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Professional Advisor Referrals are Responsible for Remarkable Charitable Giving

Let’s Cheer our Professional Advisors.

Northern Nevada in particular and Nevada, in general, is known for having some of the best professional advisors in the world. The tax laws and other attributes of our State lend to working with people throughout the country. Today I share three examples of how professional advisors contribute to our community in ways that might go unnoticed. Two years ago, a philanthropic and exceptionally private individual wanted to step up his giving. This was at the time of the sale of his company, so there were one-time opportunities for tax planning, and this individual wants to keep his sudden increase in wealth private. That can be done, but it is harder when you start giving away seven-figure gifts. The investment advisor suggested the Community Foundation, and a charitable fund was established. Since that time many grants have been given, and the donor’s identity has been kept so secret that in some cases, the charities receiving support don’t even know it is coming from the Community Foundation. The donor is well pleased, and so is his investment advisor! Ten years ago, an individual was working with an attorney to set up an endowment to benefit animals. The donor had specific objectives for the grants made from the endowment, and the attorney brought in the Community Foundation to help craft a plan that would later be funded. About six years ago the donor passed away, and the endowment was established. The income has been used exactly as the donor intended and the attorney has been kept appraised as well, so he can see just how carefully the Community Foundation fulfills his client’s wishes. Recently a donor made a bequest to the Community Foundation that was kept private until we received it through the estate.  They say the highest level of giving is to make a gift to someone you don’t know, for any need they may have, and to do so anonymously. This was the type of gift we received. As a result, needs in our community as yet unspecified will be supported in perpetuity through the Community Endowment. A gift like this reflects the trust that the Community Foundation has endeavored to build since our inception twenty years ago. We are most grateful to the donor for this gift, and to his attorney for connecting him with the Community Foundation. There are about 60 professional advisors in our region who make referrals to the Foundation who are members of our Professional Advisors Council. Without the trust and referrals from community-minded professionals, the Community Foundation would not be able to fulfill our mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter. Please join with me in applauding their work on behalf of future generations of Nevadans. Chris Askin, President, and CEO 775-333-5499 Connecting people who care with causes that matt