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3 Ways to Make Charitable Giving Part of Your Client Conversations

Charitable giving is an important part of financial and estate planning. As your clients think about their wealth and the legacy they want to leave, many are looking for ways to support causes that matter to them. For professional advisors, these conversations create an opportunity to better understand your clients’ priorities and help them make thoughtful decisions about their giving. Here are three things worth keeping in mind when you talk about charitable giving with your clients.

1. Find Out What Matters Most to Your Clients

When a client expresses interest in charitable giving, it’s natural to start thinking about the available planning tools. Donor-advised funds, appreciated stock, and QDCs may all have a place in the conversation. But before you get into the details, it’s worth asking a simpler question: What do you hope your giving will accomplish?

The 2026 Study of the Philanthropic Conversation from The Philanthropic Initiative found some interesting differences between what advisors believe motivates charitable giving and what clients actually say. For example, 40% of advisors said tax reduction was an important motivation, compared to just 21% of clients. Clients were actually more likely to emphasize making an impact and giving back to causes they care about.

That distinction is important! Understanding your client’s motivations can help guide the conversation toward charitable strategies that reflect their values as well as their financial goals. At the Athens Area Community Foundation, we work with professional advisors to help clients explore their charitable interests and find giving opportunities that align with what matters to them.

2. Be Careful with Charitable Strategies That Sound Too Good to Be True

Tax planning is an important part of charitable giving, but not every strategy that promises significant tax savings is worth pursuing. The IRS continues to scrutinize charitable arrangements that misuse tax rules. For example, the agency recently issued new regulations for certain charitable trusts that have been used to improperly claim tax benefits.

Most advisors may never encounter one of these arrangements. Still, the broader lesson applies to charitable planning: Be cautious when a strategy promises unusually favorable tax treatment or seems unnecessarily complicated. Taking time to review the details and consult appropriate tax or legal professionals can help protect your clients from unexpected consequences.

AACF can also serve as a resource when you’re exploring charitable giving options with your clients. We’re happy to talk through charitable giving options and help find an approach that best fits your clients’ goals.

3. Make Room for Family Conversations About Giving

Charitable giving can also be a meaningful way to bring different generations together. It gives families an opportunity to talk about the causes they care about and the values they hope to pass along.

Research suggests that both clients and advisors recognize the importance of these conversations. According to the 2026 Study of the Philanthropic Conversation, 78% of high-net-worth clients believe it’s important to include extended family members in philanthropic discussions. The study also found that 95% of advisors consider these conversations important for building relationships with clients’ extended families.

For advisors, that creates an opportunity to learn more about the people and priorities behind your client’s financial plan. You might encourage clients to involve their children or grandchildren in charitable giving decisions or start a family tradition of giving. These conversations can be especially valuable as families prepare for the transfer of wealth between generations.

Helping Your Clients Turn Their Charitable Goals into Action

The best charitable planning conversations begin with understanding what your clients want to accomplish. From there, you can help them explore practical options and make informed decisions about their giving. At the Athens Area Community Foundation, we’re proud to work alongside professional advisors as you support your clients’ charitable goals. We can help connect those goals with opportunities to make a difference in Athens and the surrounding communities.