As professional advisors, you know that the strongest client relationships are built on trust, shared values, and conversations that go beyond technical planning. A recent study from The Philanthropic Initiative underscores an important truth we see every day: philanthropy is often where those deeper conversations begin. Discussing charitable goals not only helps clients clarify what matters most to them—it also creates a powerful opportunity to strengthen long‑term relationships and engage the next generation around family values and legacy.
By Judy L Redpath, CFP®, CPWA®, AIF®
Charitable planning and giving is a very personal activity for individuals and families. As advisors, we often wait to introduce the topic of philanthropy until our clients have accumulated much of their wealth and we are discussing estate planning strategies and considerations under the rubric of a wealth transfer conversation. Whether we are currently working with multigenerational families or are proposing to be introduced to our clients’ children and grandchildren, family-based philanthropy can serve a much broader purpose. When well structured, charitable planning and giving becomes a powerful tool for ongoing family engagement, education, and aligning values to promote a legacy.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has concluded its discretionary grants cycle for the Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts and Environment Fund, both permanent endowments (often called 'forever funds') managed by the Foundation.
Thanks to the generous support of donors and partners, grants totaling $210,000 will be directed to seventeen regional nonprofits, selected for their work preserving natural spaces, expanding arts access, and engaging residents through creative and environmental programming.
Philanthropy is often included in a client’s financial and estate plan with the best of intentions: clarity, structure, and long-term impact. But as you’ve likely seen in your practice, life rarely stands still—and neither do your clients’ charitable priorities.
You may have worked with clients who feel that once a charitable plan is in place, it should remain fixed. When interests begin to shift though, those clients may hesitate because they may worry that changing direction signals a lack of commitment.
For decades, April 15 has been etched firmly in the minds of both taxpayers and their advisors. As attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, you know that tax season is when many clients start paying closer attention to the rules and how they might have changed since the year before, including rules for charitable deductions.
Especially in light of the tax law changes that took effect in the One Big Beautiful Bill on January 1, now is the time to understand clients’ philanthropic intentions for 2026 if you don’t already. Addressing charitable planning at tax time can help ensure that your clients won’t miss out on important opportunities.
The energy in the room at Refraction was fueled by the momentum of the Shape of Region Conference morning session earlier that day. Advisors from Northwestern Mutual, SEI, United Bank, Atlantic Union Bank, Monument Wealth Management and more* came together, ready to expand their impact - learning how they could further unlock their superpower of making more generosity possible in Northern Virginia. As a bonus, the Insights for Advisors: Philanthropy, Policy, and the Future of Giving session qualified for two CFP continuing education credit hours.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia hosted the annual Shape of the Region Conference on March 24, 2026 at Valo Park in McLean. The Community Foundation welcomed an auditorium full of business leaders, innovators, and changemakers who sought bold ideas and practical solutions to shape Northern Virginia’s future. While we brought a wide range of professional perspectives, we shared one overarching goal—to identify strategies that strengthen our economy, workforce, and quality of life.
By Nikki Macdonald, CFP®
Women are a powerful and growing force in philanthropy. They increasingly direct household giving, control more wealth than previous generations, and often give differently—prioritizing mission alignment, measurable outcomes, and family involvement. At the same time, charitable dollars nationally are becoming more concentrated among mega‑donors, underscoring the importance of thoughtful strategies for donors at every income level. The following is meant to help women of all economic backgrounds translate their values into action while making every dollar, financially and philanthropically, work harder.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is making more possible for our region by awarding $745,000 in grants to 45 local nonprofit organizations, strengthening the services and supports that help Northern Virginia thrive.
Funded through the Foundation’s 2026 Community Investment Funds (CIF) distributions, these grants reflect one of the most direct and impactful ways the Community Foundation responds to the region’s most pressing needs. Each organization received either $15,000 or $30,000, flexible awards designed to bolster essential operations and programming.
Questions?
Questions?
