For
Accountants

Q: When should I involve LACF in a client conversation?

LACF can be helpful when clients are exploring charitable giving, evaluating tax-efficient options, or planning long-term philanthropic strategies.

Q: Do you provide tax advice?

No. Tax advice remains with the accountant. Our role is to explain charitable structures, administrative considerations, and philanthropic options.

Q: Will LACF work directly with my client?

Yes, when requested. We can also support you behind the scenes with information and materials.

Q: What types of charitable vehicles does LACF support?

We support donor-advised funds, designated funds, field-of-interest funds, scholarship funds, planned gifts, and unrestricted gifts to support urgent community needs and other charitable tools.

Q: How do I get started?

Simply reach out. There’s no formal referral process required to begin a conversation.

As a community foundation, LACF provides charitable giving support that complements professional advisory work.

A Practical Resource for Charitable Giving

Charitable giving often intersects with tax planning, year-end strategies, and long-term client goals. La Crosse Area Community Foundation works with accountants to simplify charitable planning, provide clear explanations of giving options, and help clients align generosity with sound financial decisions.

Our role is to support your work, not replace it, by offering philanthropic expertise, administrative infrastructure, and local insight that make charitable discussions more efficient and easier to manage.

Where We Add Value for Accountants

We partner with accountants to help clients:

Understand charitable giving options and tax implications
Evaluate donor-advised funds, designated funds, and planned gifts
Navigate timing considerations around deductions and distributions
Connect charitable intent to long-term planning goals
Avoid unnecessary complexity or administrative burden

Support That Fits Your Workflow

Accountants work with us in a variety of ways:

Requesting clarification or background information
Referring clients for charitable discussions
Participating in joint client meetings, when helpful
Accessing clear, plain-language materials to share with clients

We adapt to your preferred approach and respect existing client relationships and workflows.

Why Accountants Use a Community Foundation

As a community foundation, LACF offers:

Flexible charitable structures that can evolve over time
Long-term stewardship and consistent administration
Transparent reporting and responsible fund management
Local knowledge of nonprofit needs and impact

This allows you to incorporate philanthropy into client planning without adding unnecessary complexity or administrative burden.

A Simple Next Step

If a client has questions about charitable giving or you’d like a resource to support a conversation, we’re here. Reach out anytime to discuss options, request materials, or explore whether a joint meeting would be helpful. You may also find our Talking With Clients and Advisor Resources pages helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions for Accountants

When should I involve LACF in a client conversation?

Do you provide tax advice?

Will LACF work directly with my client?

What types of charitable vehicles does LACF support?

How do I get started?

This guidance is part of our broader support for professional advisors.
Visit Work With Us to see how LACF partners with advisors across disciplines.

Related Resources

Talking With Clients

Guidance for professional advisors on discussing charitable giving with clients.

Learn More

Advisor Resources

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