Stories

Reasons to be hopeful, even in times like these

It is an understatement to say that 2025 has been rough for charitable organizations. Economic volatility, a challenging political climate, and tax reform on the horizon are major factors for many nonprofits. Despite the harsh realities of external factors,...

On notice: Three observations about pending tax legislation

Over the last few weeks, our team at the community foundation has talked with dozens of nonprofit leaders and people who serve on charities' boards of directors about the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1) that passed the House of Representatives...

More questions than answers: Pending tax legislation

There's little doubt that you've seen extensive news coverage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1) that passed the House of Representatives by a 215-214 vote on May 22, 2025, and now moves to the Senate, where significant changes are expected before final...

Generational shifts: Fulfilling clients' charitable wishes

Chances are, you've already begun to notice that a major transfer of wealth is happening as your Baby Boomer clients establish financial and estate plans to pass their wealth to their Gen X and Millennial children. The dollars involved are eye-popping. Most...

Trust matters: Your clients' go-to resource for community impact

As attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors, you know very well that trust is at the foundation of your relationships with clients. Your clients are seeking a similar level of trust with the people and organizations that are helping carry out their...

Refresher course: Charitable gift annuities

Several advisors have shared with us recently that they're fielding more questions about charitable gift annuities (CGAs). It's quite possible that CGAs are landing on clients' radars these days for a couple of reasons: A $54,000 opportunity Word is finally...

6 things advisors need to know about charitable remainder trusts

If you've represented charitable families over the years, you've certainly heard the term "charitable remainder trust," sometimes called a CRT. You might have even helped clients set them up. For most attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, CRTs don't...

Weighing the options: Private foundation or donor-advised fund?

When you're working on the charitable components of a client's estate or financial plan, one of the first areas you'll likely explore is the structure. Certainly you are familiar with both private foundations and donor-advised funds as useful charitable...

Three tips for keeping endowment giving strong amid economic upheaval

If you're looking at your endowment-building goals for 2025 and feel a wave of uncertainty wash over you, you are not alone. Charities everywhere are facing mounting challenges in 2025 as economic uncertainty, market volatility, and shifting donor priorities...

Comparing two scenarios: Why the step-up in basis matters

As you've watched the news about potential tax reform, a principle known as the "step-up in basis" might have caught your attention. Over the years, draft legislation has proposed that this principle be changed or eliminated. Although tax law changes to...

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