Why do you think it’s important to bring up the topic of charitable giving to your clients?
Every client is different, and every charitable journey is personal. While charitable giving often results in meaningful tax savings, that’s rarely the driving force behind the decision to give. For most of my clients, charitable giving stems from deeply held values: a desire to give back, to make a difference, or to leave a legacy.
As an advisor, it’s important for me to bring up charitable giving when we’re discussing tax and financial strategies. There are many creative ways to structure giving to maximize both the financial and philanthropic benefits. My role is to educate my clients on the options available and to help them design a charitable plan that reflects both their financial situation and their personal philosophy on giving. Sometimes that means introducing strategies they may not have considered – like donor-advised funds or appreciated asset donations – to make their giving go further. Ultimately, I see my job as helping clients use their financial success to do the most good, in a way that feels authentic to them.
How do you learn about your client’s charitable interests?
The best way to learn about a client’s charitable interests is through ongoing, open conversations. These discussions evolve over time, as life circumstances and financial goals change. For example, a client might not have been in a position to give significantly early in their career, but a business sale, inheritance, or other liquidity event might spark new opportunities – and with that, new intentions around giving.
I try to weave charitable giving naturally into broader conversations about family, values, and community. I also pay attention when clients talk about causes or organizations that have personal meaning to them, whether it’s a local nonprofit, a faith-based initiative, or an alma mater. By understanding what truly motivates them, I can tailor strategies that fit not just their finances, but their purpose.
What questions or ideas about charitable giving do you find resonate the most with your clients?
Charitable giving can be surprisingly emotional. One client once told me that it was easier to make money than it was to give it away, and that really stayed with me. For many people, there’s a tension between wanting to give and wanting to ensure that their contributions are used in a meaningful, effective way. It’s not always easy to let go of control and trust that an organization will steward your gift as you intend.
The other side of the conversation, of course, is the tax impact, which always resonates. We often model different giving scenarios as part of year-end tax planning, showing clients the potential outcomes for both federal and state taxes. Sometimes we identify unique opportunities, such as using scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) to reduce state tax liability while supporting educational causes. When clients can see how their giving can make an impact and make good financial sense, it tends to deepen their engagement and enthusiasm.
Tell us about your experience with the Community Foundation and why you’d refer your clients to us.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with several clients who give through the Community Foundation, and every experience has reaffirmed my confidence in recommending them. The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne is a trusted and deeply rooted organization that truly understands this community, its needs, its opportunities, and its people.
When I refer clients to the Foundation, I know they’ll be in good hands. The team is not only knowledgeable about charitable structures, but also genuinely passionate about connecting donors to the causes that matter most to them. They take the time to listen and to guide, helping donors turn their philanthropic vision into action.
What I appreciate most is that the Foundation doesn’t just facilitate giving, it fosters relationships. It serves as a bridge between generosity and community impact, helping ensure that every gift, big or small, strengthens the place we all call home.