How the Jewish Community Foundation Works with Professional Advisors to Achieve Your Goals and Maximize Your Philanthropic Impact
The Jewish Community Foundation team is honored to be the “go-to” resource for all components of philanthropy. We enjoy talking regularly with individuals, families, and businesses about goals for charitable giving, tax strategies, ways to support favorite nonprofits, getting children and grandchildren involved in the community, leaving a legacy, and so much more. We’re always here to answer your questions.
What you might not know, though, is that when you work with the Jewish Community Foundation, we’re also happy to help you keep your attorney, accountant, and financial advisor in the loop. We’d be glad to join you and your advisors at a meeting to discuss your charitable plans. We’re also available to offer suggestions about which documents and information you’ll want to provide to your advisors.
For example, it’s important to provide your attorney with information about your fund – or funds – at the Foundation and also provide copies of fund agreements and other documentation. This will help your attorney determine whether and how your fund could be incorporated into your estate plan. Your attorney also needs to be aware of beneficiary designations on retirement plans and IRAs; these vehicles are critical components of an overall estate plan and also are an excellent way to leave a tax-savvy bequest to your fund at the Jewish Community Foundation or other charity of your choice.
Next, your accountant will appreciate knowing about your fund at the Foundation, especially as you work together to evaluate the most effective assets to give to charitable causes each year. Your accountant, for instance, may suggest that you give a certain dollar value of appreciated stock to your Donor Advised Fund in a particular calendar year to maximize itemized deductions and give you the ability to support your favorite charitable causes for several consecutive years at the high levels you intend.
Finally, it’s important that your financial advisor understands your charitable intentions and be aware of the vehicles you’ve already established. Your financial advisor can keep an eye out for stock positions that are highly-appreciated, making them ideal gifts to fund your charitable intentions. Your financial advisor will be a key member of the planning team if you were to establish a Charitable Remainder Trust, for example, with the Jewish Community Foundation. Not only is it important to determine which assets to use to fund the trust, but your financial advisor also will want to weigh in on the projected lifetime income stream from the trust to develop retirement projections that are as accurate as possible.
One of the many benefits of working with the Foundation is access to a team of professionals who are dedicated to carrying out your charitable wishes. Think of our team as a group of specialists who deeply understand both the tax and mission-based aspects of charitable giving vehicles – and who are enthusiastic about working alongside your legal, tax, and investment advisors to create a philanthropy plan that meets all of your goals.
