The Advisor's Role in Charitable Giving
In providing services in the role of a trained, professional advisor, whether it be as an accountant, attorney, financial advisor, banker, broker or investment manager or as a consultant acting in a similar capacity, an advisor may well ask the question:“Why should I, as an advisor, talk to my clients about charitable giving and the services that can be provided in addressing this subject?
Part of the answer to this question lies in the fact that, as a professional advisor, you are in the unique position of being able to provide advice on various subjects directly related to the financial concerns and circumstances of your clients. More often than not, this can afford the opportunity to an advisor as an expert in such matters to address the charitable giving desires of their clients, including that of making the choice to contribute to a dramatic improvement in the quality of life in the Wamego community and surrounding area. None the less, some advisors are reluctant to begin a charitable giving conversation with their client.
An advisor may simply be concerned about appearing to make a value judgment, especially if a particular client has not conveyed his or her charitable wishes or intentions. The answer to this concern is a realization that, as an advisor, you are afforded the opportunity to encourage and help your clients realize their charitable objectives by listening for and addressing charitable giving opportunities, explaining options, and suggesting giving solutions. Significant giving opportunities often arise when clients are in the process of making major business, personal, and financial decisions. Staffs at both the Manhattan Foundation and the Wamego Foundation have a dedication and commitment to working directly with professional advisors and their clients in recommending those charitable giving options that best serve the objectives of the advisor’s clients.
In the process of interacting with your clients regarding their charitable goals, your clients can be asked to address various questions about their charitable giving similar to the following:
- As a potential donor, what are the client’s personal motivations for charitable giving?
- What are the client’s current primary charitable interests in the community?
- What are the clients’ giving priorities? (Note that focusing on a few primary areas often makes the greatest impact.)
- What level of involvement does the client want to have in identifying and recommending charitable uses for his or her gift or gifts?
- What type of giving vehicle best serves the client’s current financial situation and tax status?