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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 welcome public acknowledgment. Others prefer to keep their giving private. For these clients, anonymity can be an important part of their philanthropy plan.

Knowing why a client might choose to give quietly can help you guide them toward options that align with their wishes, while still having maximum impact. These are a few common concerns we hear, and why the community foundation is a great way to offer relief.

Avoiding an Overload of Requests

Many donors appreciate the opportunity to support causes they care about, but they may hesitate to have their names attached to every gift. Once their generosity becomes widely known, they may see a sharp increase in solicitation letters, emails, and calls from other organizations. This can feel overwhelming and even guilt-inducing when they must decline.

Through a donor-advised fund, we can help manage what information is shared with recipient organizations. Our team can also customize communications so clients still receive meaningful updates—such as thank-you notes, impact reports, and success stories—without opening the door to excessive requests.

Protecting Financial Privacy

Some clients prefer not to reveal the size or recipients of their charitable gifts, even to close friends or relatives. In these cases, confidentiality is a priority. Donor-advised and similar funds at the community foundation provide that privacy. Unlike private foundations, which require public reporting, these funds allow donor identities, fund balances, and grantee names to remain confidential.

This approach appeals to clients who want to keep their philanthropy separate from their professional or personal relationships, avoiding any perceived pressure or judgment about how they choose to give.

Keeping the Focus on the Cause

For some donors, giving is about the work itself—not recognition. They may want to honor a loved one, continue a family tradition, or make an impact without public attention. In these situations, we can help establish grants in a chosen name, such as a family name or a tribute to someone important in their lives.

Clients also have the option to select which gifts will be public and which will be anonymous. They may even choose to announce certain contributions under the community foundation’s name, so the spotlight remains firmly on the cause.

Supporting Advisors and Their Clients

When you work with clients who value anonymity, the community foundation can be your partner in creating a plan that respects their wishes. We collaborate with attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors to provide the tools, fund structures, and administrative support needed for clients to give confidently and privately.

The generosity your clients show can make a big difference, whether it’s publicly celebrated or quietly carried out. We’re here to help you make sure their gifts reflect both their philanthropic goals and their desired level of recognition.