Seasoned, charitable giving & philanthropy financial advisors in California
The right financial advisor for you depends on how you weigh location, expertise, experience, the clients they typically serve, and how they work with you.
You might consider a charitable giving advisor when you're planning significant donations or setting up a philanthropy strategy that aligns with your values and financial goals. Without focused expertise, it's easy to overlook how state tax rules and property tax limits like Proposition 13 affect your giving plan.
- Tax impact awareness. Confirm how they incorporate California's high income taxes and property tax limits into your giving strategy to maximize benefits.
- Gift vehicle options. Ask about different ways to give, such as donor-advised funds or charitable trusts, and how each fits your situation.
- Long-term planning. Look for advisors who consider how your philanthropy evolves with your financial life, not just one-time gifts.
- Experience depth. Seasoned advisors often navigate complex tax and legal issues more smoothly; ask about their years handling California philanthropy.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
-
Bradley N
Series 63, Series 66
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Fidelity
Bradley Norton brings 30 years of experience in charitable giving and philanthropy, making him well-equipped to handle complex donation strategies in California. Based in Rancho Santa Margarita and affiliated with Fidelity, a large firm known for combining fundamental research and quantitative analysis, he also offers expertise in active portfolio management, providing a comprehensive approach that balances philanthropy with investment goals.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $234,793
-
Brian E
Series 63, Series 65
El Segundo, CA
Cetera
Brian Emde's 30 years of experience and specialty in charitable giving and philanthropy equip him to handle complex California tax considerations for philanthropic strategies. Operating from Cetera, a large firm offering flat fees and diverse portfolio management options, he serves high earners and those approaching retirement, providing tailored planning that integrates wealth management and tax-loss harvesting alongside philanthropy.
Experience: 31 years
Avg account: $306,089
-
Howard S
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
San Jose, CA
Cerity partners LLC
Howard Sussman brings 23 years of experience and CFP® certification to charitable giving and philanthropy in California, ensuring strategies consider state tax impacts and long-term planning. Based in Los Altos with Cerity Partners LLC, a large firm managing $126.9 billion, he offers flat-fee and hourly financial planning, serving high-net-worth clients with access to diversified portfolios and alternative investments, distinguishing him from advisors at smaller firms.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $4,574,620
-
Kent S
CFA®, Series 63
Menlo Park, CA
Menlo Advisors LLC
Kent Seymour brings 23 years of experience in charitable giving and philanthropy, making him well-equipped to handle complex California tax considerations for donors. Based in Menlo Park, he offers flat-fee and hourly consulting through Menlo Advisors LLC, focusing on high-net-worth clients with customized investment strategies that blend fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, distinguishing him from advisors with less tailored approaches.
Experience: 24 years
Avg account: $8,710,618
-
David C
Series 63, Series 65
Walnut Creek, CA
Merrill
David Cereghino's 27 years of experience and focus on charitable giving and philanthropy make him well-equipped to handle complex California tax considerations and long-term philanthropy planning. Based in Walnut Creek and affiliated with Merrill, a large firm, he offers a 1.10% AUM fee for managed strategies under $2 million and serves clients including wealthy families, business owners, and socially responsible investors, providing broad wealth management and legacy planning services.
Experience: 27 years
Avg account: $860,085
Want help finding the right advisor?
Answer a few questions to see advisors matched to you.
Advisors focused on
People also searched
Popular in California
Find advisors by type
Not sure where to start?
We'll help you think it through—whether you ultimately need an advisor or not. Warmer helps you compare advisors clearly, so you can choose with confidence.
For advisor listings, we rely on sources including public filings and data provided by advisors, and we cannot guarantee that all information is current or accurate. Advisors are independent and may not have reviewed or updated this information. Please review an advisor’s Form ADV and do your own diligence before deciding whether to work with them.
Advisor matching and introductions are provided by FinanceHQ LLC (“FHQ”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Warmer and an SEC-registered investment advisor. We receive compensation from certain participating advisors for introductions or referrals. This creates a conflict of interest because we have an incentive to recommend advisors who compensate us, including those who pay us more. You pay no fee to use our matching service, and advisor fees are not increased because of a referral or introduction. We do not review the ongoing performance of advisors, manage or hold assets, guarantee performance, or provide advice about specific investments.
By using our service, you agree to our Terms of Service and Advisory Agreement, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. Please review FHQ’s ADV Part 2A and Form CRS. Logos provided by Logo.dev
© 2026 Warmer Holdings Inc. (“Warmer”)