Nov. 4, 2009 (PR Newswire) -- BOSTON, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch today announced several enhancements to the Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund, one of the nation's leading donor-advised funds. These enhancements include the ability for donors to create a customized donor-advised fund that aligns to their personal giving strategies through an innovative online portal. The new portal provides donors with simplified access to a charitable vehicle that allows them to:

--  Access a full range of grant-making capabilities, and make grant
recommendations anytime, from anywhere through an intuitive,
easy-to-navigate portal
--  Authorize an unlimited number of delegates to help fulfill and carry on
a philanthropic legacy, with unlimited generational transfers
--  Track balances, grant history and quarterly statements through a secure
Web site
--  Get started with an initial contribution of as little as $5,000
--  Choose from an expanded set of investment options

--  Open a fund through a step-by-step online process, or with assistance
from a Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor or U.S. Trust Advisor

Today, a nationwide team of more than 150 Bank of America Merrill Lynch philanthropic specialists works with donors, as well as their financial and wealth advisors, to help maximize the effectiveness of their giving. This vast network of philanthropic specialists offers expertise in family philanthropy, mission development, intergenerational wealth transfer, specific giving sectors and cross border philanthropy. Philanthropic specialists and Financial Advisors provide guidance to donors on the fundamental building blocks of strategic giving and are committed to helping them ensure that their charitable endeavors are fulfilling and effective.

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"We believe that with these enhancements, we are able to help more donors pursue their goals of broadening the impact and increasing the efficiency of their charitable giving," said Cary Grace, national philanthropic management executive for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.