Year End Giving

Year End Giving

It is the time of year that our mailboxes and email accounts receive a large number of requests from charities. Part of the motivation, no doubt, is that the clock is ticking with respect to current year tax deductions. Also, many charities receive the bulk of their...
It’s Not That Complicated

It’s Not That Complicated

Russell James, the well-known Texas Tech professor, is fond of saying that gift planning can do two things, lower taxes and trade a gift for income. Of course, there are many ways to accomplish this goal, but basically, gift planning should appeal to those individuals...
May You Live In Interesting Times

May You Live In Interesting Times

Known somewhat erroneously as the Chamberlain Curse, this expression seems to be part of our collective current experience. These are interesting times indeed. I sense that current events have resulted a feeling of a loss of control on many fronts. The current...
Wealth In Families

Wealth In Families

A few decades ago, I met Charles W. Collier. He was the Senior Philanthropic Advisor at Harvard University and somewhat of legend in his own time. He had written a book entitled, Wealth in Families, which is an effective manual on the subject of helping families deal...
Let’s Get On With It

Let’s Get On With It

The current politically charged environment offers plenty of opportunity to become increasing concerned about the future. Martin Luther once said, “Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” I feel that this quote...
A Timely Resource

A Timely Resource

Recent events have many development professionals scratching their heads with regard to asking for needed funds. With all the media attention being given to the reduced economic activity and diminished wealth, not to mention an unprecedented  health crises, it’s no...