The Role of Professional Advisors in Guiding Donors

Part one in a six part series

Introduction

Charitable giving is one of the most meaningful ways that donors and their families express their values, support the causes they care about and create a lasting impact.

While generosity often begins with personal motivation, turning philanthropic intent into effective giving requires guidance from the donor’s professional advisors.

Whether it is the donor’s attorney, accountant, financial advisor, or our neutral, independent charitable planning partners, these individuals play a critical role in helping donors maximize their financial benefits while making a meaningful contribution to the causes they care about.

Identifying Donor Intent and Goals

An important role of professional advisors is helping donors articulate their charitable objectives clearly so that the best charitable strategies are pursued. Identifying and clarifying a donor’s goals starts with asking targeted questions.

Rather than diving into the technical aspects first, advisors typically ask about the causes that matter most to the donor, whether they prefer to give now and/or in the future, which assets could be used and whether the gift is intended to be immediate, long-term, or multigenerational.

Everyone has a story and advisors often ask donors to share theirs to understand how their personal experiences have influenced their philanthropic interests. Understanding a donor’s journey helps shape and align their philanthropic goals. Identifying a donor’s objectives can be done by confidently exploring with a donor how to give, what assets to use and why the strategies support the donor’s objectives.

Take the first step.

Schedule a free consultation with our independent gift-planning partner. Or have your advisor meet our charitable planning partner to understand how they support the work of your existing team. Email David Olive, Director of Major & Planned Gifts, or call him at 865.637.3227 ext. 254.