“It’s so easy”: How the FM Area Foundation makes giving such a pleasure
As individuals, families, and businesses get more involved in charitable giving, it’s not uncommon to become overwhelmed with all the options for supporting favorite charities. Plus, it can be hard to know what really makes a difference. The FM Area Foundation is here to help make charitable giving easy, flexible, and effective. Our team loves […]
One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Three Insights for Philanthropy
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, after the House of Representatives approved the Senate’s changes to H.R. 1, which passed the House by a narrow margin in May. The OBBBA, with nearly 900 pages of provisions, reshapes policy across major sectors of the U.S. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Giving Back Made Simple: Support Local Nonprofits Through the FM Area Caring Catalog
The season of giving is here, and there’s no better time to make a difference in your community. The FM Area Caring Catalog will soon be live, providing a unique opportunity to support 25 incredible local nonprofits from the comfort of your home! From December 2 to 13, the Caring Catalog offers a simple and […]
Generational impact, with or without children
At the FM Area Foundation, we’re honored to work with our donors and fund holders to achieve a wide range of charitable giving priorities that often involve multiple charitable giving vehicles. It’s not uncommon, for example, for an individual’s or couple’s “portfolio” of philanthropy with the community foundation to look something like this: A donor-advised […]