Top charitable giving & philanthropy financial advisors in Michigan
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 ready to make a meaningful impact with your wealth or want to align your philanthropy with your financial goals. Without focused expertise, it's easy to overlook how giving strategies interact with your retirement plans and tax situation.
- Pension impact awareness. Many Michigan families have pensions; ask how your advisor integrates giving plans with pension income and related tax effects.
- Tax-efficient giving. Confirm how they structure donations to maximize tax benefits, including timing and vehicle choice.
- Philanthropic goal alignment. Look for advisors who help clarify your giving priorities and match them with appropriate strategies.
- Legacy planning integration. Check if they coordinate charitable giving with estate plans to support your long-term family and community goals.
Here are top matches to get you started. Review each profile to compare experience, credentials, and approach.
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Thaddeus P
CFP®, Series 63, Series 65
Grand Rapids, MI
Advance Wealth Management Service, LLC
Thaddeus Phelps specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy with 28 years of experience, offering flat-fee financial planning and consulting services tailored for clients with at least $500,000 in assets. Located in Grand Rapids, MI, he integrates tax planning and estate guidance, supported by his CFP® certification and independent status, distinguishing him through a comprehensive approach that includes risk management strategies and fiduciary roles.
Experience: 29 years
Avg account: $463,417
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Harry D
Series 66
Troy, MI
Fidelity
Harry Drussel specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy, making him capable of guiding Michigan clients through tax-efficient donation strategies and philanthropic goal alignment. Working at Fidelity, a large firm known for combining fundamental research with quantitative analysis, he offers access to sophisticated investment management and an IRS-qualified Charitable Gift Fund, which may differentiate him from advisors at smaller firms or with less institutional support.
Experience: 2 years
Avg account: $234,793
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Mark P
Series 66
Brighton, MI
Edward Jones
Mark Pagels specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy, making him well-suited to help Michigan clients integrate their giving strategies with retirement income and tax considerations. As a Series 66-licensed advisor at Edward Jones, a large firm managing over $1 trillion in assets, he offers access to diverse investment strategies and serves a broad client base including pension plans and charitable organizations, which may provide more comprehensive resources compared to smaller firms.
Experience: 8 years
Avg account: $246,728
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Alexander B
Series 63, Series 66
Jackson, MI
Cetera
Alexander Butterfield specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy, making him well-suited to help Michigan clients integrate their giving strategies with retirement plans and tax considerations. With 38 years of experience at Cetera, a large firm offering diverse portfolio management options, he provides flat-fee and hourly consulting, catering to high earners approaching retirement and business owners seeking tax-efficient wealth management.
Experience: 39 years
Avg account: $306,089
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Nicholas D
CFP®, Series 65, Series 63
Farmington Hills, MI
Center for Financial Planning Inc
Nicholas Defenthaler specializes in charitable giving and philanthropy, offering expertise in integrating giving strategies with retirement and estate plans, which is crucial for Michigan clients with pensions. His independent, CFP®-certified practice employs a flat-fee structure and serves high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and charitable organizations, differentiating him through a comprehensive, team-supported approach and tailored asset allocation strategies.
Experience: 13 years
Avg account: $1,314,674
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