Talking
with Clients

Practical Guidance for Meaningful Conversations

Conversations about charitable giving often intersect with values, family priorities, tax planning, and long-term goals. La Crosse Area Community Foundation supports professional advisors by helping make these discussions clearer, more efficient, and easier to integrate into broader client conversations.

Whether philanthropy is central to a client’s plan or just beginning to emerge, we provide local insight and practical support to help you navigate the conversation with confidence.

When Charitable Giving Comes Up

Charitable planning often aligns with moments already central to your client work, such as:

  • Estate and legacy planning
  • Retirement and beneficiary reviews
  • Business transitions or liquidity events
  • Year-end tax planning
  • Family wealth and succession conversations

We help you translate charitable intent into solutions that fit naturally within a client’s overall financial plan.

Language That Helps Open the Door

Some clients hesitate to raise charitable goals themselves. Simple, open-ended prompts can help open the conversation:

  • “Are there causes or organizations that matter to you or your family?”
  • “Have you thought about how charitable giving fits into your long-term plans?”
  • “Would you like to explore ways to give that provide both community impact and tax benefits?”

Our team can help you refine language and explain options in clear, accessible terms without adding complexity to your role.

How LACF Supports Advisor–Client Conversations

We work alongside accountants, attorneys, and financial advisors to:

  • Explain charitable giving options clearly and accurately
  • Help clients compare tools such as donor-advised funds, designated funds, and planned gifts
  • Provide local nonprofit insight and community context
  • Join client meetings when helpful, in person or virtually
  • Prepare supporting materials to streamline discussions

You remain your client’s primary advisor. We complement your work with philanthropic expertise and local knowledge.

Why Use a Community Foundation as a Resource

As a community foundation, LACF offers:

  • Long-term stewardship of charitable assets
  • Flexible giving structures that evolve with client needs
  • Local insight into nonprofit effectiveness and community priorities
  • A neutral, trusted partner focused on charitable outcomes

This allows you to introduce philanthropy with confidence and clarity, knowing your clients have access to experienced guidance and responsible administration.

A Simple Next Step

If a client expresses interest in charitable giving or if you’d like support preparing for a conversation, we’re here as a resource. Reach out anytime to examine options, request materials, or discuss whether a joint meeting would be helpful. You may also find our Advisor Resources helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is it helpful to involve La Crosse Area Community Foundation in a client conversation?
Do you work directly with clients, or only through advisors?
Will LACF replace my role in charitable planning?
What types of charitable tools does LACF help explain?
How do you help simplify charitable conversations?
Can LACF help when a client isn’t sure what causes they want to support yet?
What makes a community foundation a useful resource for advisors?
How do I start a conversation with LACF?

Related Resources

For Accountants

Resources for accountants supporting charitable giving.

Learn More

For Attorneys

Support for attorneys advising clients on charitable giving, estate planning, and legacy goals.

Learn More

For Financial Advisors

Support for financial advisors navigating charitable giving, legacy planning, and client goals.

Learn More

Advisor
Resources

Charitable giving resources for professional advisors, including guides, tools, and downloadable materials.

Learn More