Talking to Clients About Charitable Giving

Philanthropy is a very personal decision. You can help your clients realize their charitable giving objectives by listening for giving opportunities, explaining options and suggesting solutions. Raising the charitable giving question often is difficult, but it is an important part of providing complete financial planning and professional advice to your clients. Clients want help with their philanthropy.

The following questions may help you to comfortably and effectively raise the subject of charitable giving with your clients.

CHARITABLE GIVING QUESTIONS

• Do you currently support any community groups or charitable organizations with volunteer time and/or money?
• What volunteering or giving experiences have been gratifying to you? If you have not given to charity in the past, are there any community or charitable issues you care about and might consider contributing to now or in the future?
• Do you have a sense of gratitude to any charitable organization(s) or institutions that have served you well?
• Would you like to benefit any charitable organizations or causes while you are alive, or do you want to do so only after death?
• What values would you like to preserve and to pass on to your family in addition to your wealth?
• How much do you feel is an appropriate financial inheritance for your children/grandchildren?
• Would you be interested in exploring ways to support your community or causes you care about, if you could still leave a substantial portion of your estate to your children?
• If your estate proves to be larger than the amount you plan to leave your children/grandchildren, would you consider investing the excess in charitable causes you care about?
• If you could redirect dollars that would otherwise go to pay income or estate taxes to invest in charitable causes of your choosing, would this interest you?
• If someone with expertise in this area could help you identify charities that are worthy of support, would you be interested in exploring some charitable planning ideas?

The experienced staff of The Dayton Foundation is here to help in any way you or your client would require.