The Wildflower Family: Cultivating a Purposeful Legacy
We had the pleasure of working with a remarkable couple, affectionately referred to as the Wildflower Family. Their beautiful home is as thoughtful as their philanthropic spirit—designed with the future in mind; it’s both environmentally friendly and built to address potential mobility needs. When we first visited, they gave simple directions: “Our front yard is […]
What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)?
As nonprofit professionals, we often serve as trusted philanthropic advisors for our donors, helping to align their values and goals with their passion for our mission. One of the most powerful tools for donors aged 70½ and older is the Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Understanding how QCDs work can help you guide donors toward strategies […]
Retirement Funds: The Differences and How to Maximize Them
Retirement funds are a cornerstone of sound financial planning, helping you secure your future while reducing your tax burden. Beyond their immediate financial benefits, these accounts can also be powerful tools for supporting your philanthropic goals. Retirement funds are a cornerstone of sound financial planning, helping you secure your future while reducing your tax burden. […]
What is the Difference Between Public and Private Foundations?
Foundations are vital in supporting nonprofit organizations in funding various needs and projects throughout their organization and community. Typically, foundations are endowed with funds from individuals, families, or corporations who wish to make a positive impact and operate by distributing those funds to support causes such as community development, educational programs, and social services. There […]
What is a Gift Acceptance Policy?
A gift acceptance policy is a structured set of guidelines organizations use to determine the types of donations or gifts they will accept. It outlines criteria such as legality, ethics, and alignment with the organization’s mission. Clear guidelines prevent conflicts of interest, protect reputation, enhance resource management, and streamline staff efforts. These policies assure donors […]
When Should You Open a Charitable Trust?
Here’s a quick overview of when a charitable trust can be set up, and what to consider if you want to capitalize on tax deductions and timing!
How to Be an Estate Executor or Personal Representative
Are you named in someone’s estate and wondering what to do next? Here, we’ll cover some important terms in estate and legacy planning and what to do if you’re asked to step in as executor or personal representative in someone’s estate. What is a personal representative or executor? A personal representative or executor is someone […]
What is a Bequest?
A charitable bequest is a direct gift made through one’s estate. It’s what people often mean when they talk about leaving money to heirs–or inheriting assets from a loved one. Bequests are one of the most common ways to make a legacy charitable donation, so it’s good to understand them, whether you’re making one in your own legacy plan or talking to donors on behalf of a nonprofit.
What Is Your Net Worth?
Our clients are often shocked–in a good way–when we tally up their assets and estimate the value of their estate. When making legacy planning-related financial decisions, this is step one. Here’s how to figure out your number!
How to Fund a Trust
Trusts are essential to legacy planning, yet they can be complex. That’s probably why trust-related questions are some of the most common we get from our clients: what are they, how do they work, and how are they funded?