The Fierce Urgency of Now: Our Time to Trust and Give
Last December, I was in an all-day training, ready to wrap up when the trainer’s final words made me sit up straighter. “We all have two gifts we can give,”… Read More
Case Study: A Qualified Charitable Distribution in Practice
Most advisors know the basics of Qualified Charitable Distributions (or QCDs), but that isn’t the same as navigating a real client conversation. While it’s common for this topic to come… Read More
Are Donor Advised Funds Still Needed After 2025?
As 2025 came to a close, many CPAs, estate planning attorneys, and financial advisors saw a rush of charitable planning among high-income clients. With the new federal limits for 2026,… Read More
A 2026 Checklist for Charitable Tax Planning
As we move into the first quarter of 2026, you’re likely already tracking updated IRS thresholds and monitoring how recent tax law changes affect planning strategies. What’s easy to overlook,… Read More
A Reminder for Donors: Giving Goes Beyond Cash and Stock
Most nonprofits do a great job reminding donors about the benefits of giving appreciated, publicly traded securities, and those reminders matter. But most donors are used to just writing a… Read More
A Place for Every Gift, Big and Small
As you begin planning your 2026 fundraising and donor stewardship efforts, it’s worth stepping back to look at the full spectrum of your supporters. Successful fundraising strategies recognize that donors… Read More
Planned Giving: Helping Boards Move Past “We’re Not Ready”
“Our board members are skeptical that planned giving is something we can realistically take on. They worry we’re just not ready.” Sound familiar? It does to a lot of non-profit… Read More
What Corporate Philanthropy Looks Like in 2026
A new year always means new opportunities, but for nonprofits, 2026 may also introduce new challenges, one of the biggest being securing corporate donations. Recent policy changes are shifting how… Read More
The Key to Client Retention: Charitable Planning
Keeping clients for the long haul is one of the most important things for any profession, and a key predictor of success. Not to mention, it’s usually easier and less… Read More
How to Spot a “Charitable Exit” Before It’s Too Late
If you work with business owners, chances are you’ve at least heard of charitable gifts of closely held business interests. But if you haven’t personally facilitated one, you’re not alone—these… Read More
Why Qualified Charitable Distributions Still Make Sense for Clients 70½+
As market conditions shift and new legislation takes shape, advisors are reexamining every strategy that helps clients achieve their financial and charitable goals. One strategy in particular—already well-loved by many… Read More
Donor-Advised Funds May Be the Best Approach to Giving in 2025 and Beyond
If you’ve noticed more coverage of donor-advised funds in financial publications lately, you’re right on trend. These vehicles have quickly become one of the most popular tools for charitable giving—and… Read More
October Is a Month to Celebrate Giving
October is a busy month for those of us who care about giving back, and especially those of us who know what Q4 means in the giving world. But between… Read More
Three Tips for Nonprofits Navigating Tough Times
It’s no secret that nonprofits are facing mounting challenges. Inflation is raising operating costs, pandemic-era relief funds have run out, and the demand for services shows no signs of slowing… Read More
OBBBA, IRAs, and QCDs: Oh My!
If you’ve ever felt like charitable tax planning is full of alphabet soup, you’re not alone. Between IRAs, QCDs, and now the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), even the… Read More
The New Floor and Ceiling: How Tax Law Changes Will Impact Corporate Giving
Every day, we partner with companies of all sizes to align charitable giving with both the business’s goals and community needs. Many businesses support local nonprofits through direct contributions or… Read More
Guiding Clients Who Want Their Philanthropy to Stay Private
At the community foundation, we work alongside advisors to help clients reach their charitable goals in ways that reflect their personal values. Some want their generosity to inspire others and… Read More
Making the Most of National Make-A-Will Month
Every August, National Make-A-Will Month shines a spotlight on the importance of planning for the future. For nonprofits, this nationwide awareness campaign creates a natural opening to connect with supporters… Read More
Making the Most of 2025: Charitable Giving Strategies Under the New Tax Rules
Navigating charitable giving has never been simple, especially when tax laws are in constant motion. Now, in 2025, the challenge has become even more complex—and potentially more rewarding—thanks to the… Read More
Inside the Charitable Mindset: What Your Clients Are Really Thinking
If you’ve ever wondered what truly motivates your clients to give, you’re not alone. Understanding their mindset is essential to helping them build estate and financial plans that reflect their… Read More