According to 2020 statistics released in June 2021 as part of the Giving USA report, Americans’ bequests to charity totaled nearly $42 billion last year. That’s a tremendous amount of charitable giving flowing to community organizations from donors after they die. Still, it’s a fraction of the $324 billion Giving USA reports was given to charities in 2020 by living individuals.
As you work with your philanthropic clients, do not only consider the benefits of building philanthropic components into clients’ estate plans for distribution after death, but also consider helping your clients make meaningful gifts during their lifetimes.
Here are three tips for encouraging your clients to consider “giving while living” as part of their plans:
- Clients get to see the results of their gifts and have an opportunity to get involved, whether as a volunteer, board member, or simply an observer at a site visit to each charity they support.
- Clients can involve their children and grandchildren in making the gifts, especially when the clients are working with the FM Area Foundation through a family donor-advised fund or other collaborative vehicle.
- Clients are eligible for an income tax deduction for lifetime charitable gifts, and the gifted assets are no longer subject to future estate taxes.
The team at the FM Area Foundation can help you assist your clients with a philanthropy plan, starting with the basics. Here are three talking points to help you begin the conversation with your philanthropic clients:
- “Give to what you know. Most Americans get the greatest joy from giving to causes with which they are personally familiar. This makes it easier to understand how the charity is using your dollars. So, for example, if you’ve had experience with helping foster children, you are likely to understand how the organization is using your donation to support training for foster parents. Or if someone in your family suffers from an eating disorder, you will understand what it means to give money to support an individual to receive an extra six weeks of treatment beyond what insurance will pay. And do not be afraid to ask! Most organizations are happy to share the tangible impact of your donation—whether it is $10, $100, $1,000 or more.”
- “Give where you are. Many Americans support charitable causes overseas, and that is wonderful. But don’t forget that sometimes the greatest needs are right here at home. Look for opportunities to support local charities who are celebrating year-end giving by offering information about the overall need, the mission they serve to meet that need, and the positive impact of a year-end gift on the lives of others. When you give to local organizations, you are in a much better position to have confidence in your gift.”
- “Above all, give to the charities you love. Gifts that are aligned with a passion and your own love of humanity carry the most energy and ultimately make the most difference. The bottom line is that giving should feel good. Certainly understanding how a charity is using the money is a part of that. But don’t let that get in the way of doing good and enjoying every minute of it.”
Need more tips and talking points? The team at the FM Area Foundation is always here to help.
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