Don’t you wish you could read your clients’ minds? Understanding what clients really care about is crucial to constructing any estate or financial plan. When it comes to charitable giving, you can be a step ahead. Plenty of research offers clues about what matters most to your philanthropic clients.
For starters, the numbers show that year after year, people are giving money to U.S. charities, to the tune of $592.50 billion in 2024 alone according to Giving USA. Indeed, most of your clients are probably philanthropic; more than 85% of affluent households give to charities each year.
Here’s what else they may be thinking:
“We want to make the world a better place, starting right at home.”
The importance of a local connection is a common theme throughout various research studies on the motivations for charitable giving. A study conducted by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that people are more likely to donate to local charities than distant ones. Here at the Crawford Heritage Community Foundation, we certainly witness this often as we work with donors to address local needs by supporting charities right here in our community. We are honored to be a resource for you and your clients to structure charitable gifts that make the biggest difference.
“We might also want to give to our Alma Mater and organizations making an impact nationally and internationally.”
We can also help your clients if they want to support charitable organizations outside Crawford County. They can give to almost any legitimate charitable purpose. We currently manage endowments that benefit our donors, colleges, and universities, as well as charities like The American Red Cross, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and Operation Smile.
“We really enjoy giving to charities.”
Philanthropy is a positive experience for the benefactor, and the beneficiaries. Research suggests that the benefits are both psychological and physiological. Many people find updating financial and estate plans stressful and overwhelming. However, approaching it as a way to shape your legacy can make the process more purposeful and rewarding. Estate planning forces clients to confront uncomfortable topics such as their own mortality, potential incapacity, and the possibility of family conflict, not to mention the complexity of the planning process, fear of making the wrong decisions, and anxiety about financial security. By infusing charitable giving into the conversation, you’re taking the pressure off the uncomfortable topics and potentially lifting the mood of the entire process.
“We want to be sure we are making a difference.”
Many generous individuals are eager to create meaningful change. They are not just looking to give money, but also to address complex issues in a deeper way. Today’s donors are rethinking what it means to give, often looking for ways their philanthropy can support leadership, advocacy, and long-term impact.
We are well positioned to help your clients explore these possibilities. Whether it involves establishing an endowment, setting up a long-term fund, or supporting causes that matter to them, we can work with you to build a charitable plan that reflects their values and supports real change.
You can reach out to our executive director, Christian Maher, if you ever want to speak about how the community foundation can assist your clients. We have worked with numerous advisors to help generous people to plan millions of dollars in charitable gifts. Integrity is a paramount value in our work. We maintain your client’s trust by keeping our discussions and their plans confidential!
Christian Maher, Executive Director
executive@crawfordheritage.org
814-336-5206