Philanthropic Giving Strategies
For Tangible Impact.
We evaluate charitable giving by educating ourselves on the meaning and value it provides to the institutions, communities and causes your family holds dear.
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Why is Philanthropy so Important in a Family Office Engagement?
Philanthropy makes your legacy tangible.
When you partner with Heritage, we help you answer the most important questions.
- How can our family’s philanthropy shape the lives of future generations?
- How can our family’s philanthropic impact shape the lives of the next generations?
- Where and how can we make the most impact in our community?
- How can we underscore the value of giving back to our children and grandchildren?
We don’t just measure how much of an impact your contribution makes, we think long-term to determine how your giving will shape your legacy and your memory.
Heritage’s Approach to
Philanthropy.
Thoughtful, strategic execution.
We start by identifying goals that align with your family’s values. Developing effective tax strategies to maximize your contributions and establishing charitable trusts can enhance the weight of your gifts.
We integrate your objectives with a broader estate planning, tax management, and portfolio strategy to execute your long-term philanthropic vision.
Insights from our expert.
This series highlights nonprofit organizations and individuals working to create lasting impact in our community. From executive leaders to frontline team members, each episode offers an inside look at the mission, challenges, and opportunities shaping the nonprofit sector today. See our recent episodes below.
When the Bond Market Gets Interesting
Listen NowPhilanthropy in Focus: Shalom Farms
Listen NowPhilanthropy in Focus: HEARTH
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Frequently Asked Questions about Philanthropy
What philanthropic giving vehicles are
most effective?
Donor-advised funds offer a flexible and tax-efficient way to contribute assets and recommend grants over time, while community and private foundations provide greater control and the opportunity to create a lasting imprint. Charitable trusts can also play a key role by combining philanthropic impact with estate and tax planning benefits.
How does philanthropy relate to a family’s legacy and succession planning?
Philanthropy can unite multiple generations and give them a shared vision for the future. When younger generations can see the real difference a family’s wealth can make first-hand, it provides perspective and reinforces their family’s values. All family members may not be involved in a family business, but everyone can participate meaningfully with philanthropy.
How often should a Multi-Family Office revisit your philanthropic plan?
Working with a Multi-Family Office provides access to a coordinated team that understands the bigger picture of where you are today and what you intend to leave behind, while still providing integrated planning, governance support, and long-term strategic guidance. Plans should be reviewed annually to ensure they are aligned with changing laws and effectiveness, with updates made immediately following major life events or generational wealth transfers.
How can we measure philanthropic impact of the organizations, institutions, and programs we give to?
Comparing quantitative outputs (activity metrics), outcomes (results metrics), cost-effectiveness (how far your contribution goes), and return on investment (economic impact in a community) in combination with qualitative measures such as beneficiary feedback and conversations with a non-profit’s leaders contextualize how impact is created, how it’s happening, and why it is happening.
Carrie Mills Miller, CFRE
Director of Philanthropy
Carrie works closely with families to align their wealth with their values through thoughtful, purpose‑driven philanthropic strategies.
With 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and philanthropic development, Carrie has led transformational fundraising efforts at VCU Health and the University of Florida, securing some of the largest gifts in institutional history. She brings deep expertise in complex giving vehicles, multigenerational donor engagement, and high‑impact charitable planning.
Carrie holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in Communications from Appalachian State University. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a 21/64 Certified Advisor.
She is actively involved in several civic and professional organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, the National Society of Colonial Dames, and the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Executive Leadership Team.
Carrie is passionate about helping families build lasting legacies through generosity that is both strategic and deeply personal. Carrie and her husband, Sam, reside in Richmond with their young son.
Our Promise to Our Families
Every piece of advice is unbiased. Every interaction honors your privacy.
At Heritage, we maintain the highest standards of independence and confidentiality. As your fiduciary, our guidance is impartial and based on your family’s long-term goals. We never receive compensation from third parties for recommendations.
Our Confidentiality Commitment
- No Public Recognition Without Permission
- Selective Information Sharing
- Secure Communications, Always