Starting the Charitable Giving Conversation

As a professional advisor, you can help your clients realize their charitable objectives by listening for giving opportunities, explaining options and suggesting possible solutions.

Your greatest opportunities to help your clients with their charitable giving typically occur when they are:

• Making estate plans
• Writing or revising a will
• Planning for retirement
• Selling a business or real estate
• Deciding what to do with an inheritance or other windfall.

Here are some questions that can help you work with clients who may be candidates for charitable giving:

• Have you thought about what kind of personal legacy you want to leave?
• Do you currently volunteer at or donate to any charitable organizations?
• Is there a charitable organization that has made a difference in your life or that of a family member?
• Are you interested in supporting such organizations after your death?
• How do you feel about having the opportunity to help students attend college?

Click here for examples of client situations and charitable solutions.