Case Study: A Family Legacy, a Favorite Cause and a Better Planning Conversation

Jun 8, 2026

For many advisors, charitable giving conversations begin with a tax question. But for one financial planner, the opportunity started with a family story.

During a routine planning meeting, long-time clients David and Karen shared a concern: they had supported the same local charity for nearly 30 years, but worried that their giving would end with them.

"We want our kids and grandkids to understand why this organization matters to us," Karen explained. "We don't just want to leave money, we want to leave values."

Their financial planner recognized that this was more than an estate planning issue. It was an opportunity to integrate philanthropy, family legacy and tax planning into a single strategy.

Identifying the Right Charitable Vehicle

Rather than simply recommending increased annual gifts, their financial planner introduced the idea of creating a family endowment fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

The appeal was immediate.

An endowed fund would allow the family to create a permanent charitable resource designed to support their favorite nonprofit organization for generations. The structure also offered flexibility around family involvement and future grantmaking discussions.

Importantly, the Community Foundation brought charitable giving expertise that complemented the advisor's financial planning role. Staff helped the clients think through charitable intent, family participation and fund structure, while the advisor coordinated broader wealth and tax planning considerations.

Integrating Tax-Smart Giving

As the plan evolved, another opportunity emerged: the family’s contribution qualified for the Endow Iowa State Tax Credit.

In addition to potential federal charitable deductions, the state tax credit helped improve the after-tax economics of the gift—making the conversation even more compelling from a planning perspective.

The planner also collaborated with the clients' CPA and estate attorney to ensure the charitable strategy aligned with retirement income, estate goals and legacy intentions.

A Stronger Client Relationship

The outcome went beyond tax savings.

The family established an endowed charitable fund designed to support their preferred nonprofit long-term. More importantly, they created a recurring family conversation around giving. Adult children now participate in annual discussions about community impact and charitable priorities.

For the planner, the process strengthened trust and reinforced their role as a comprehensive advisor—not simply an investment manager.

What Advisors Can Learn

This case illustrates an important point for professional advisors: charitable planning can often uncover deeper client priorities.

Clients who already give annually may be strong candidates for conversations around:

• Family legacy and values
• Multigenerational engagement
• Tax-efficient charitable strategies
• Endowment planning for causes they care about