Endowment Fund

Highland, MI - The Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund, a tax-qualified public charity that allows individuals and businesses to simplify the power of giving, is now available through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. according to Don Gillis, Financial Advisor and Investment Advisor Representative of the firm's Highland Michigan office.

"The Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund is a 501(c)(3) tax-qualified public charity that operates as a donor-advised fund. It is designed to simplify gift-giving and eliminate administrative hassles," explains Gillis.

As a donor-advised fund, contributors recommend how the gift is invested within the options offered by the fund, which charities will receive grants and who will serve as a successor or substitute donor advisor. Contributions under $500,000 can be invested in any of five investment objectives.

"There are a few other similar donor-advised funds, but the Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund is unique for two reasons," he adds. "First, it is the only fund that invests in mutual funds from several mutual fund families and, second, it is the only one that permits the use of privately managed portfolios, which gives donors a greater choice."

Because the Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund is a public charity, gifts are eligible for immediate and full federal tax deductions. Donors can also avoid capital gains tax on the appreciated portion of long-term securities. Assets donated to the fund are exempt from estate taxes since they are no longer part of the donor's estate.

Donors can open accounts with donations in cash or marketable securities of $10,000. Subsequent contributions must be $500 or more.

Donors can also name their accounts as one would a private foundation, for example, "The Smith Family Foundation," and pass it on to their heirs so that giving to the charity continues for generations to come.

The Raymond James Trust Company, an affiliate of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. has been appointed as its trustee.

Members of the board of directors, which administers the fund, include: Thomas Wilkins, resident conductor of the Florida Orchestra; Frances Z. Neu, president of the Pinellas County Education Foundation in St. Petersburg, Fla.; and Robert F. Shuck, vice chairman of Raymond James Financial.

Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. and the Raymond James Trust Company are subsidiaries of Raymond James Financial (NYSE-RJF), a diversified financial services firm, which was founded in St. Petersburg in 1962. Through its two wholly-owned investment firms, Raymond James Financial has 4,400 financial advisors in more than 1,800 locations throughout the United States and internationally. In addition, its asset management subsidiaries currently manage in excess of $17.5 billion. For additional information about the Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund, please visit the following Web sites: www.myfamilyfoundation.org or www.raymondjames.com/DonGillis.

For additional information, please contact Donald I. Gillis at 800-400-0771 or www.RaymondJames.com/DonGillis.