From major life transitions to the small moments in between, financial advisors can be there for every step along the way. Many clients lean on financial advisors to seek guidance in growing their wealth for personal life experiences, but also to use it to better the world around them. Among the different types of charitable investment accounts available, donor-advised funds …
Insights from the 2024 National Study on Donor-Advised Funds
While donor-advised funds have been around since the 1930s, they have recently become the fastest-growing charitable vehicle in the United States, and the Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative (DAFRC) is at the forefront of leading efforts to study them. The DAFRC aims to help improve best practices and broaden the understanding of how donor-advised funds work in the charitable giving landscape. The …
Embracing Authentic and Intentional Giving in 2024
Late in 2023, Merriam-Webster announced that their word of the year was “authentic.” According to Merriam-Webster, the term had an increase in searches “driven by stories and conversations about AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.” Perhaps people were inspired to become more authentic because of the significant events and cultural moments that shaped 2023. While we can’t know what …
Wealth Advisors: There’s Still Time to Help Your Clients Give in 2023
When it comes to financial planning, the relationship between wealth advisors and their clients can extend deeper than money. As the architect and partner in your clients’ financial journeys, you can also support your clients’ vision of the future for themselves, their loved ones and their legacies through their philanthropy. One vehicle you can recommend to your clients is a …
Ready, Set, Give: Getting Started with Your Donor-Advised Fund
If you have recently opened a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation or are eager to learn more about the opportunities that come with your fund, this blog post is for you! By opening a donor-advised fund, you have unlocked a world of possibilities and advantages that will amplify your philanthropic impact. We like to break down the donor-advised fund process into three simple …
With Giving Numbers Down in 2022, Donor-Advised Fund Giving Still on the Rise
Despite a decline in overall charitable giving (according to Giving USA), inflation, and a challenging year for U.S. financial markets, the 2023 Donor-Advised Fund Report compiled by National Philanthropic Trust, shows donor-advised funds continued to be one of the most reliable funding sources for charitable organizations. Grants from donor-advised funds have grown every year since 2009 and more than doubled …
Planning for 2023 Year-End Giving
It’s giving season! As we approach the end of the year, our team at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is all-in to help philanthropists establish new charitable funds, contribute to their funds and process year-end grants to nonprofits. Here are our tips for giving this year-end. Opening a New Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation We’re here to help …
Inspiring Generosity on Grandparent’s Day
Grandparent’s Day is dedicated to honoring grandparents and their meaningful role in families. Every year, this holiday reminds us to take the time to recognize the undeniable impact grandparents have on our lives. Oftentimes, grandparents are caregivers, teachers and mentors for families. They can also be the best playmates, adventure buddies and advice-givers. At the Community Foundation, we have helped …
Beyond the Headlines: A Bright Future for Philanthropy
If you’ve been keeping up with recent headlines about philanthropy, you may have noticed that 2022 was a down year for charitable giving. The economic challenges experienced in 2022, such as high inflation and turbulence in the stock market, left some with less disposable income to allocate toward charitable causes. The 2022 results follow the two best years on record …
What’s Next After Opening Your Donor-Advised Fund? Grantmaking!
After establishing your donor-advised fund and setting charitable assets aside for philanthropy, it’s time to get to the fun part, grantmaking. Now, you can use the funds from your donor-advised fund to support your favorite nonprofits. As your trusted partner to support your grantmaking, we are here to help. Director of Donor and Corporate Services Brian Motl breaks down some …