Philanthropy: A Calming Force

As is so often the case during periods of volatility, philanthropy can be a calming force. In that regard, the team at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry is particularly interested in the latest research on the importance of meaningful relationships between advisors and their clients, and we strive to help you create those strong bonds of loyalty.

In particular, we're struck by the results of a study recently published in the Journal of Financial Planning, which illuminated the disconnect between how advisors perceive their effectiveness versus how their clients actually rate it. Related to charitable giving, for example, 68% of financial planners said they made an effort to gather information about their clients’ cultural values, but only 41% of clients agreed.

Philanthropy, and partnering with the Community Foundation, can help you close that gap. Charitable giving is a natural and easy way to start a conversation with clients about their values and what’s important to them in their estate plans and financial plans beyond just dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.

With that in mind, we’re focusing this issue on topics that may help you start even more meaningful conversations with clients as we navigate the rollercoaster of 2022’s first quarter.