If this, then that: Your charitable planning cheat sheet
At the FM Area Foundation, we’ve recently been asked by attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors for “cheat sheet” resources to make it easy to determine which type of charitable planning tool is best for a particular client. We love that idea! We’re always happy to be a sounding board for any client situation where charitable […]
QCDs: $105,000, $108,000, and more things to smile about
As you and other attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors put the finishing touches on implementing clients’ year-end charitable giving plans, you may have a moment when it hits you: “Wait, how exactly does a Qualified Charitable Distribution work?” That’s a great question, and you are not alone if you’re asking. Even though QCDs are well-covered […]
Estate tax planning: What’s your next move?
As attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, you’re aware of potentially significant upcoming changes to the tax laws that could impact your high net-worth clients. Whether or not a post-election Congress takes action to prevent the estate tax exemption sunset at the end of 2025 will potentially affect how you design your clients’ wealth transfer strategies. During this […]
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 […]
Fostering trust and making a difference
Many people are not aware of the extent to which America’s charitable organizations help improve the quality of life in our communities. From social services to the arts, virtually every aspect of our lives is touched by the work of nonprofits. Indeed, the gifts Americans give to charity every year total more than $557 billion and provide critical support […]
FM Area Foundation Supports Fargo Rotary Club in Bringing Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Fargo, ND
The FM Area Foundation is pleased to partner with the Fargo Rotary Club to reintroduce the beloved Dolly Parton Imagination Library to the 58102 Fargo neighborhood, with hopes of expanding to other areas in the future. This initiative aims to provide free books to children from birth to age five, fostering a love for reading […]
Into the great unknown
Humans crave certainty, and that is certainly not what we have right now during election season, especially where taxes are concerned. Your clients who support charitable causes may be wondering how the election outcomes might impact their philanthropic plans. You’re probably wondering that, too! Of course, no one has a crystal ball. It is impossible […]
Event tickets: Beware of the split
Many of your philanthropy-minded clients certainly enjoy attending fundraising events for their favorite charities. Especially as community events start ramping up this fall, you’ll want to be aware of a little wrinkle in the IRS rules that may surprise your clients so much that they ask you about it. Here’s how this might go. Client: […]
At a loss for words? Tips for starting a charitable giving conversation
At a loss for words? Tips for starting a charitable giving conversationAttorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors certainly are not strangers to tough questions. Indeed, the mix of money, family, and mortality is a potent combination that almost always creates an emotionally charged planning environment, whether the matter at hand is tax planning, updating wills and […]