10 opportunities to discuss philanthropy with clients
November 21, 2012 3:04 PM
10 Opportunities To Discuss Philanthropy With Clients
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10 Opportunities To Discuss Philanthropy With Clients
A life-changing event can be the perfect way for a financial advisor to broach the subject of philanthropy, Eileen Heisman, president and CEO of National Philanthropic Trust, said at the recent Women Advisors Forum event in California.
One of the things about talking about philanthropy is it enables you to get into more meaningful conversations that can touch on estate plans, tax plans and family situations. Heisman said. The other thing you get to do is ask people whats really important to them.
As head of National Philanthropic Trust for 14 years, Heisman said her firm, which manages donor-advised funds, has given away about $1.4 billion and has made about 65,000 grants. Here are 10 opportunities Heisman said every financial advisor can use as a cue to talk about philanthropy.
One of the things about talking about philanthropy is it enables you to get into more meaningful conversations that can touch on estate plans, tax plans and family situations. Heisman said. The other thing you get to do is ask people whats really important to them.
As head of National Philanthropic Trust for 14 years, Heisman said her firm, which manages donor-advised funds, has given away about $1.4 billion and has made about 65,000 grants. Here are 10 opportunities Heisman said every financial advisor can use as a cue to talk about philanthropy.
Shifting Family Dynamics
Major family events that spark change can including a death in the family, children reaching adulthood, retirement, marriage or divorce. Those events can also help inspire philanthropic endeavors, Heisman said, after having seen memorials established for the deceased or donor-advised funds created in honor of graduating students.
Around a family event, you might want to talk about whats important to you, Heisman said.
Around a family event, you might want to talk about whats important to you, Heisman said.
Holding Appreciated Securities
One of the most tax effective ways you can give is to give appreciated securities, Heisman said.
That can include something a client has bought on a low-cost basis that has since doubled or tripled in value. Instead of selling that asset and paying capital gains tax, a client can donate it to a charity and get a deduction for the full fair market value of the securities. The charity, in turn, sells the asset it was gifted.
That can include something a client has bought on a low-cost basis that has since doubled or tripled in value. Instead of selling that asset and paying capital gains tax, a client can donate it to a charity and get a deduction for the full fair market value of the securities. The charity, in turn, sells the asset it was gifted.
Owning/Selling a Business
Business donations can include closely held stock or restricted stock, Heisman said. But the key is to have all the necessary information ready for a transaction, including documents on details of those assets, while a charity needs to be willing to accept those assets.
You need to figure out how much lead time do you need, especially if youre gifting something like a family owned business, Heisman said.
You need to figure out how much lead time do you need, especially if youre gifting something like a family owned business, Heisman said.
Owning/Selling Real Estate
Gifting real estate was very popular when the real estate market was growing every year. National Philanthropic Trust has seen gifts of shopping centers and shopping malls. The key, Heisman said, is that the gifted real estate has to be completely paid off with no mortgage.
You can take an illiquid asset that you would never get paid on, gift it to a donor advised fund, and then the donor advised fund charity liquidates it, Heisman said. Then it becomes an investable asset and then it becomes part of your portfolio.
(Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
You can take an illiquid asset that you would never get paid on, gift it to a donor advised fund, and then the donor advised fund charity liquidates it, Heisman said. Then it becomes an investable asset and then it becomes part of your portfolio.
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Reviewing Paid Insurance Policies
One of the safer areas is actually to get paid on an insurance policy, Heisman said, whereby the charity becomes the beneficiaries.
(Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
(Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
Establishing/Modifying a Private Foundation
A donor-advised fund can also serve as an alternative to a private foundation, Heisman said.
(Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
(Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
Retiring
Advisors can also use routine conversations with clients to revisit the subject of philanthropy, including retirement planning, according to Heisman.
(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)
Inheriting
A client receiving an inheritance is also an opportunity to check in on potential philanthropic plans.
(Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
(Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
Estate Planning
Philanthropic endeavors can be built into a client's estate plan.
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(Image courtesy of Shutterstock)
Planning Major Gifts
Gift giving can also have charitable ties.
Clickhere for more on Heisman's presentation on philanthropy at the Women Advisors Forum.
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