Many attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors share with our team that one of the reasons their clients love working with the community foundation is because the foundation is truly the community’s foundation. Whether your client has established a multi-million dollar field-of-interest fund or a donor-advised fund to organize thousands of dollars of annual charitable gifts, your client gains full access to the community foundation’s charitable giving expertise and deep knowledge of the needs in our region.

The community foundation’s inclusive approach is one of the reasons our team, our donors, and advisors like you find it so heartwarming to see stories about philanthropy hit the mainstream media. This is especially the case with recent reports about the rebound in charitable gifts from the 50 most generous philanthropists in the U.S. After a decline in donations in previous years, in 2024, these individuals collectively donated approximately $16 billion, marking a substantial increase. This resurgence highlights the continued commitment of wealthy individuals to support various causes and charitable initiatives.

And it’s not just the super wealthy donors who are making a difference. Families at all stages of affluence are taking steps to organize their charitable giving activities. You may be observing a trend among your clients that donor-advised funds, for example, are becoming more popular at a wide range of wealth levels. Donor-advised funds at community foundations and national financial institutions have experienced substantial growth over the past decade, with total grants nearly doubling in the last five years. 

The community foundation is honored to offer a local option for your clients who want to get started with a structured and intentional approach to their philanthropy by establishing a donor-advised fund. A donor-advised fund at the community foundation offers your clients several benefits: 

Personalized service and local expertise

Our team provides personalized service, inviting your clients to interact with local experts who understand the community’s needs. We offer tailored advice on grantmaking to support the causes your clients care about. The community foundation’s local focus ensures that administrative fees support local initiatives rather than national or commercial entities.

Flexibility and customization

The community foundation is happy to offer a range of options for a client’s donor-advised fund as well as other types of funds, including endowed or non-endowed options, allowing clients to choose how they want to organize and manage their philanthropy. Plus, through a donor-advised fund, your client can support a full range of qualified public charities, both locally and nationally, providing flexibility in a strategic giving strategy. 

Tax benefits and administrative simplicity

Your client’s contributions to a donor-advised fund are eligible for immediate tax deductions, and assets can grow tax-free, maximizing the impact of donations. Our team handles all administrative tasks, such as record-keeping and tax reporting, simplifying the process for you and your clients.

We encourage you to reach out anytime to learn more about how we can support your philanthropic clients, whether they’re just getting started with modest investments, or whether they’re deploying significant wealth toward community causes. Our team is honored to serve your clients by combining local expertise with flexible and cost-effective charitable giving solutions.