Generational shifts: Fulfilling clients’ charitable wishes

Chances are, you’ve already begun to notice that a major transfer of wealth is happening as your Baby Boomer clients establish financial and estate plans to pass their wealth to their Gen X and Millennial children. The dollars involved are eye-popping. Most attorneys, financial advisors, and CPAs have seen the Cerulli study’s estimate that $124 trillion in wealth […]
Weighing the options: Private foundation or donor-advised fund?

When working on the charitable components of a client’s estate or financial plan, one of the first areas you’ll likely explore is the structure. Certainly, you are familiar with both private foundations and donor-advised funds as useful charitable giving tools. Before you jump into one or the other for a particular client, though, it’s essential […]
Trust matters: Your clients’ go-to resource for community impact

As attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, you know that trust is the foundation of your relationships with clients. Your clients are seeking a similar level of trust with the people and organizations that help carry out their philanthropic wishes. Fortunately, trust in charities has shown an increase after a recent dip. According to the 2024 […]
Gifts to your fund: Breaking through the paradox of choice

As you consider your 2025 giving priorities, you’ll no doubt recall that writing a check to favorite charities is not the only way to support the causes you love. But sometimes, it seems easiest to reach for the checkbook because it’s overwhelming to think about all the options. You might be experiencing what’s known as […]
Just the facts: Five tax reminders for charitable giving

Tax time is a great reason to review the basics! At the FM Area Foundation, we aim to help make the tax aspects of your charitable giving as easy and effective as possible. If you’ve already established a donor-advised or other type of fund at the FM Area Foundation, or if you’re considering starting a […]
FM Area Foundation Distinguished Board of Directors Scholarship

The FM Area Foundation is committed to giving back to our local nonprofits. In an effort to commemorate distinguished board members who have completed three full terms with our organization, we have decided that starting in 2025 and in the year proceeding with these individuals’ dedicated service, we will establish a $500 Scholarship for individuals […]
For clients who love local causes, the FM Area Foundation is the place

Most of your philanthropic clients likely support various charities year after year. The causes they support represent a range of motivations, including personal experience, a role as a volunteer or board member, family tradition, or alignment with values and community priorities. Many of the charitable organizations your clients support are local. That’s important to note […]
“If this, then that”: Scenarios to consider as tax time approaches

As attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, you are well aware that you have clients’ attention when tax season rolls around. This makes it a great time to cover tax planning strategies for the current year and beyond. To help incorporate charitable giving topics into your tax season client conversations, we’ve put together tips to address […]
Doing Your Due Diligence

You’re ready to roll into a new year, including staying involved with the charities you love, whether as a donor, volunteer, board member or all of the above. The team at the FM Area Foundation is here to support your charitable endeavors, no matter where your passions lie. Our region is full of charitable organizations […]
It’s a family thing

If you’ve not yet involved your children or grandchildren in your charitable giving, this may be the year to consider it! Children of all ages can benefit from learning even just a little bit about philanthropy and how charities improve the quality of life for everyone. Indeed, many parents and grandparents believe that some level […]