Ranch house with mountains on background in Montana, USA

Leveraging Complex Assets for Good with Donor-Advised Funds

Sarah NavranIndividual & Family Giving, Professional Advisors

Often when we consider charitable giving, we first think of giving cash or stock. Yet, for many philanthropists, the bulk of their wealth lies in other types of assets, like investments in real estate or private businesses. Sometimes, grassroots or smaller charities aren’t equipped to receive gifts of appreciated assets. This is where donor-advised funds can shine, allowing philanthropists to …

Rear view of a couple sitting together on a swing and looking at the scenic view from the balcony of their vacation rental

For Attorneys: Establishing a Philanthropic Legacy through Donor-Advised Funds

Sarah NavranProfessional Advisors

Estate planning attorneys have a number of resources available to help clients achieve their charitable goals after they’ve passed. Among the tools available, a donor-advised fund with a documented grantmaking plan is an excellent option for clients to forge a lasting legacy of generosity that extends to future generations. We can help your clients extend their charitable goals beyond their …

Young adult couple talks mid adult female advisor and reaches out to shake hands with the wife.

Financial Advisors: Donor-Advised Funds for Charitable Clients

Sarah NavranProfessional Advisors

From major life transitions to the small moments in between, financial advisors can be there for every step along the way. Many clients lean on financial advisors to seek guidance in growing their wealth for personal life experiences, but also to use it to better the world around them. Among the different types of charitable investment accounts available, donor-advised funds …

Insights from the 2024 National Study on Donor-Advised Funds

Sarah NavranIndividual & Family Giving

While donor-advised funds have been around since the 1930s, they have recently become the fastest-growing charitable vehicle in the United States, and the Donor Advised Fund Research Collaborative (DAFRC) is at the forefront of leading efforts to study them. The DAFRC aims to help improve best practices and broaden the understanding of how donor-advised funds work in the charitable giving landscape. The …

Rearview shot of a senior couple going for a walk in the park

How You Can Give with Your IRA: Qualified Charitable Distributions

Sarah NavranIndividual & Family Giving

If you’re stepping into retirement, you might be asking yourself, “What’s next?” Many donors we meet at the Community Foundation already have their answer. They’re pivoting from their working years to their giving years. Some might establish a donor-advised fund. Others dedicate more time to volunteering. Those who are at least 70 ½ years old have another option, as they may …

Top view goals list with notebook on the wooden desk.

Embracing Authentic and Intentional Giving in 2024

Sarah NavranIndividual & Family Giving

Late in 2023, Merriam-Webster announced that their word of the year was “authentic.” According to Merriam-Webster, the term had an increase in searches “driven by stories and conversations about AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.” Perhaps people were inspired to become more authentic because of the significant events and cultural moments that shaped 2023. While we can’t know what …

Ready, Set, Give: Getting Started with Your Donor-Advised Fund

Sarah NavranIndividual & Family Giving

If you have recently opened a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation or are eager to learn more about the opportunities that come with your fund, this blog post is for you! By opening a donor-advised fund, you have unlocked a world of possibilities and advantages that will amplify your philanthropic impact. We like to break down the donor-advised fund process into three simple …

Spark Conversations About Generosity This Giving Season

Sarah NavranIndividual & Family Giving

December is often filled with feelings of hope, gratitude and kindness to others. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the role everyone can play in making the world a better place. For us at the Community Foundation, December also means “The Giving Season” is in full swing, which is a time when we help many philanthropists set up new …

Family dancing and celebrating New Year's Eve outdoors. Confetti in focus.

Planning for 2023 Year-End Giving

peterson@growyourgiving.orgCommunity Foundation News

It’s giving season! As we approach the end of the year, our team at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation is all-in to help philanthropists establish new charitable funds, contribute to their funds and process year-end grants to nonprofits. Here are our tips for giving this year-end. Opening a New Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation We’re here to help …

Family hiking on dirt road in Tuscany

Family Ties, Giving Back & Making a Difference

Sarah NavranIndividual & Family Giving

There’s something special about sharing experiences with your family, whether it’s the one you were born into or the one you’ve chosen. The joy of these shared moments creates meaningful bonds and unforgettable memories. In addition to annual vacations or life milestones, consider adding family philanthropy to the list of experiences. Giving as a family unites multiple generations through a …