In most instances the Community Foundation can provide the easiest, most flexible, least expensive solution for making a permanent gift to the community. These solutions are available to all area residents, not just the wealthy. A build-a-fund can be established for as little as $1000, a non-endowed donor-advised fund for as little as $5,000, and a permanent endowment fund for as little as $10,000.

There are several topics with your clients that can lead to a charitable giving conversation. Here are a few of the most common:

• Year-end tax planning.
  
• Preserving an estate.
  
• Retiring in comfort.
  
• Establishing a private foundation.
  
• Giving closely held stock.
  
• Sale of highly appreciated asset.
  
• Sale of a business.
  
• Strategic giving.
  
• Substantial retirement account assets.