Four reasons to mention charitable giving in every client meeting
A message from the CICF Collaborative, including Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
Clark Collier, CAP®, CICF Director of Giving Strategies
Many advisors tell us that charitable giving is on the list of topics to cover during every client meeting. That’s great news! But if that’s not yet the case for you, here are some important reasons why discussing charitable giving is beneficial for both you and your client.
Uncover new client motivations
Conversations about philanthropy—perhaps more than any other topic—invite clients to talk about their life stories, personal experiences, and deeply held values. These topics rarely surface when discussing portfolios, tax projections, or estate documents alone. Charitable motivations help you gain a fuller picture of what your clients want their wealth to accomplish. The CICF Collaborative stands ready to help you translate these conversations into meaningful, well-structured giving strategies that align financial goals with community impact.
Legacy planning opportunities
Raising the topic of charitable giving allows you to advance the conversation to include not only financial strategies, but also purpose and legacy. While tax benefits remain relevant, most clients ultimately want to know that their resources are making a difference in ways that reflect their values. Framing philanthropy as an extension of overall financial and estate planning helps clients see generosity as an integral part of their plan rather than an afterthought. Lean on our team to help you connect clients’ intentions with structures and organizations that address real needs and create lasting results, including opportunities for the client’s name to live on for generations associated with their generosity.
Connect with the next generation
Philanthropic discussions open the door for children and grandchildren to participate, learn, and internalize family values around generosity and stewardship. These conversations can even strengthen family bonds while helping younger family members understand wealth in a broader, more meaningful context (without the need to disclose full financial details of a client’s situation). By working alongside the CICF Collaborative, you can facilitate inclusive, age-appropriate giving strategies that encourage intergenerational participation. In the process, you can also get to know your clients’ children and grandchildren so that someday they want to become your clients, too.
Deliver more value as an advisor
Complement your technical knowledge by leaning on our team’s specialized philanthropic knowledge and understanding of local needs. Partnering with the CICF Collaborative allows you to seamlessly and confidently explore donor-advised funds, charitable trusts, legacy gifts, and other tools in ways that resonate with client values and maximize impact. Clients will appreciate your added resourcefulness and ability to bring smart strategies to the table. Importantly, we never forget that your relationships with your clients are paramount; we will follow your lead on the flow of communication as we collaborate.
As always, the CICF Collaborative is honored to be your first call on any matter related to charitable giving. Consider this an open and enthusiastic invitation to work together.
About the Author
Clark Collier is CICF’s director of giving strategies, working with individuals, families, and their advisors to structure meaningful and impactful philanthropy. As a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy ®, Clark provides gift planning support and counsel to the CICF Collaborative and nonprofit organizations throughout the region. He previously served as a philanthropic advisor for CICF and in development roles for both local and global organizations.
About the CICF Collaborative
CICF Collaborative is a partnership of philanthropic organizations working together to strengthen communities across the region. Each entity within the CICF Collaborative (including the cornerstone entities, Central Indiana Community Foundation, Hamilton County Community Foundation, IMPACT Central Indiana, the Indianapolis Foundation, and Women’s Fund of Central Indiana) brings deep knowledge, strong relationships, and its own individual, focused mission. The CICF Collaborative unites the entities by providing shared services, allowing the entities to operate more efficiently and effectively. By leveraging what we each do best, we’re able to better serve our communities and create more lasting impact, together. Learn more »
