In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution supporting the designation of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, observed each October. You’ve likely heard of this, and you may know that October 19 through 25 is the week in 2026. Chances are, though, you’ve not recently (or ever) looked at the actual resolution. The preamble outlines several reasons why estate planning deserves this annual spotlight.

​Here are three worth noting:

—“Whereas careful estate planning can greatly assist Americans in preserving assets built over a lifetime for the benefit of family, heirs, or charities.”

—“Whereas estate planning involves many considerations, including safekeeping of important documents, documentation of assets, operation of law in the various States, preparation of legal instruments, insurance, availability of trust arrangements, charitable giving, inter vivos care of the benefactor, and other important factors.”

—“Whereas alternatives to disposition of assets after death, such as planned gift-giving, may accomplish a benefactor’s goal of providing for his or her family and favorite charities.”

What’s especially noteworthy is the intentional inclusion of charitable giving throughout the resolution. For attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, National Estate Planning Awareness Week is a good time to remind yourself to ask each client a question that can open an important dialogue sometimes overlooked in the estate planning process: 

“Are there charitable causes you would like to include in your estate plan?” 

Sounds simple, right? It’s just thirteen words. Still, advisors may not address charitable giving as consistently or thoroughly as clients would like, according to the 2026 TPI Study of the Philanthropic Conversation, which surveyed high-net-worth clients and wealth advisors, trust and estate attorneys, accountants, and other tax professionals. 

Here’s what stands out in the findings:

—80% of HNW clients agreed that advisors have an obligation to engage them in conversations about charitable activity. 

—93% of clients who discussed philanthropy with advisors considered the advisor's role important. 

—While 99% were satisfied overall, only 61% reported being very satisfied with charitable planning discussions. 

The key takeaway: There’s room to go deeper! Keep in mind that even clients who have never thought of themselves as philanthropists may welcome the opportunity to fully discuss and structure their charitable intentions beyond their lifetimes, such as through a charitable bequest to a favorite organization or a fund at the community foundation, or by naming a charity as the beneficiary of retirement assets. Raising the subject in more than a cursory way can also lead to broader conversations about family, values, getting the next generation involved, and legacy—conversations that deepen your understanding of what matters to your clients. 

So ask the thirteen-word question—“Are there charitable causes you would like to include in your estate plan?”—but don’t stop there. If the client answers “yes,” listen closely to what they say. A smart next step in the conversation is to suggest that you involve the Community Foundation team as a sounding board. Our experienced professionals are here to help you and your client review giving vehicles and approaches that align with the client’s intentions while you continue to guide the overall legal, tax, and financial planning.

The team at the Community Foundation wants to be your first call whenever the subject of charitable giving arises with a client. Indeed, five of our favorite words to hear from tax and estate planning advisors are “Could you help us with …” We look forward to hearing from you!

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If August’s Make-A-Will Month feels like it was just yesterday, you may be wondering whether National Estate Planning Awareness Week from October 19 through 25 is simply another opportunity to deliver the same message. Fortunately, there is an important distinction—and one that can make October especially useful for you and other nonprofits. A will is only one component of a complete estate plan. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, bank and brokerage accounts, real estate, and other assets may pass outside a will altogether through beneficiary designations or because they are titled jointly or in the name of a trust. Estate planning gives donors an opportunity to think more broadly about how best to use their assets to support the people and causes they care about.

That makes National Estate Planning Awareness Week a natural opportunity to build on—not repeat—the conversations you may have started during Make-A-Will Month. Instead of simply reminding supporters to create or update a will, October gives you a chance to encourage them to look at the bigger picture and consider whether their estate plans fully reflect the people and causes they care about.

You do not need a sophisticated planned giving program—or even a dedicated planned giving staff member—to participate. A few simple, well-timed communications can introduce the idea of legacy giving to donors who may never have considered it before, while also reminding longtime supporters to make sure their charitable plans are up to date.

Keep the message focused on mission rather than technical details. Help donors imagine how a gift made through their estate could extend the impact of the generosity they demonstrate today, and encourage them to work with their professional advisors to determine the approach that is right for them.

Here is a simple five-point plan for making the most of National Estate Planning Awareness Week:

Put legacy giving in front of your donors.

Start with the basics. Send an email or include a short article in your October newsletter reminding donors that an estate plan can provide for both the people and the causes they care about. This is also an opportunity to broaden the conversation beyond wills by mentioning that charitable gifts can come through trusts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other assets with beneficiary designations. You do not need to explain how each option works. Simply let supporters know that your organization welcomes legacy gifts.

Make sure donors can find legacy giving information on your website.

Take a few minutes to look at your website from a donor’s perspective. Is there an easy-to-find page explaining that donors can support your organization through their estate plans? If not, National Estate Planning Awareness Week is a good reason to add one. Include the appropriate organization name and contact information so donors and their advisors know whom to contact with questions.

Tell a story about the future.

Planned giving is ultimately about impact, not estate planning documents. Use a social media post, donor story, or newsletter feature to illustrate what a legacy gift could make possible. Connect tomorrow’s gift to today’s mission: What could a donor help sustain, protect, expand, or accomplish for the next generation?

Invite donors to tell you about their plans.

Some of your most loyal supporters may already have included your organization in their estate plans without telling you. Give them an easy opportunity to let you know. The invitation can be simple: “If you have included our organization in your estate plan, we’d be honored to hear from you so we can thank you and better understand your wishes.” You may discover legacy donors you did not know you had.

Make legacy giving an ongoing conversation.

Do not let the subject disappear when Estate Planning Awareness Week ends. Look for natural opportunities throughout the year to mention legacy giving alongside other ways donors support your mission. Repetition does not have to mean repeating the same message. Make-A-Will Month might focus on creating or updating a will; Estate Planning Awareness Week can emphasize the broader plan; another communication might focus on beneficiary designations or the long-term impact of a legacy gift. Together, these messages can gradually make planned giving a familiar part of the way your organization talks about philanthropy.

And remember that you do not need to become an estate planning expert yourself. Your role is to open the door to the conversation, not to provide legal, tax, or financial advice. Your Community Foundation can be a sounding board as you become more comfortable talking about legacy giving, encounter questions about charitable giving vehicles, or think about ways to incorporate planned giving naturally into your organization’s ongoing donor communications.

Please reach out anytime to the team at the Community Foundation! We are honored to work alongside the nonprofit organizations making such a difference in our region. Thank you for all you do!

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Let’s face it—aging is inevitable. Whether you are 20, 40, 60, or 80, the reality is that every day you are getting older! And the population as a whole is getting older, too. The share of Americans aged 65 and older grew from 12.4% in 2004 to roughly 18%, with projections estimating that roughly one in five Americans will be 65 or older by 2030. What’s more, in the United States 37% of extended families of older adults include an older relative with dementia.

Against this backdrop, many families have conversations about wills, trusts, financial accounts, health care wishes, and other aspects of planning for the future. Charitable intentions deserve a place in those conversations, too, and, unfortunately, in many cases charitable intentions are overlooked.

No matter how old you are, it’s wise to consider your long-term charitable giving plans. Perhaps you have supported the same organizations for decades and want that support to continue. Maybe there is a particular cause you hope your family will continue to champion. Or perhaps you simply want a portion of your estate to remain in the community, available to address needs and opportunities that may arise long after your lifetime.

Talking about those wishes now—and putting an appropriate structure around them—can reduce uncertainty later. Here are a few reasons to do so:

Reduce the gray areas in the event of future cognitive decline.

Planning ahead becomes particularly important as we age. Over time, health circumstances can change, and some people experience changes in memory or decision-making capacity. Families may also find themselves taking a greater role in helping manage a loved one's financial affairs. That can create difficult gray areas when charitable intentions have not been clearly discussed or documented.
Imagine, for example, that a parent who has supported a particular organization for 30 years wants to make a significant gift later in life. Is the gift consistent with a long-standing charitable intention? Is it a new idea? Do family members understand why the organization is so important? If questions about capacity or outside influence have also emerged, even a perfectly legitimate charitable gift can become complicated.

Provide valuable context that will be essential later.

A documented charitable plan can help family members and advisors understand not only where you want charitable dollars to go, but why. Depending on your goals, that might include establishing a fund at the community foundation during your lifetime, documenting plans for a future charitable fund, including charitable provisions in your estate plan, or involving family members in giving while you can experience that philanthropy together.

Leave room for changes.

Planning ahead does not mean locking yourself into charitable decisions you can never change. Your interests may evolve. Organizations change. New community needs emerge. Your financial circumstances may change, too. Instead, the goal is clarity. By discussing your charitable intentions while you can fully participate in the conversation, you create a foundation that you, your family, and your advisors can build upon. You can revisit the plan as circumstances change and make adjustments when appropriate.

This can be especially meaningful when family members are included in conversations with the community foundation team. Conversations about charitable giving offer an opportunity to talk about much more than money. They can help children and grandchildren understand the experiences and values that shaped your generosity—and give them an opportunity to share what matters to them as well.

Plan early to avoid sticky situations in the first place. 

In some cases, financial institutions and professional advisors must follow certain procedures when questions arise about unusual transactions, diminished capacity, or possible financial exploitation. But even though there are important legal and financial safeguards designed to protect older adults from exploitation and undue influence, it’s much better to plan ahead and reduce the likelihood that your family will need to navigate those issues in the first place. Ideally, your family will not be trying to determine your charitable intentions for the first time after those questions arise. One of the most valuable things you can do is start the conversation early.

Reach out to the Community Foundation!

At any stage of your life, the Community Foundation team can help you explore questions such as: What do you want your giving to accomplish? Which organizations or causes are most important to you? Would you like your children or grandchildren involved? Should your charitable plan continue after your lifetime? And how much flexibility would you like your plan to have as organizations and community needs change? The answers can help you and your estate planning and tax advisors determine how charitable giving fits into your broader estate and financial plans—and help avoid challenges in the future. 

Planning ahead cannot eliminate every question the future may bring. But it can reduce the gray areas—and give the people you trust a much clearer roadmap for honoring the charitable intentions that matter to you.

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Many families established private foundations years ago because they wanted to make a lasting difference in their communities. Those foundations have supported important causes, brought family members together around charitable giving, and created meaningful legacies.

Over time, though, circumstances can change. Children and grandchildren may live in different parts of the country. Board meetings become harder to schedule. Administrative responsibilities grow. Tax filings, investment oversight, recordkeeping, and compliance with complex rules can begin to feel like more work than anyone anticipated.

For many families, that's when it becomes worthwhile to ask an important question: “Would a donor-advised fund at the community foundation better serve our charitable goals?”

There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but if you're beginning to explore the possibility, here are a few steps to consider as you discuss the options with your family and your tax advisors.

Be realistic about what’s working and what’s not.

Start by taking an honest look at how well your private foundation is working today. Is it still helping your family accomplish what you hoped it would? Are family members actively engaged, or has the responsibility fallen to just one or two people? Sometimes the answer isn't that the private foundation has failed—it's simply that your family's needs have evolved. 

Consult the specialists.

Next, talk with your attorney, CPA, and financial advisors. Transitioning from a private foundation to a donor-advised fund involves important legal, tax, and financial considerations. Your advisors can help you evaluate the options and factors from a tax and legal perspective and determine whether the approach makes sense for your family's particular financial circumstances.

The Community Foundation is an important part of the conversation, too, even in the early stages. Be sure to introduce your advisors to the Community Foundation as soon as you can. Our team can explain how a donor-advised fund works, answer questions about the transition process, and, importantly, help you explore ways to preserve the identity and charitable purpose your family has built over the years. In many cases, the donor-advised fund can even continue under a familiar name, allowing your family's charitable legacy to live on in a meaningful way.

Identify decisionmakers.

As you consider the transition, the Community Foundation team can help you think about who should serve as advisors to the new fund. One of the strengths of a donor-advised fund is its flexibility. You can name family members to recommend grants today and designate successor advisors to help involve future generations in your family's philanthropy. In many ways, the advisors to a donor-advised fund resemble a private foundation’s board of directors. 

Move to implementation.

If your family decides to move forward, the transition itself often can be handled efficiently, although it requires careful planning. Generally, the private foundation distributes its remaining assets to the community foundation to establish or add to the donor-advised fund after reserving sufficient funds to pay final accounting, legal, tax preparation, and other closing expenses. Your advisors will then help complete the foundation's final tax return and any required state filings.

Carry on with your good work!

Once the transition is complete, your family can continue supporting the organizations and causes you care about—often with significantly less administrative responsibility. Rather than spending time on compliance and paperwork, you can devote more energy to what likely inspired the foundation in the first place: making a difference.

Every family's situation is unique, and moving from a private foundation to a donor-advised fund is an important decision. If you're wondering whether it might be the right fit for your family, we'd be delighted to visit with you and your advisors. The Community Foundation is here to help you evaluate your options and continue building the charitable legacy you've worked so hard to create.​

Welcome to the Great Wealth Transfer! This much-cited era, happening right now, is reportedly the time when trillions of dollars will pass from one generation to the next over the coming decades in various forms, ranging from cash and stock to real estate and business interests.

Understandably, most conversations and commentary about this transfer focus on the assets themselves. Who will inherit the family business? What will happen to the investment portfolio? How should the estate plan be structured? Naturally, those are important questions! But many families are beginning to ask something deeper: "What values do we want to pass along, too?"

A recent Kiplinger article exploring the Great Wealth Transfer makes the point that the strongest family legacies are built not simply by transferring assets, but by intentionally passing along values of generosity through shared charitable experiences and conversations. It encourages families to involve younger generations in philanthropy early, making giving a collaborative, multigenerational experience rather than a one-time financial transaction. 

For many people, philanthropy is one of those values. If you’re among them, here’s food for thought:

—A charitable legacy isn't simply about the gifts that are made after you're gone. It's also about helping your children and grandchildren understand why giving has been important throughout your life. In many ways, the conversations, traditions, and shared decisions surrounding philanthropy can become just as meaningful as the financial inheritance itself. 

—Now is a great time to begin mapping out your legacy if you’ve not done so already. For starters, August is widely recognized as Make-A-Will Month, in large part because the downtime of late summer offers a perfect window to address open estate planning issues.

—According to the latest Giving USA report, charitable bequests totaled more than $62 billion in 2025, increasing nearly 20% over the previous year. Bequests were the fastest-growing source of charitable giving, underscoring how important estate gifts have become to nonprofit organizations and the communities they serve. 

—A charitable bequest can be surprisingly simple. You might leave a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your estate to your donor-advised fund, or designate another type of charitable fund at the Community Foundation, to continue supporting the organizations and community priorities that matter most to you.

—For example, by naming your children or other loved ones as successor advisors of your donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation, you're inviting them to continue the family's tradition of generosity by recommending grants to the organizations and causes they believe will make a difference. This opportunity is itself a meaningful inheritance! 

—For individuals and couples with especially large estates, charitable planning also may reduce the federal estate tax ultimately borne by the estate, helping preserve more of the remaining assets for heirs. This consideration applies to relatively few families because the federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per individual in 2026, but when it does apply, it really matters because gifts and bequests to qualified charities generally are deductible in determining the taxable estate. Your attorney, CPA, and financial advisor can help determine whether estate tax planning is relevant to your particular circumstances. 

—Even when estate taxes are not a concern, a charitable bequest can still become one of the most meaningful gifts you make. You may, of course, provide for family members while also supporting the causes and organizations that have mattered throughout your life.

Estate plans are designed to transfer wealth. A charitable legacy has the power to transfer something even more lasting. The Community Foundation would be honored to work with you and your estate planning advisors to arrange charitable bequests, establish a donor-advised or other charitable fund, and build a legacy your family can continue long into the future.

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"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." — John Lennon

You’ve certainly heard that well-known quote. But have you thought about it in the context of your charitable giving? It’s common to 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 the community around you. Families grow, financial circumstances shift, priorities evolve, and our community faces new challenges. Organizations you care about may expand their missions or collaborate with other nonprofits tackling similar needs. Just as financial and estate plans benefit from periodic review, your charitable plan deserves an occasional checkup as well.

If it has been a few years since you've revisited your charitable goals, consider reaching out to the Community Foundation team. We’d be happy to serve as a sounding board as you ask yourself a few questions.

Examples include:

Are the causes I support today the same causes 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.

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 values, generosity, and community impact across generations. The result is that families want to adjust their charitable priorities to reflect the interests of the family’s next generation. 

Have I reviewed my retirement account beneficiary designations recently?

Perhaps you’ve already worked with your advisors to update beneficiary designations of your retirement plans. Even so, it’s a good idea to take a look at those documents every few years to be sure nothing is missing. And if you’ve not yet named your fund at the Community Foundation or another charity as a beneficiary of IRAs and other retirement accounts, it’s worth exploring because of the potentially meaningful tax benefits of these arrangements. Be sure to ask your tax advisor about whether this technique could be a fit for you, and reach out to the Community Foundation team to help set your intentions in motion.

Do I know how local needs have changed?

Communities are constantly evolving and ours is no exception. While many longstanding needs remain, new challenges and opportunities often emerge over time. New opportunities to make a difference pop up every year, and learning about them can inspire you to get involved. The Community Foundation is a valuable resource to provide not only the big picture of what’s going on in our region but also specific examples of how nonprofits are meeting the most pressing community needs. 

Am I making this as easy on myself as possible?

You want to experience the joy of giving—not add administrative layers! Many donors appreciate opportunities to simplify their philanthropy. Whether through a donor-advised fund, another type of fund at the Community Foundation, or a combination of funds designed to achieve different goals, the right structure can make giving more organized and enjoyable.

Remember that updating your charitable plan does not necessarily require major changes. Sometimes a simple conversation with the Community Foundation team is enough to confirm that everything remains on track. Other times, donors discover opportunities to strengthen their impact, engage family members, or support causes in new ways.

The Community Foundation is always happy to help you review your charitable goals and explore ways to ensure that your philanthropy continues to reflect your values, your family, and your hopes for the future. We look forward to our next conversation!  

At the Community Foundation, we are honored to work with many families across multiple generations. Quite frequently, parents and grandparents share with us their hopes of passing along to the next generation more than just financial assets. They want to pass along values, encourage generosity, and foster a lifelong commitment to community.

In many of these conversations, parents and grandparents ask how they can get teens involved. "The teenage years can be tricky," they tell us. "But we also know this is an important time to begin conversations about philanthropy." And that’s certainly true! Teens are old enough to understand community challenges, form opinions about issues they care about, and make thoughtful decisions about how they want to help. 

For parents, it’s likely worth exploring the research behind the benefits of getting teens involved in the community. In particular, a landmark study published eight years ago (and still relevant) in the Journal of Adolescence found that altruistic behaviors—such as learning about and assisting strangers—not only appeal to adolescents, but actively raise their self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.

No matter how compelling the strategy may be, however, getting teens involved is often easier said than done. The team at the Community Foundation is happy to help. Here are ten suggestions for simple ways to start the process. 

1. Ask what they care about

Many adults begin by talking about charities they support. Instead, start by asking your teen what issues matter to them. They may be passionate about animals, the environment, education, healthcare, mental health, or helping neighbors in need. Listening first can create a stronger foundation for future conversations and ultimately 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 serve the community and why charitable support matters. 

3. Let them help make giving decisions

If your family uses a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation, consider inviting teens to recommend a portion of the annual grants to nonprofit organizations they believe in. Even small decisions can help them gain confidence and feel invested in the family's philanthropy. 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.

4. Visit local nonprofits

Many nonprofit organizations welcome visitors and offer tours or informational meetings. Seeing an organization's work in action often leaves a lasting impression and helps young people understand the impact of charitable giving. Again, this does not need to take a lot of time. Even a 20-minute visit can be eye-opening. The Community Foundation team is happy to offer suggestions and make connections.

5. Encourage teens to research charities

Ask your teen to identify a cause they care about and jump online to learn more about organizations addressing that issue. This can help develop critical thinking skills and introduce concepts such as nonprofit missions, effectiveness, and community impact. Feel free to ask the Community Foundation team to suggest websites, books, and other educational resources if your teen wants to learn more. 

6. Talk about family values

Charitable giving often reflects deeply held beliefs and priorities. Sharing stories about why your family supports certain causes can help teens understand that philanthropy is about more than money—it's about making a difference. For example, if your family has supported a particular nonprofit for many years because of a personal connection, take the time to explain to your teen the history and original connection. 

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. 

8. Introduce teens to community leaders

This suggestion surprises many parents and grandparents who wish they would have thought of it sooner! Think of all the people you know who are making a difference every day in the community, whether working at a nonprofit, serving in a civic leadership position, or leading philanthropy efforts for a business. These conversations can inspire teens by showing them how individuals—real people—can create meaningful change.

9. Invite teens to Community Foundation events

Many events hosted by the Community Foundation may be well-suited for your teen to attend, especially when our team is presenting information about community needs or celebrating a community milestone. The next time you plan to attend a Community Foundation event, consider asking our team whether it might be appropriate to bring a teenage child or grandchild. We are also happy to suggest upcoming events that may be especially engaging for young people.

10. Focus on progress, not perfection

To state the obvious, there is no single right way to raise charitable children and grandchildren! The goal is not to create experts overnight. Instead, focus on creating opportunities for curiosity, learning, and participation. Small—even very small—experiences can help teens build lifelong habits of generosity and civic engagement.

One of the greatest gifts you can give the next generation is an understanding that they have the power to make a difference. The Community Foundation would be delighted to help!

At the Community Foundation, we work with a wide range of donors who want to support favorite charities and causes they care about. Sometimes we meet with individuals and families who have already begun their charitable giving journey by establishing a donor-advised fund at a national charitable sponsor or commercial provider. 

Over time, many donors discover that they want something more. They want to learn about local needs, connect with nonprofits making a difference in their community, involve family members in giving decisions, and work with people who understand the place they call home. For these donors, transferring a donor-advised fund from a national charitable sponsor or a commercial provider to the Community Foundation can be a natural next step.

The good news is that moving a donor-advised fund is often easier than people expect. Here is a simple guide to the process.

Step 1: Start a conversation with the community foundation

The first step is simply to reach out. The Community Foundation team can learn about your charitable interests, answer questions, and explain how a donor-advised fund at the community foundation can support your goals. Many donors are surprised to learn that a Community Foundation offers not only the convenience of a donor-advised fund, but also local knowledge, philanthropic expertise, and a long-term commitment to strengthening the community.

Step 2: Map out a fund that reflects your values

One of the most enjoyable parts of the process is designing a fund that reflects your family's charitable vision. You can choose a fund name, such as the Smith Family Fund or Smith Family Foundation, designate fund advisors, and discuss how future generations might become involved. Many donors use this opportunity to create a structure that encourages family conversations about generosity and community impact, tapping into the Community Foundation’s resources and expertise.

Step 3: Establish your new donor-advised fund

The Community Foundation will provide a simple fund agreement that outlines how the fund will operate and who may recommend grants to nonprofit organizations. The process is typically straightforward, and the Community Foundation team will guide you through each step.

Step 4: Recommend a grant to make the transfer from your current donor-advised fund

Once your new fund is established at the Community Foundation, you can contact your current donor-advised fund provider and recommend a grant to the community foundation for the benefit of your newly created fund. In many cases, this can be completed online and requires only a few minutes.

Step 5: Confirm the details

To help ensure a smooth transfer, be sure to use the exact name of your new fund and any instructions provided by the Community Foundation. Our team will gladly help coordinate the details and answer any questions that arise along the way.

Step 6: Decide how much to transfer

Some donors transfer the entire balance of an existing donor-advised fund at once. Others prefer to transfer a portion first and move additional assets later. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. The right decision depends on your charitable goals, giving plans, and personal preferences. Some donors even choose to maintain their existing donor-advised fund at a commercial provider while also establishing a separate locally-focused donor-advised fund or other charitable fund at the Community Foundation.

Step 7: Put your philanthropy to work in the community

After the transfer is complete, you can begin recommending grants from your Community Foundation donor-advised fund. Our team is always here as a sounding board and resource if you have questions! You may already support several favorite local nonprofits, and our team is happy to discuss both these organizations and new organizations that might have caught your attention. Many donors find that this deeper connection to the local community—and to professionals who understand it—becomes one of the most rewarding aspects of their giving.

The upshot here is that any donor-advised fund can help you organize and simplify your charitable giving. By moving your fund to the Community Foundation, you also gain a local partner committed to helping you make a lasting difference close to home. If you'd like to explore whether a transfer makes sense for you, the Community Foundation team would be delighted to start the conversation!

The Community Foundation team keeps an eye on trends, research, legislative developments, and thought leadership at the intersection of charitable planning, estate planning, and wealth management. Here are three recent articles we think are especially relevant for attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors serving charitable clients.

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 among donors, donor-advised funds, and nonprofit organizations. 

What’s the takeaway?

Remember that the Community Foundation 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 are here to support you as you serve your clients. Please reach out anytime. 

If you keep an eye on initial public offerings, it’s been an exciting few weeks, especially if your clients are involved. As you work with clients who may hold stock that’s going public, or if your clients are considering investing in companies involved in IPOs, be sure to look at all angles of the client’s financial and estate plan that may be impacted—including charitable planning.

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 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 Community 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 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. The Community Foundation 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 loop in the team at the Community Foundation early can help clients turn a major financial event into meaningful support for the causes they care about.

Please reach out to our team to discuss clients’ charitable opportunities related to IPOs, appreciated stock, business interests, other complex assets—and anything else related to philanthropy. The Community Foundation is here for you! It is our honor to be your first call on matters of charitable giving.

​“Philanthropy” may sound like something reserved for wealthy, “mature” adults, but that’s not at all the case. At the Community Foundation, we work with individuals of every generation, from young adults to retirees and everyone in between.

Young adults in particular are getting involved in the community in ways that look a little different from prior generations. Research shows that Generation Z and Millennials tend to be more focused on issues than specific charities. Not surprisingly, a tech-forward approach to all aspects of philanthropy is common among members of these generations, including engaging with favorite causes on social media and making donations online. What’s more, a 2024 study indicates that for younger generations, volunteering and donating are strongly tied to civic participation.

If you’re a parent or grandparent of young adults, or if you’re a young adult yourself, you’ll be glad to know that the Community Foundation can help. Here are three suggestions.

Make it a family affair.
The Community Foundation works with families to build charitable giving plans that involve all generations to achieve overall philanthropic priorities as well as coordinating with families’ advisors to achieve tax planning (subscription required) objectives. For example, a multi-generational philanthropy can include donor-advised funds, legacy plans that include IRA beneficiary designations to establish an endowment, and strategic use of Qualified Charitable Distributions for family members who are 70 ½ or older.  

Make a point to start early.
Many young adults are establishing charitable giving practices early in their careers. For example, it’s not uncommon now for new hires to name a charity, such as a fund at the Community Foundation, as the contingent beneficiary of an employer-sponsored retirement plan. In addition, starting in 2026, taxpayers who don’t itemize deductions can still take a tax deduction for charitable gifts up to $1000 for single filers and $2000 for joint filers. This can be a great way for younger generations to support the causes they care about. Although the deduction only applies to cash gifts and does not include gifts to donor-advised funds, it’s nonetheless a notable perk. The Community Foundation is happy to serve as a sounding board for ways to leverage this opportunity to make a difference.  

Make new connections.
The Community Foundation can help young people get connected with peer networks who share an interest in getting involved in the community. For example, our team is happy to serve as the back office for establishing what’s known as a “giving circle,” which is a type of fund that allows donors to pool resources with peers to make a bigger impact than they could achieve alone. Giving circles also provide an outstanding hands-on learning experience in philanthropy, especially because the Community Foundation provides education and resources about grantmaking, local needs, and nonprofit leadership.
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The Community Foundation is honored to serve as our region’s home for charitable giving across generations. We look forward to working with you and your family to support your favorite charities and achieve meaningful outcomes in our community.

​Many people think of succession planning as something only relevant to businesses or nonprofits. However, it's equally important when considering the legacy you want to leave through philanthropy—including being intentional about what happens to your donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation after you're gone. The Community Foundation team can help structure provisions for your donor-advised fund to engage your family, tap the Community Foundation’s expertise, or a combination of both so that your donor-advised fund can become a multi-generational legacy that reflects your values.

Here are three considerations as you consider your “charitable succession plan”:

Leave a legacy
One of the most powerful ways to extend your impact is by leaving a portion of your estate to charity - such as by naming your donor-advised fund as a beneficiary of an IRA or other retirement account. This strategy delivers considerable tax advantages and enables your philanthropic dollars to be thoughtfully distributed in accordance with your values. Remember, IRAs left to the Community Foundation avoid not only the income tax that would hit your heirs, but also removes the assets from your taxable estate for estate tax purposes.

Lean on the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation is honored to serve as a trusted partner for many individuals and families. Our team can work with you and your advisors to enlist the Community Foundation’s expertise to make grants from your donor-advised fund according to your values and charitable intentions following your death. We can also work with you and your advisors to incorporate the ability for your children and grandchildren to serve as advisors to the donor-advised fund following your death, including taking advantage of the Community Foundation’s educational programs to help your children and grandchildren learn how to be effective philanthropists.

Capture your intentions
The Community Foundation team is happy to work with you to document and formalize your charitable wishes. We’ll help you articulate your priorities and outline how you envision your fund making a difference across generations, whether that means supporting specific organizations, issue areas, urgent community needs, or a combination of priorities. By helping you capture your intentions in writing and then following your wishes, the Community Foundation acts as a steward to safeguard your philanthropic goals and help ensure that the causes you care about continue to receive support for years to come.
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We look forward to talking about succession planning for your donor-advised fund. The Community Foundation is honored to help you secure your charitable legacy and involve your loved ones in meaningful giving. Thank you for the opportunity!