Because QCDs are so useful, our team is keeping an eye on pending legislation that might expand the ways your clients can use them. Specifically, Congress continues to consider two bipartisan charitable giving bills: the Charity Parity Act (S. 2204/H.R. 4495), which would permit QCDs directly from employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, in addition to traditional IRAs, and the IRA Charitable Rollover Facilitation and Enhancement Act (S. 3975), which would extend QCD eligibility to donor-advised funds. Neither proposal has advanced beyond committee, but both are still active and could expand charitable giving options for your clients if enacted.

We’ll continue to keep you informed as these proposals develop.

The post A quick note about pending legislation appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

The Clinton Area Fund of Lenawee County was established in 2008, when the Lenawee Community Foundation issued a challenge to communities across the county. If a community raised $5,000, the Foundation would match it with $5,000 to begin a designated fund for that city or village. A charter group of Clinton citizens met that challenge, and the Clinton Area Fund of the Lenawee Community Foundation was established.

Since its beginning, the funds have been invested, donations have been added, and the fund’s interest has been used to financially support projects within the Clinton community. A few of those projects include the Clinton Veteran’s Memorial Park, repaving the basketball courts, and new welcome signs as you come into town. Last year, the Clinton Area Fund awarded grants to the Clinton Township Public Library, CCS Earth Club, Clinton Wrestling Club Corp, Little Mews Rescue, St. John’s Church, and more. 

Grant requests will be accepted through September 25, 2026, and the total amount awarded will not exceed $5,000. All grants that are given will be to not-for-profit organizations serving the Clinton zip code, such as schools, parks and recreation, social programs, and the village. Funding is not guaranteed. Some applicants may receive partial or no amount of their original request. All applications must be received by September 25, 2026.

Grant awards will be considered for projects that meet the following requirements: 

1. The project must demonstrate community value

2. The submission of a request is not a guarantee for funding

3. No school projects

4. Help advertise the Clinton Area Fund

All grants will be reviewed and recommended by the Clinton Area Fund Committee and approved by the Lenawee Community Foundation Board of Directors. 

Applications are due by Sep. 25, 2026, and recipients will be notified by November. All grant applications must be submitted electronically. To apply, visit https://goapply2.akoyago.com/lenaweecf.

For questions or assistance, please contact Madison Roberts at 517.263.4696 or email madison@lenaweecf.com.

About the Lenawee Community Foundation:

The Lenawee Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for the community. By collecting donations and investing them for lasting impact, the Foundation funds grants, scholarships, and local initiatives to address community needs, support nonprofits, and enhance the wellbeing of Lenawee County. More than just an organization, the Lenawee Community Foundation is an opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to leverage the power of collective giving to make sure their community stays strong and supported for years to come.

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For more information, please contact: Kirsten Stiver, 517-263-4696, kirsten@lenaweecf.com.

The post The Clinton Area Fund accepting 2026 grant applications beginning Tuesday, August 25 appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

Four recent articles reinforce a common point: the most effective charitable planning rarely happens in response to a single tax event. Instead, it grows out of ongoing conversations about a client’s values, family, financial goals, and legacy.

How to Turn Wealthy Clients’ Charitable Giving Into a Cohesive Plan

–Kiplinger

This article encourages advisors to move beyond treating charitable gifts as one-off transactions and instead help clients develop a coordinated philanthropic strategy across tax planning, estate planning, wealth transfer, and family dynamics.

When Clients Ask About Their Tax Bill, the Answer Might Be Philanthropy
–Advisor Perspectives

The focus of this article is that major tax events—such as business sales, retirement plan distributions, or highly appreciated assets—often create ideal opportunities to discuss charitable giving. Even though the transactional elements might spark a conversation, substantive charitable planning goes far beyond a single transaction and is most effective when it becomes part of a broader financial planning conversation.

Purpose-Driven Wealth Starts with Asking the Right “Why”
–InvestmentNews

This article outlines why technical expertise is important, but meaningful planning begins by understanding what clients hope to accomplish with their wealth. Advisors who ask deeper questions about values, purpose, and legacy can naturally open the door to conversations about intentional charitable planning and stronger long-term client relationships.

The High-Net-Worth Want Philanthropy Guidance

–Financial Advisor Magazine

The article reports that high-net-worth clients increasingly expect their financial advisors to provide philanthropic guidance as part of comprehensive wealth planning. This creates a meaningful opportunity for advisors who proactively include charitable giving in conversations with their clients.

Taken together, these articles reveal a clear pattern: Clients don’t simply want to save taxes—they want their wealth to reflect what matters most to them. Our team can be a resource as you explore those goals with your clients and bring charitable planning into the conversation early. We welcome the opportunity to work alongside you and your clients.

The post Moving from charitable transactions to charitable strategy appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

A popular strategy that deserves special attention in year-end planning is “bunching” charitable contributions. The bunching concept became widely discussed when the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 substantially increased the standard deduction for calculating income tax. According to important historical data, this change caused many taxpayers who previously itemized deductions to begin claiming the standard deduction instead because their annual charitable gifts and other deductible expenses were no longer sufficient to exceed the standard deduction threshold.

Since the beginning of 2026, charitable planning has become even more nuanced. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act added a new limitation under Internal Revenue Code Section 170 requiring that itemized charitable deductions must generally exceed 0.5% of adjusted gross income before a deduction is available. In addition, Section 68 now effectively limits the tax benefit of itemized deductions for taxpayers in the highest marginal income tax bracket to 35%. These two new provisions are sometimes called the “floor” and the “cap.” Although in many cases charitable giving remains highly tax-efficient, these changes make proactive planning increasingly important.

So, what is “bunching”? And why is it so useful under current tax law? Here’s how it works:

—Rather than making charitable gifts in roughly equal amounts each year, a client may benefit from consolidating two or more years of planned charitable contributions up front into a single tax year.

—By concentrating, or “bunching,” donations into one year, the client may be better positioned to itemize deductions in that year while claiming the standard deduction in subsequent years, potentially producing greater cumulative tax savings over time.

For many of your clients, a donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation serves as an effective vehicle for implementing a bunching strategy. That’s because a client can make a single, larger contribution to the donor-advised fund, generally claim the charitable deduction in the year of the contribution under Internal Revenue Code Section 170(a), and then recommend grants to favorite charities now and in future years. In short, the timing of the income tax deduction is separated from the timing of charitable distributions, allowing the client’s favorite nonprofits to continue receiving consistent annual support.

As year-end approaches, many clients will naturally ask whether they should “bunch,” or accelerate, charitable gifts before December 31. Advisors who raise the bunching conversation now and coordinate early with our team can help clients evaluate whether this strategy aligns with both their philanthropic objectives and their broader financial plans while allowing plenty of time to implement the strategy thoughtfully.

Bunching is not the only technique worth considering well before year-end! Here are two additional important reminders for your client conversations:

—Remember that charitable planning opportunities are typically even more attractive when appreciated securities are involved. Under Internal Revenue Code Section 170(e)(1)(A), a client who contributes long-term appreciated publicly traded securities to a public charity, including a donor-advised or other type of fund at the Foundation, generally may deduct the property’s fair market value (subject to the applicable adjusted gross income limitations) while avoiding recognition of the built-in capital gain that otherwise would result from a sale. This is usually a much better tax outcome than giving cash.

—Note that Qualified Charitable Distributions allow IRA owners age 70 ½ or older to give directly to charity tax-free—up to the 2026 annual limit of $111,000—even before required minimum distributions begin, potentially lowering adjusted gross income and reducing taxes on Social Security benefits and Medicare premiums. For a subset of your clients, this is important in light of the charitable deduction limitations under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Our team is honored to work alongside you all year long to help structure charitable gifts in a way that advances your clients’ philanthropic goals while making the planning process as seamless as possible. We welcome the opportunity to help you and your clients get an early start on year-end charitable planning.

The post Bunching charitable gifts, year-end, and getting ahead appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

So, what happens when one of these clients starts asking questions about what’s on their tax return? For instance:

“Wait a minute. I distinctly remember that my stock was worth $81.95 per share when the market closed on the day I transferred 100 shares to the Foundation to add to my donor-advised fund. But my tax return is showing a deduction amount less than $8,195. Is that a mistake?”

It’s a great question, and of course you know the answer! When a client contributes publicly traded securities to a fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation—or directly to another public charity—the amount of the charitable deduction is indeed based on the fair market value of the asset at the time of the gift under Internal Revenue Code Section 170 and Treasury Regulation § 1.170A-1(c). For publicly traded securities, however, “fair market value” is not ordinarily the closing price. Instead, the IRS valuation rule generally uses the average between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices on the date of the contribution. This methodology appears in Treasury Regulation § 20.2031-2(b)(1), outlining the IRS’s longstanding valuation rules.

Here’s a simple example.

Suppose a client transfers shares to a donor-advised fund at the Foundation on August 20. On that date:

• High price: $82.40
• Low price: $79.60
• Closing price: $81.95

Many clients understandably assume their deduction will be based on the $81.95 closing price. Under the applicable valuation rules, however, the value generally used is the average of the high and low prices:

($82.40 + $79.60) ÷ 2 = $81.00 per share

The difference may be relatively small in many cases. For larger gifts, or during periods of market volatility, it can become meaningful.

You may know this rule well, but many clients do not. That’s why it’s a good idea to remind a client about this rule when they’re making gifts of appreciated stock. It is also important to remember that determining the valuation date itself may involve additional analysis. The relevant date is generally the date the gift is considered complete for federal tax purposes, which may differ depending on how the securities are transferred and when control passes to the charitable organization. Because of these nuances, it’s wise to coordinate closely with our team whenever timing is critical, such as at year end.

Fortunately, our team regularly works with gifts of appreciated securities and can help facilitate a smooth transfer. Especially as the fall planning season approaches, clients often focus on maximizing charitable deductions while avoiding capital gains tax on appreciated investments. Being prepared to explain why the deduction is based on the average of the day’s high and low—not simply the closing price—can be a helpful component of client conversations.

Please reach out to our team anytime, especially when a client is getting ready to transfer stock. We will keep an eye out for it and help ensure the transfer and processing go smoothly. Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in serving your clients!

The post Highs and lows: Reminding clients about stock gifts appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

What’s going on here?

Business succession planning is becoming increasingly important as a growing share of American wealth is tied to privately held companies. According to the National Center for the Middle Market at The Ohio State University, approximately 200,000 U.S. companies generate annual revenues between $10 million and $1 billion. At the same time, a recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted the growing ranks of wealthy Americans whose fortunes were built through private business ownership and equity growth. For many of these business owners, a succession event may represent the largest liquidity event of their lifetime. For attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, these trends point to a growing need for thoughtful planning around business transitions, wealth transfer, and charitable legacy strategies.

What is most important for advisors to know?

The single most important takeaway is that charitable planning should be part of the succession conversation as early as possible. Whether a client is preparing to sell a closely held business, transfer ownership to family members, explore an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), or simply begin thinking about life after the company, charitable planning deserves a seat at the table early in the process.

Too often, philanthropy enters the conversation only after a transaction is well underway or already complete. By then, some of the most effective planning windows may be closed. By asking the right questions early, you can help your clients support meaningful causes, potentially reduce taxes, involve family members in giving, and create a lasting charitable legacy.

What questions should I ask my clients?

Here are four “must ask” questions and why they are important, plus a word of caution.

1. Have you thought about including charitable giving in your business succession plan?

Many business owners have most of their wealth tied up in their companies. When a sale or ownership transition occurs, the resulting tax consequences can be significant. In some situations, contributing a portion of closely held business interests to charity before a transaction may allow a client to support charitable goals while potentially reducing capital gains tax exposure.

Again, timing is key. Once letters of intent are signed or a transaction becomes binding, certain charitable planning opportunities may no longer be available. That’s why advisors should raise charitable planning discussions long before the deal reaches the finish line.

Remember that charitable planning is not limited to third-party sales. Clients considering ESOPs, family transfers, recapitalizations, redemptions, or other succession strategies may also benefit from exploring charitable opportunities.

2. Are there causes or organizations that helped shape your business, your employees, or your family’s values?

Business succession often prompts reflection. Many owners begin thinking not only about what they have built, but also about the communities, schools, nonprofits, and organizations that contributed to their success. This conversation can help clients identify charitable priorities that might otherwise be left unexplored. It also creates an opportunity to discuss how a business transition could become a catalyst for meaningful community impact instead of simply a financial event.

3. Would you like your children or grandchildren to be involved in charitable decisions after the transition?

For many families, succession planning is about more than transferring wealth. It is also about passing along values. A donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation can provide a flexible way for family members to participate in charitable decisions over time. Rather than making all charitable decisions immediately after a sale, a family can establish a fund, potentially involve multiple generations in recommending grants, and create a structure that supports ongoing conversations about philanthropy and community impact.

4. Are you interested in creating a charitable fund that can support multiple organizations over time?

Many business owners want to make a significant charitable commitment during a liquidity event but are not yet ready to determine exactly which organizations should receive support. A donor-advised fund can help bridge that gap. Clients can contribute assets during a high-income year, potentially receive a charitable deduction if eligible, and then recommend grants to charitable organizations over time. This flexibility allows clients to separate the timing of a charitable contribution from the timing of individual grant decisions.

A word of caution

Some clients may initially assume that a private foundation is the best vehicle for implementing their charitable goals alongside a business exit or succession plan. However, private foundations can be subject to complex rules governing self-dealing, excess business holdings, required distributions, investments, and other activities, not to mention the unfavorable tax deductibility rules for gifts of closely held stock to a private foundation as compared with a donor-advised fund. For many business owners, a donor-advised fund can provide a simpler alternative with significantly less administrative burden and, in many cases, more favorable tax treatment.

Our team is happy to work alongside you and your clients to explore charitable planning opportunities anytime you encounter a pending business succession situation. We’re honored to be your partner in helping clients create lasting impact through charitable giving.

The post Business succession planning: Four questions and one word of caution appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

Many people create a charitable giving plan during a particular season of life. Perhaps you established a donor-advised fund after selling a business, included charitable gifts in your estate plan when your children were young, or began supporting favorite causes after retirement.

Over time, however, your life changes—and so does our community. Families grow, financial circumstances shift, priorities evolve, and new opportunities to make a difference emerge. Organizations you care about may expand their missions or collaborate with others to address changing community needs. Just as you periodically review your financial and estate plans, it’s worth taking time to revisit your charitable plans as well.

If it has been a few years since you’ve reflected on your charitable goals, our team would be honored to be part of the conversation. Here are a few questions to consider:

Are the causes I support today the same ones I cared about ten years ago?

Many donors find that their interests evolve over time. You may have become passionate about education, environmental conservation, healthcare, animal welfare, faith-based initiatives, or other causes that were not top priorities years ago. Your charitable giving can evolve right alongside you.

Does my charitable plan still reflect my family’s values?

Children and grandchildren often develop interests and perspectives of their own. Many families discover that charitable giving provides a meaningful opportunity to discuss generosity, shared values, and community impact across generations. Those conversations often become part of the family’s legacy.

Have I reviewed my retirement account beneficiary designations recently?

If you’ve already worked with your advisors to update beneficiary designations, that’s wonderful. Even so, it’s wise to revisit those documents every few years. If you haven’t considered naming your fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation or another charity as a beneficiary of IRAs and other retirement accounts, it may be worth exploring the charitable and tax advantages with your professional advisors. We’re always happy to work alongside your attorney, CPA, or financial advisor to help carry out your charitable intentions.

Do I know how local needs have changed?

Communities are always evolving, and Lenawee County is no exception. While many longstanding needs remain, new opportunities to strengthen our community continue to emerge. The Lenawee Community Foundation team stays closely connected with local nonprofit organizations and community leaders, helping donors understand where philanthropy can make the greatest difference today—and tomorrow—right here in Lenawee County.

Am I making my giving as simple as possible?

Giving should be meaningful, not complicated. Many donors appreciate opportunities to simplify their philanthropy. Whether through a donor-advised fund, another type of fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation, or a combination of giving strategies, we can help you create an approach that is organized, flexible, and aligned with your goals.

Refreshing your charitable plan doesn’t always require major changes. Sometimes a simple conversation is enough to confirm that everything remains on track. Other times, donors discover new opportunities to strengthen their impact, engage family members, or support emerging community needs.

Whatever season of life you’re in, we’re here to help. It’s our privilege to partner with individuals and families who care about Lenawee County, helping ensure their generosity continues to reflect their values and create lasting impact—for today and for future generations.

We look forward to the conversation.

The post Checking in on your charitable plan appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

In many of these conversations, parents and grandparents ask how they can involve teens. The teenage years are a wonderful time to begin exploring philanthropy together. Teens are old enough to understand community challenges, develop passions of their own, and make thoughtful decisions about how they want to make a difference.

Research supports what many families have experienced firsthand. A landmark study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that altruistic behaviors—such as helping others and serving the community—not only appeal to adolescents, but actively raise their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.

Even with the best intentions, getting teens involved can sometimes feel challenging. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are ten simple ways to begin.

1. Ask what they care about

Many adults begin by talking about charities they support. Instead, start by asking your teen what matters most to them. They may be passionate about animals, the environment, education, healthcare, mental health, or helping neighbors in need. Listening first creates opportunities for meaningful conversations and deeper community engagement.

2. Volunteer together

Giving involves more than writing checks. Spending even just an hour volunteering as a family can help teens see firsthand how nonprofit organizations strengthen our community and why charitable support matters.

3. Let them help make giving decisions

If your family has a donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation, consider inviting your teen to recommend a portion of your annual grants to nonprofit organizations they believe in. Even small decisions can help build confidence and encourage thoughtful conversations about generosity. Some families even choose to establish a donor-advised fund for a child or grandchild when they reach adulthood, using cash or appreciated assets to help launch a lifetime of charitable giving.

Looking for another meaningful way to inspire philanthropy? Encourage your teen to explore the Lenawee YOUTH Council. Through the Council, young leaders learn about community needs, make real grant decisions, and help direct charitable dollars where they can make the greatest impact. Over the past two decades, Lenawee YOUTH Council members have awarded more than $1.1 million in grants and community projects, bringing health, happiness, and hope to their peers and the broader community.

4. Visit local nonprofits

Many nonprofit organizations welcome visitors and offer tours or informational meetings. Seeing an organization’s work firsthand often leaves a lasting impression. Even a short visit can spark meaningful conversations. Our team is always happy to suggest organizations and help make introductions.

5. Encourage curiosity

Invite your teen to research a cause they care about and learn about organizations working to address it. This helps develop critical thinking while introducing concepts like nonprofit missions, effectiveness, and community impact. If you’re looking for ideas, we’re always happy to recommend resources. The Lenawee YOUTH Council is a program of the Lenawee Community Foundation where students gain leadership experience, meet new people, and see firsthand how their ideas can create lasting change—right here at home.

6. Share your family’s story

Charitable giving often reflects deeply held values. Sharing stories about why your family supports certain causes can help teens understand that philanthropy is about more than financial gifts, it’s about creating positive change. Those personal stories often become lasting family traditions.

7. Help them give their own money

Whether it is a portion of an allowance, earnings from a summer job, or birthday money, encouraging teens to make their own charitable gifts can be a powerful learning experience. It always feels more “real” to spend your own money, and charitable giving is no exception. When young people choose to give, they begin to see themselves as part of something bigger.

8. Introduce teens to community leaders

Think of all the people you know who are making a difference every day—whether they work for a nonprofit, volunteer, serve on a board, or lead community initiatives. Meeting people who are improving Lenawee County can inspire teens to imagine how they might make an impact, too.

9. Include them in Lenawee Community Foundation events

Many Lenawee Community Foundation events offer opportunities to learn about community needs, celebrate local impact, and connect with others who care about Lenawee County. For teens who want to become even more involved, the Lenawee YOUTH Council offers hands-on opportunities to build leadership skills, participate in grantmaking, and make a difference alongside their peers. Ask us about upcoming events and programs that may be a great fit.

10. Focus on progress, not perfection

There is no single right way to nurture generosity. The goal isn’t to create a philanthropist overnight. Instead, create opportunities for curiosity, learning, and participation. Small moments today can become lifelong habits of generosity tomorrow.

One of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation is the confidence to make a difference. At the Lenawee Community Foundation, we’re honored to help families build a legacy of generosity that strengthens Lenawee County, now and for future generations.

Is there a teen in your life who wants to make a difference?

The Lenawee YOUTH Council empowers young people ages 12–21 to build leadership skills, learn about community needs, and help shape the future of Lenawee County through service and philanthropy.Explore the Lenawee YOUTH Council

The post Charitable Giving: Ten Ways Teens Can Get Involved appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

Indeed, recent headlines are a reminder that initial public offerings can create significant charitable planning opportunities. For example, CNBC’s article on SpaceX millionaires and wealth management, The Wall Street Journal’s “Tech’s Next IPO Wave Promises a Charitable Windfall,” and Business Insider’s coverage of newly wealthy SpaceX employees all point to the same theme: Liquidity events can quickly turn founders, executives, early employees, and investors into high-net-worth charitable clients.

Of course, for attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, the key is to bring up the topic of charitable planning as early as possible—ideally before shares are sold and before clients make irrevocable tax, investment, or estate planning decisions.

You may be curious about how IPOs and charitable planning might come together for your clients and how the Lenawee Community Foundation can help! Consider three scenarios for inspiration:

Scenario 1: Founder or executive with highly appreciated stock

A founder or executive approaching an IPO may be holding shares with very low basis and significant expected appreciation. Depending on timing, restrictions, and tax rules, contributing a portion of appreciated shares to a fund at the Foundation may help your client support charitable goals while potentially reducing exposure to capital gains tax. A donor-advised fund, field-of-interest fund, or designated fund, for example, can allow the client to create a long-term charitable strategy while maintaining flexibility after the IPO dust settles.

Scenario 2: Employee with a sudden wealth event

As recent SpaceX coverage illustrates, IPOs can create thousands of newly wealthy employees who may never have needed sophisticated charitable planning before. These clients may be juggling concentrated stock positions, tax liabilities, estate planning needs, and family conversations about wealth. A donor-advised fund at the Lenawee Community Foundation can provide a simple, organized way to set aside charitable dollars in a high-income year and then recommend grants over time as the client becomes more intentional about giving. This strategy is called “bunching.”

Scenario 3: Investor or family seeking legacy and multigenerational community impact

Some clients who benefit from IPO activity may already have significant wealth and want to use the liquidity event to formalize a philanthropic legacy. These clients may be good candidates for multiple charitable funds, such as a donor-advised fund for flexible family grantmaking, a scholarship fund to support education, and an unrestricted or field-of-interest fund to address changing community needs over time. Our team can work alongside you and your client’s full advisory team to align tax planning, family goals, and charitable impact.

Finally, and importantly, what’s the common thread across all three scenarios? Timing. Once an IPO, sale, or lock-up expiration is underway, some planning options may be limited. Advisors who ask charitable questions and bring the LCF team into the conversation early can help clients turn a major financial event into meaningful support for the causes they care about.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss clients’ charitable opportunities related to IPOs, appreciated stock, business interests, other complex assets—and anything else related to philanthropy. We’re here to help. It is our honor to be your first call on matters of charitable giving.

The post IPOs and charitable clients: Three scenarios for impact appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.

Charitable planning beats AI?

In the article “Why Charitable Efforts Are the Advisor’s Edge in an AI-Driven World” appearing in Financial Advisor Magazine, the author suggests that charitable planning may become an increasingly significant way for advisors to differentiate themselves as artificial intelligence automates more traditional planning and investment functions. The article argues that conversations about philanthropy, legacy, and personal values create opportunities for advisors to build deeper client relationships in ways that technology cannot easily replicate, reinforcing the advisor’s role as a trusted counselor rather than simply a technical expert.

Donor-advised funds continue to grow. . .

In Financial Advisor Magazine‘s article “Making Sense of the DAF Surge: Five Things Financial Advisors Should Know,” the author takes a look at the continued growth of donor-advised funds and the factors driving their popularity. Among the key takeaways are that donor-advised funds simplify charitable giving, allow donors to separate the timing of tax deductions from grantmaking decisions, and facilitate gifts of appreciated assets. The article also notes that many clients increasingly expect charitable planning to be integrated into broader wealth management conversations, making familiarity with donor-advised fund strategies an important competency for advisors.

. . .and that is good news for charities.

The article “DAF Fundraising Report: Nonprofit Takeaways” on Candid’s website highlights findings showing that donor-advised fund donors are often highly engaged philanthropists who give repeatedly and frequently make larger charitable gifts over time. The report encourages nonprofits to strengthen relationships with donor-advised fund donors, improve stewardship efforts, and make it easier for donors to recommend grants through their charitable giving accounts. This article is useful to advisors because it connects the dots between donors, donor-advised funds, and nonprofit organizations.

What’s the takeaway?

Remember that our team can provide a wide range of solutions for your clients’ charitable giving needs, including donor-advised funds, legacy planning, information about community needs and nonprofits, and ways to involve family members in philanthropy. We’re here to be a trusted charitable giving resource for you and your clients. 

Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in serving our community.

The post Worth a read appeared first on Lenawee Community Foundation.