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Women's funds are an incredible and unique resource. My clients have really enjoyed the donor education they receive, the access to strong programs, and an experienced staff that is committed to advancing women and girls. They have tackled sex discrimination, abuse, poverty, women's health, and overcoming barriers to women's full participation in the economy and society."
Catherine Chen, CIMA, Piper Jaffray & Co., San Francisco, CA |
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Meet the women's foundation community
Are your clients looking for ways to give back to the community…and get measurable results? Consider referring them to one of over 100 women's foundations around the country.
Top 11 reasons to refer your clients to a women's foundation:
- Addressing social problems at their root. A women's foundation might appeal to a client who wants to strategically solve or prevent social problems rather than simply alleviating them. For instance, a women's foundation can help your client direct money to local programs that train teenage boys in sex violence prevention.
- Choice and objectivity. By directing your client to a women's foundation, you avoid having to recommend a specific nonprofit. The role of the women's foundation is to help your client to identify and target her money to carefully screened, high impact local nonprofits that help women and girls and that meet your client's philanthropic interests.
- Continuity and legacy. Perhaps your client wants to create a lasting legacy in her community - but is uncertain which nonprofits will still exist when she dies. She is unresolved about which charities to include in her will. As a permanent institution, a women's foundation may be the solution. At your client's death, the women's foundation will use her funds to support effective nonprofits that reflect the spirit and intent of her gift. See Ways to Give.
- Tax advantages. By contributing to a US public women's foundation, your client may receive the maximum tax deductions for income, gift and estate tax purposes (50% for cash gifts and 30% for appreciated property).
- Ability to accept complex gifts. Women's foundations are generally able to accept non-cash gifts such as appreciated stock or real estate. Many also offer more sophisticated choices such as donor-advised funds, supporting organizations, or charitable gift annuities. These options augment your toolkit and facilitate your tax-smart planning. They can also simplify your work. For instance, rather than separately gifting stock to ten different charities, your client can gift all of the stock to the women's foundation, who then sells the stock and disburses the proceeds among different nonprofits.
- International reach. If your client is interested in supporting an international cause, such as education for Afghani girls, some of the global funds within the Women's Funding Network provide the full US tax deductions via a US tax-exempt foundation. Find international funds.
- Expertise. The women's foundation is your local expert on the most pressing community needs for women and girls. Your client can impact a wide variety of social issues, including education, safety, hunger, homelessness, environment, economic equity, and equal opportunity in sports. Your client provides the inspired idea; we provide the know-how to make it happen.
- Fun events for women. Women who want to give back to their community often express a desire to meet similar women. Your local women's foundation may offer "giving circles," educational events, money empowerment programs, and other opportunities for your clients to network and learn from other women in the community.
- Volunteer opportunities. Your client may want to offer up her talents - not just her money. A local women's foundation can provide avenues for your client to roll up her sleeves and get involved.
- Anonymity. If your client wishes to give anonymously, a women's foundation can provide the perfect structure.
- Competitive cost. Your client can save both hassle and expense by working with a women's foundation rather than (or in addition to) setting up a private foundation. If your client already has a family foundation, a women's foundation might provide low-cost administrative or charity selection services.
Scenario: Your client, a businesswoman, grew up in a poor neighborhood. She loves to travel. Now, she wants to give back, by helping girls in the U.S. and abroad to obtain an education and escape poverty.
Solution: Your client meets the staff of the local Women's Foundation, who introduces her to local women philanthropists with similar interests. She learns about local nonprofits that are providing leadership and hope for girls in the community. She contributes to the Foundation's Fund to Fight Poverty. She also joins a Giving Circle to support education for girls in Africa. Now, she says, she feels connected and well-informed, and can see the tangible results of her giving.
Ways to Give >
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