More questions than answers: Pending tax legislation
There’s little doubt that you’ve seen extensive news coverage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) that passed the House of Representatives by a 215-214 vote on May 22, 2025, and now moves to the Senate, where significant changes are expected before final passage. And that is the primary takeaway here: Significant changes are […]
QCDs: Soon there may be more to love
If you are 70 ½ and older, by now you’ve likely heard about a charitable giving tool called a Qualified Charitable Distribution (“QCD”), allowing you to direct a distribution from your IRA to an eligible charity, such as a designated fund, unrestricted fund, or field-of-interest fund at the FM Area Foundation. With a 2025 limit […]
Uncertain times: FAQs about charitable giving
Economic turbulence, inflation concerns, and a general sense of financial instability have made 2025 very challenging for a lot of people. As you consider how to support your favorite charities this year, take a moment to evaluate which assets may be best suited for your donations. In particular, the choice between giving cash or appreciated […]
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 […]