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.
Professionals gathered around the tables to recharge with lunch and networking, ready for a great conversation. Speakers, Sara Barba, Managing Partner at Integer LLC, and Jeff Hamond, Vice President at Van Scoyoc Associates, sat down with President and CEO, Renée Byng Yancey, of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to steer the dialogue.
Sara discussed national trends in charitable giving, the role of tax policy in shaping donor behavior, and the broader forces influencing philanthropy today. Jeff outlined key federal proposals and policy developments affecting charitable giving, donor‑advised funds, and community foundations, and what these changes may mean for advisors and their clients. Their joint discussion helped advisors understand what is changing, why it’s happening, and what it means for their clients.
Key takeaways from the conversation included:
- The unique power of community foundations to effectively support smaller Donor-Advised Funds
- Although regulations and tax policies are shifting rapidly, generosity cannot wait. Organizations—particularly those delivering essential, on‑the‑ground support in our communities—need sustained investment now more than ever.
- While other national firms focus on dollars, community foundations like CFNOVA prioritize donors.
Before we knew it, the session was drawing to a close. As we opened the floor for final questions, one attendee raised their hand and asked, “What can we do?”
Our speaker’s response was simple but powerful: Keep talking about the importance of charitable giving at your client meetings and among your peers. Everyone in the room was there because these issues matter deeply to them—but for every professional present, there are many more who aren’t yet part of the conversation and who need to understand these challenges.
“Thanks again for organizing today’s excellent meetings. Both were worth the time and focus.” – Attendee, in reference to Shape of the Region Conference 2026 and Insights for Advisors Luncheon.
The Community Foundation team is grateful to our speakers, Refraction, and all advisors in attendance. If you would like to learn how you and your clients can make a difference, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or join our Professional Advisor Mailing List.
Thank you to our luncheon sponsor, McCandlish Lillard!
Guest List:
- Ameriprise Advisors
- Atlantic Union Bank Wealth Management
- Integer LLC
- IPO Pang Shenjun Law Firm
- John Marshall Bank
- MAI Capital Management
- McCandlish Lillard
- Modera Wealth
- Morgan Stanley
- Northwestern Mutual
- PNC
- Princeton Global
- Robin Mockenhaupt Consulting, LLC
- SEI
- Spire Investment Partners
- United Bank
- Van Scoyoc Associates
- VISTA Wealth Strategies LLC
Questions?
Questions?
