Have your cake and eat it too: A dual approach to charitable giving

The change of seasons is often an opportunity to catch our breath and reassess. We’re done with taxes, really done with cold weather (hopefully), and we feel a sense of renewal as our attention turns to gardening and other growth-oriented, warm-weather pursuits. And many of us are wondering how in the world it can already […]
Hidden no more: Designated funds and Field-of-Interest funds

Most attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors are well-aware of donor-advised funds and the reasons behind their popularity. Especially when a donor-advised fund is established at the FM Area Foundation, this vehicle is an excellent way for your clients to organize their charitable giving and get even more connected to the causes they care about. Enter […]
Client conversations: Why your 2023 agenda must include charitable giving

No doubt, your news feed includes far more
It’s not too early for spring cleaning: Make this the year to help clients get organized

If you’re already dreading asking your clients to pull together their receipts and other documents for 2022 tax filings, this may be a good time to take proactive steps to avoid being in this same spot next year. When it comes to charitable giving, your clients may find that organizing their giving through one or […]
Stay the course: Intentional philanthropy is critical in a downturn

Your family may be among those taking their charitable giving budgets more seriously this year, given the stock market’s challenges, rising interest rates, economic concerns, and anticipated cash crunches. At the same time, not surprisingly, community needs tend to rise during uncertain economic times. As 2023 gets into full swing, inflation, housing challenges, and economic […]
Invest in impact built on trust

If you’ve supported a particular charitable organization for many years and perhaps even served on its board of directors, you are likely familiar with some basic concepts of “trust-based philanthropy,” even if you didn’t know that’s what it is called. As a devoted supporter of the nonprofit organizations you love, you know that an organization’s […]
So long, 2022: Important charitable tax planning reminders as the year winds down

Now is the time to share important reminders with your clients about year-end gifts. Time is indeed of the essence! Gifts of appreciated stock still shine Giving in a roller coaster market may continue to be a
Five of 2022’s most-asked questions about Qualified Charitable Distributions

Qualified Charitable Distributions, or “QCDs,” are becoming a very popular financial and charitable planning tool. At the same time, QCDs are growing as the source of more and more confusion. Here are answers to the questions we’ve been asked most frequently this year by both advisors and donors. Be on the lookout for these and […]
The perfect plate: Turkey, pumpkin pie, and charitable giving

As you prepare to gather with family and friends over the Thanksgiving holiday, we invite you to reach out to the team at the FM Area Foundation for suggestions on how to incorporate charitable giving into the festivities. For example: –Take this opportunity to brush up on the
Give a little and feel a lot better

In the classic book