Recognition or anonymity: Which one’s for you?
The FM Area Foundation is committed to working with you and your family to fulfill your charitable goals, whether those goals relate to making an impact, leaving a legacy, saving money on taxes, expressing gratitude, or a combination of objectives. Suppose you have not yet established a fund at the community foundation (even if you […]
Unlock the unexpected power of regret to grow your charitable giving
Did you know the FM Area Foundation provides “regret mitigation” services? We’re only half kidding! Not surprisingly, financial regrets are common, with those related to personal finances among the most frequent. Of recently surveyed American retirees, 75% wished they’d started saving earlier, and 62% wished they’d saved more money for their golden years. On the […]
Bridging the gaps in multi-generational family philanthropy
Differing views within families are nothing new; differing views about nearly anything and everything is centuries old. For generations and generations, common topics of disagreement have included popular culture, politics, religion, and parenting, just to name a few. Frequently outranking all is money—how it’s made, spent, or saved—or not. How benevolent families share money, whether […]
Summer topics worth watching
Proposed legislation known as the Charitable Act appears to be gaining momentum. The bill calls for making available a “below the line” deduction to taxpayers who do not itemize on their tax returns. This proposed deduction is slated to reach up to one-third of the standard deduction (around $4,500 for an individual filer and around […]
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 […]
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