Attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors—are you searching for the right charitable giving tools for your client? 

Whether you're brainstorming options or navigating a unique client situation, we’re always here to be a sounding board. If philanthropy is on the table, don’t hesitate to give us a call.  

In the meantime, our Cheat Sheet walks you through common client scenarios, like giving to multiple charities, supporting a favorite nonprofit long-term, or maximizing tax benefits from retirement assets—along with some smart corresponding solutions. 

For Supporting Local Causes 

If: Your client doesn’t have a specific charity in mind, but cares about community issues… 

Then: An unrestricted grantmaking fund or a field-of-interest fund at DuPage Foundation is a great way to do just that. Whether it’s an unrestricted fund or one focused on a cause like mental health, food insecurity, or the arts, your client can trust that their giving will go where it’s needed most. With the Foundation’s local knowledge and our Grant Committee’s thoughtful approach, their support will make a meaningful impact every year for generations to come. 

For clients age 70½ or older, they can give up to $108,000 annually directly from IRAs through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to their designated fund. 

For Strategically Supporting Multiple Causes 

If: Your client gives to many different charities every year… 

Then: A donor-advised fund at DuPage Foundation can be an excellent tool to help your clients organize their giving—all in one place. Whether they’re supporting local nonprofits or national organizations, they can give to multiple causes with less hassle. It’s a smart, streamlined way to give. Plus, by donating stock or other appreciated assets, clients often avoid capital gains tax and enjoy simpler tax reporting when April rolls around.   

A donor-advised fund can help clients build charitable resources for today, with flexibility to pivot as their interests change over time. DAFs are also great tools for teaching multi-generational giving within families.  

For Sustained Giving with Minimal Risk 

If: Your client has supported a favorite charity for years, wants that support to continue in the future, and hopes to make sure their gifts are used exactly as intended… 

Then: A designated fund at DuPage Foundation may be a great fit. Clients can make tax-deductible gifts—during their lifetime or through their estate—that go directly to the organization they care about most. We handle the distributions based on their wishes, whether that’s general support or specific programs, making sure every grant is used wisely. Designated funds are a way to permanently endow annual giving. 

For clients age 70½ or older, they can give up to $108,000 annually from IRAs through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to their designated fund. 

For Tax Savings in Estate Plans 

If: Your client wants to include charitable giving in their estate plan and owns an IRA or other qualified retirement account… 

Then: Naming a fund at DuPage Foundation as the beneficiary of a retirement account is a smart, tax-savvy move. This avoids both estate and income taxes on those retirement assets. Instead of a hefty tax bill for heirs, more of your client’s legacy goes directly to the causes they care about most. Your clients can work with DuPage Foundation to build a legacy plan that meets their wishes for community impact. 

DF Is Your Giving Navigator 

The bottom line: If charitable giving comes up in a conversation with your client, then don’t hesitate to reach out! Our team is always ready to help find a solution that aligns with both your client’s tax and estate planning goals, and their desire to support the causes they care about. Even if we don’t have the perfect solution, we can always point you in the right direction. 

For more information, see our professional advisor resources or contact Michael Trench, vice president for advancement , at 630.665.5570 or michael@dupagefoundation.org.