How to Talk to Clients about Charitable Giving
Janelle J. Chambers, attorney for Chandler & Brown, Ltd., shares tips on how to best support your clients’ philanthropy.
Talking to your clients about charitable giving doesn’t have to be complicated.
According to Janelle J. Chambers, a lawyer at Chandler & Brown, Ltd., it can be as simple as making sure they are aware of their giving options.
Janelle learned the value of making philanthropy part of her practice from mentor and retired estate planner Robert “Bob” Chandler. Bob had a longstanding relationship with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation that spanned four decades. Before stepping down from his shared practice, Chandler & Brown, Ltd., he helped his clients open 100 funds with the Foundation.
Janelle recently sat down with Foundation Gift Planner Lisa Barton to share tips on how attorneys can support clients in incorporating philanthropy into their estate plan.
Watch the Video for Janelle’s Tips
Ask your clients open-ended questions. (0:57 sec)
Listen and allow the time and opportunity for your clients to share. (1:25 min)
Ask your clients about the topics and issues they care about to create a holistic and comprehensive plan. (2:28 min)
Come up with personalized plans specific to your clients and their philanthropic goals. (3:02 min)
Make sure clients are aware that they can include their philanthropy in their estate plan. (3:54 min)
Know how to be a part of your clients’ team and how to coordinate your plans with their other advisors (lawyer, financial advisors, etc.). (4:40 min)
Understand that your clients might not always be aware of their options. (6:01 min)
Make it a normal practice to talk about philanthropy. (6:54 min)
“ It’s been such a blessing to us as a firm to know that when we discuss these options with clients, we’ve got the perfect partner and resource in the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.”
Janelle J. Chambers
How We Support Conversations about Philanthropic Planning
Janelle is a member of our Cornerstone Council, an advisory group which provides a forum for professional advisors to learn more about the Foundation, while helping us learn how to better serve advisors and their clients’ philanthropic planning.
To see how the Foundation has partnered with other advisors, read more of our advisor spotlights.
More Stories
Benefits of Donating a Business or Donating Private Stock
Considering a business transition? Here’s why you should consider making charitable giving part of any business exit plan.
Learn More
Non-cash Assets: Why You Should Talk to Your Clients about Giving Options
Donating a non-cash asset is often more financially beneficial to both your client and the nonprofit they support. The tax benefits can be higher and the non-cash assets are often more valuable.
Find out how
What Is a Community Foundation?
Learn how a community foundation works and can help you achieve your charitable goals in this short video.
Watch the video
How to Make Executive Compensation Part of Your Clients’ Charitable Giving
Learn how stock options, executive pay and other compensation could be part of your clients’ giving plan with our quick reference guide to donating executive compensation.
View the guide
Top 5 Reasons to Partner with a Community Foundation
Here are five unique benefits of working with a community foundation to reach your charitable giving goals.
See the Five Benefits
How to Help Your Clients Choose a Donor Advised Fund Provider
See what five factors to consider when choosing a DAF provider as well as how their services compare.
Learn More
Guide Your Clients’ Strategic Giving in High-income Years
Learn how bunching can be beneficial to achieving your clients’ giving and tax goals.
Learn More
Five Tips to Prepare Your Clients for End-of-year Giving
We’re here to help you and your client meet your year-end goals.
See the tips