Impact Stories

For many high-net-worth individuals and families, real estate represents one of their most significant and appreciated assets. Yet when charitable planning conversations occur, clients often focus on cash gifts, stock transfers, or bequests, overlooking the philanthropic potential of real estate. Professional advisors are uniquely positioned to help clients explore how donating real estate to the Community Foundation can achieve both charitable and financial objectives while creating a lasting local impact.

For estate planning attorneys and advisors who spend a lot of time encouraging clients to establish revocable living trusts to avoid probate, it may seem counterintuitive to leverage what’s known as “Make-A-Will Month.” Widely recognized in August, "Make-A-Will Month" encourages people to review—or, in some cases, finally get around to completing—their estate plans.

The newly released Giving USA 2026: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2025 offers encouraging news for the charitable sector. Total charitable giving in the United States reached a record $617.2 billion in 2025, surpassing the $600 billion mark for the first time. Giving increased by 5.7% in current dollars and 3.0% after adjusting for inflation, demonstrating the continued resilience of American philanthropy despite economic uncertainty and shifting market conditions.  

You’re likely well aware that regularly talking with your clients about charitable giving can strengthen your relationships. That’s not surprising, considering that the topic of philanthropy itself helps uncover values, build trust, and position you as not just an advisor but as a holistic partner. Indeed, recent research shows that 99% of advisors believe these conversations are important and 96% see them as their responsibility, highlighting both the expectation and the opportunity for advisors to engage more deeply.

At the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, we work with business leaders and owners to structure charitable giving plans that support both corporate goals and community impact. Whether your corporate clients give directly to local nonprofits or organize philanthropy through a fund at the Community Foundation, thoughtful planning has always mattered. In 2026, it matters even more.

By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA

Charitable giving doesn’t have to be tied to a deadline or a particular season. In fact, some of the most meaningful and effective philanthropic decisions happen when donors take a step back to look at the bigger picture: your values, your assets, and the impact you want to make over time. This is especially true in light of recent tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill, which updated several rules related to charitable giving and philanthropy. 

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.

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.  

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.

Effective December 24, 2025, the U.S. Postal Service has changed how it defines the official postmark date, which could impact the timing of when checks mailed to nonprofits “count” for IRS charitable deduction purposes. All of this adds up to an important opportunity to remind clients about the benefits of giving to their favorite charities in ways other than writing a check. 

These tips from Merrill can help you pursue your goals and make the most of your financial plan.

You are doing all the right things, contributing to a 401(k), saving for your kids’ college, using debt strategically and more. But have you pulled all those pieces together into a real financial plan? One that considers unexpected life events, taxes, inflation and changing market conditions? One that projects the likelihood that you will reach your goals and suggests adjustments to help you overcome hurdles along the way?

Donor-advised funds (DAFs) have become one of the most popular tools for managing charitable giving. Yet many clients—and even some advisors—don’t realize they can access a more personal, connected version of this tool through their local Community Foundation.

Featured in the Community Foundation's Webinar, Navigating the New Landscape: What the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" Means for Philanthropy and Planning

As the dust settles on the latest tax legislation, financial advisors and donors alike are beginning to unpack its implications. Devin Johnson, CPA, CFP^® a seasoned tax strategist, recently shed light on how the bill reshapes charitable giving and tax planning for millions of Americans.

Against a backdrop of ongoing economic and legislative shifts, you’ll want to tap every tool at your disposal to advise your philanthropic clients. Indeed, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is motivating many attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors to zero in on charitable planning techniques that can deliver tax benefits and achieve the community impact that’s so important to their clients. 

August is National Make-A-Will Month, which means it’s the perfect time to review estate plans with your clients. As you meet with your clients to update wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations, remember that the team at the Community Foundation is here to help ensure that your client’s philanthropic intentions are well-documented and structured in the most effective ways, both from a tax perspective and through the lens of community impact.