Donors' Values and Goals

Finding the Best Fit

Studies suggest many clients want and expect their professional advisors to help them plan their charitable gifts. As an attorney, accountant or financial advisor, you are instrumental in helping your clients determine the role that philanthropy will play in their community and in their lives. To be effective you must first encourage your clients to think in terms of their personal values and philanthropic goals.

Here are some questions you may ask to begin a discussion:

• What organizations and causes have you supported in the past?
• What are your personal motivations for giving?
• What are your priorities?
• What legacy would you want to leave to your community through your giving?
• What do you want that legacy to say about you?
• How would you like to see your assets put to work in the community?
• What change would you like to achieve through your giving?
• How much and what kind of involvement do you want to have after you make the gift?
• How much do you want to involve other family members?

Tools and Resources

Deciding To Give is a guide for your clients to help personalize their giving.

The Community Foundation can be your resource in providing a safe place for your clients to engage in discussions about their values and philanthropic interests.

Learn more about our consulting and advisory services.

After we help your client identify their philanthropic dreams, you can then turn your attention to the mechanics of how to fulfill those dreams in the most effective means possible.

For more information, contact Bob Roberts.