The Greater New Orleans Foundation is the community foundation serving the 13-parish region of metropolitan New Orleans.

WE DO OUR WORK BY:

Designing and leading
initiatives to improve the region.

Connecting donors to
community needs.

Identifying and supporting
great nonprofit organizations.

Strengthening civil society.

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Starting the Conversation

Estate and year-end tax planning often lead to a charitable giving conversation, but as an experienced advisor, you can identify clients likely to be interested and watch for common situations well-suited to charitable giving.

Philanthropic and Community Interests

Your client already exhibits a concern for the surrounding community and a desire to use his or her resources for the good of others. Your client volunteers with a local organization or gives regularly to a charity, alma mater, or religious organization.

Family Circumstances and History

Your client is unmarried, has no children, has adult children who are financially independent, or wants to honor a loved one. Or perhaps your client has a family member whose life was deeply impacted by a specific charity or issue.

Particular Financial Circumstances

Your client plans to pass a small business on to the next generation, receives a bonus late in the tax year, or shows concern about assets that are not producing any income. Charitable giving can benefit clients in numerous financial situations.

Good Questions to Ask

The following questions can help you begin a conversation with your client about charitable giving:

  • Are there any organizations that you support through volunteer work or financial giving? Would you like to consider supporting them after your death? Have you considered ways to maximize your giving?
  • Are you interested in creating a personal or family legacy?
  • Have you considered ways that philanthropy can help you to leave more to your family and pass on your values to the next generation?
  • Would you like to learn about how charitable gifts can greatly reduce your estate or income taxes?
  • If you are considering starting a private foundation, have you weighed the pros and cons of establishing a named charitable fund with a community foundation instead?

To learn more about how a partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation can meet your clients’ needs, please contact Alice B. Parkerson, vice president of development, at (504) 598-1291.