After initial discussions, you will most likely find that there are a variety of factors motivating your client’s interest in charitable giving. The following are good examples of circumstances for beginning discussions of charitable planning.

Your Client May Demonstrate

• A concern for quality of life in their community. Your client may be interested in philanthropy because they care about the quality of life that surrounds them, their family, their peers, their customers and their friends. Your client probably want to be asked by you what matters most to them in society. Please encourage them in their vision and show them the impact that they can have as community-minded donors.
• A passion for a particular cause. Is your client passionate about meeting a specific community need and wants to make a meaningful gift? The Community Foundation's expert staff can help you and your client identify methods for making the greatest impact.

Your Client May Have Potential Financial Motivators, such as

• A need for year-end tax planning. Your client just earned a large bonus, but has no time to decide on the most deserving charities. You may, for example, encourage them to establish a Donor Advised Fund for an immediate tax deduction, and stay involved in their gift for years to come.
• Gains from a sale of a business. Does your client own highly appreciated stock in a company that is about to be acquired? Structure a charitable gift of stock before the company is sold to reduce capital gains and increase charitable deductions. Establish a Donor Advised Fund so that a once-in-a-lifetime event can help your client do good, forever.
• An ownership in closely held stock. Is your client’s personal net worth tied up in a closely held company? They can donate a portion of company stock to The Community Foundation and invite the company to buy it back for fair market value. Your client can establish a Donor Advised Fund or planned gift and remain eligible for a tax deduction at the fair market value of appreciated stock (less any planned gift value).
• A need for preserving an estate. Has the estate planning process with your client identified significant tax burdens? Reduce the size of the taxable estate through a charitable bequest or other planned gift. This creates a personal legacy in the community that stays true to your client’s charitable intent in perpetuity.

Regardless of their motivations for giving, your clients will turn to you, as a professional advisor, to help them plan their charitable giving. The Community Foundation of South Lake County can assist you throughout the process as:

• Partners. We will work in partnership with you to provide your clients with individually tailored giving plans designed to satisfy their philanthropic goals.
• A community resource. We have extensive knowledge of community needs and can help direct your client’s giving for maximum impact.
• Consultants. We will consult with you, your clients and your colleagues regarding the tools available through The Community Foundation that will help them meet their philanthropic goals.
• Simple alternative to private foundations. Is your client thinking about establishing a private foundation, but looking for a better, simpler way? Are they frustrated with the ongoing management of a private foundation with which they are currently involved? If they establish a Fund with the Community Foundation of South Lake County your clients can stay personally involved with the distribution of gift dollars while taking advantage of the Community Foundation's expertise.