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What happens when I leave a bequest to my fund at the community foundation?

Many donors and fund holders at the FM Area Foundation have updated their estate plans to leave a bequest to their donor-advised or other type of fund. Some bequests take the form of a “specific bequest,” meaning that the FM Area Foundation fund receives a specific amount of money from the donor’s probate estate or […]

Our door is open: What happens when you meet with the team

At the FM Area Foundation, we are honored to work with generous individuals and families like so many of you who’ve established funds to support the causes you care about and the needs of our community both now and in the future. We’re also inspired by those of you who are getting to know the […]

Tips for serving clients who love local

Your charitably-minded clients certainly have no shortage of options for their philanthropic dollars. Many clients use their donor-advised funds, for example, at the FM Area Foundation, to support favorite charities across the country, including alma maters, organizations in the communities where they’ve lived in the past or have a second home, or charities in communities […]

FAQs: A snapshot of clients’ tax-time charitable giving questions

A alarm clock and stacks of coins

The year is in full swing. Attorneys, accountants, and financial advisors are asking clients to start gathering tax documents and related paperwork for 2023 tax returns and 2024 planning. Now is a good time for advisors to review a few basic tax principles related to charitable giving. Here are three questions that are top of […]

Brian Hayer Joins Board of Directors

Brian Hayer is a highly accomplished and dedicated individual who brings a wealth of experience to the FM Area Foundation. As Managing Director at Bell Insurance, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to positively impacting our community. Brian completed his Master of Science degree in the field of Insurance from Arizona State University. […]

Clean slate: Tips for charitable giving in 2024

A new year is such a great time to plan and reboot. Cliche as it may be to talk about resolutions this time of year, it’s tough to deny that January represents a clean slate for “to-do” lists, goals, and your overall mindset. As you think about your 2024 charitable giving goals and priorities, here […]

Philanthropy keeps your clients sticky

Retaining your clients or customers is the key to success regardless of your business or industry. As the saying goes, it’s easier and less costly to retain or get more work from a current client than it is to find a new client.   As an attorney, accountant, or financial advisor who helps clients with […]

By the numbers: What’s around the corner in 2024

As 2023 makes way for 2024, you’re no doubt inundated with information about the various IRS thresholds that are subject to adjustment. But have you thought about how each of these thresholds might be connected with your client’s charitable giving? Here are a few pointers to keep handy as you inform your clients about changes […]

Charitable giving tips for clients’ golden years

The rising popularity of the Qualified Charitable Deduction–”QCD”–appears to be inspiring an increasing number of retirees to re-evaluate their charitable giving plans. Before the clock winds down on 2023 giving opportunities, be sure you’re familiar with the various charitable giving techniques that are most appealing to retirees and the various ways the FM Area Foundation […]

Crisis giving: Avoiding pitfalls

Whether you’re motivated to respond to needs created by a conflict, accident, or natural disaster, it’s human nature to want to help—especially through financial support. All too often, a tragic event occurs and is quickly publicized through news accounts or social media. Then, the dollars start rolling into a crowdfunding site like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or […]