Only 52% of advisers proactively offer charitable planning advice to their clients, according to a survey by the Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund.
The fund's 2010 "Advice & Giving" online survey was conducted between May 21 and 26 with 503 financial advisers.
It found that many advisers don't proactively offer charitable planning advice because they see philanthropy as a client's personal decision.
Advisers also said there was an absence of client requests in this area.
Many advisers said they do not feel qualified or knowledgeable enough on the topic.
However, of those advisers who do incorporate charitable giving advice into their planning practice, 65% said it is an important aspect of their client relationships.
Eighty percent of advisers said the No. 1 benefit of offering advice on charitable planning to their clients is that it's a relationship builder, while 72% said it positions them as a broad financial expert, 61% said it keeps assets under the adviser's management and 56% said it leads to a multigenerational relationship.
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund released the survey results July 21.
