Summer 2026

As summer winds down, many attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors are already looking ahead to year-end planning. That’s a smart move, especially when it comes to charitable giving. With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act continuing to influence tax planning decisions, now is an ideal time to review key strategies with your clients and identify opportunities to maximize both their impact and their tax benefits.

In this issue, we're keeping you up to date on important policy developments that affect Qualified Charitable Distributions and year-end giving. We're also sharing tips and case studies that will help you better serve business owners and clients across the wealth spectrum.

Please don't hesitate to take advantage of Akron Community Foundation’s resources and expertise. We're always available to answer your questions about philanthropy or to schedule a personal consultation with you and your clients – all at no cost.

Warm regards,

Laura Lederer

Vice President and Chief Development Officer

Akron Community Foundation

330-436-5611

llederer@akroncf.org

Congress is continuing to consider bipartisan proposals that would expand Qualified Charitable Distributions to employer-sponsored retirement plans and, potentially, donor-advised funds. Learn how these developments could create new charitable planning opportunities for your clients and get tips for using QCDs under the current law.

The end of summer is a good time to revisit charitable giving strategies that could help clients achieve their 2026 planning objectives. Learn why early planning with the community foundation can help clients maximize tax benefits through bunching and other strategies, while providing consistent support to the charities they care about.

Recent legislation has added new layers of complexity to charitable planning. While ultra-high-net-worth individuals continue to focus on long-term legacy and wealth transfer strategies, younger clients may be exploring charitable giving for the first time, driven by new tax incentives. We can help you tailor your approach to support clients across this broad spectrum.

A business sale is never just a financial transaction; it's a turning point for family identity, community presence and long-term legacy. This case study illustrates how intentional philanthropy can transform a liquidity event into a unifying strategy that preserves both values and relationships for the next generation.

Honoring Laura Bailey Culp

2026 Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award Dinner

Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026

DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn

Nonprofit Spotlight: RePlay for Kids

RePlay for Kids ensures that children with disabilities can enjoy the act of playing with toys, just like their peers. Funding from Akron Community Foundation, through our Community Fund and the Millennium Fund for Children, has helped RePlay for Kids host toy-adapting workshops at local schools, where STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students adapt toys for children in Summit County.

Fund Spotlight: Jonathan Donald Kuhns Memorial Fund

Akron Community Foundation fundholder Louise Kuhns Harvey was seeking a meaningful way to honor her son Jonathan's legacy and passion for photography. The community foundation connected Louise with the Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, and together, they developed the inaugural Fine Art Photography Exhibition, a juried showcase designed to celebrate the artistry, skill and diverse perspectives of contemporary photographers.

IRS Tax Tips 

Keep an Eye Out for Common Charitable Contributions Scams



InvestmentNews

 Purpose-Driven Wealth Starts With Asking the Right 'Why'

Financial Advisor Magazine

Tax Planning for Clients With No Children: What Advisors May Be Missing

WealthManagement.com 

Philanthropy is Central to Advisor-Client Relationships

Rethinking65

Fear Leads to Lost Opportunities for Charitable Giving

ThinkAdvisor

4 Ways Advisors Help Clients Manage RMDs



Advisor Perspectives 

When Clients Ask About Their Tax Bill, the Answer Might Be Philanthropy

Laura Lederer Named NOCGP Mentor of the Year

Congratulations to Laura Lederer, ACF's vice president and chief development officer, for being selected to receive the 2026 James P. Conway Mentor of the Year Award by the Northern Ohio Charitable Gift Planners. The award celebrates an outstanding individual whose dedication to advancing the charitable gift planning profession has empowered others to achieve their philanthropic goals. Laura will be honored Sept. 17 at NOCGP’s Planned Giving Day. Learn more.

Professional Advisor Council Hosts Summer Soiree

In July, members of our Professional Advisor Council gathered at the Akron Zoo for a summer networking and educational event. Panelists from Akron Public Schools, Summit Metro Parks, the Akron-Summit County Public Library, and the Akron Zoo shared how they are navigating the challenges and opportunities of the current funding environment. For information about our Professional Advisor Council and ways to get involved, please contact Laura Lederer.

For more charitable giving news and resources you can share with your clients

Clients are increasingly turning to their trusted advisors not only for technical expertise, but also for guidance on how charitable giving aligns with their broader financial goals. A new report released by the DAF Research Collaborative shows:

➤ 75% of financial advisors report engaging clients in moderate to substantial discussions about charitable giving, most frequently during estate planning and annual review meetings.

➤ Donor-advised funds are the second-most recommended giving approach after direct giving, with 21% of financial advisors recommending them about half the time and another 35% recommending them frequently. Financial advisors who primarily serve ultra-high-net-worth clients are substantially more likely to frequently recommend donor-advised funds (61%).

➤ Tax benefits are the primary motivator for recommending donor-advised funds, with 83% of advisors rating them as very or extremely important. Other common reasons include flexibility in giving and charitable estate planning objectives.

Meet Our Professional Advisor Council

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