Advisor Solutions - Fall 2026 | | |
Hello from the CFMC team!
As year-end advising and tax planning come into focus, clients may be taking a closer look at the assets they own and the charitable goals they hope to accomplish.
We’re honored to be your first call when charitable planning opportunities arise. We’re here to share ideas, help you start deeper conversations about charitable giving, think through less familiar assets your clients may hold and keep you current on strategies and topics we’re hearing about from advisors and charitable planning professionals.
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In this issue, we’re sharing:
Thank you for your continued partnership!
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The Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) is pleased to announce Gina Dalma as its next President/CEO, beginning her role on November 9, 2026.
Dalma brings more than 20 years of experience in strategic philanthropy, public policy and donor development. Most recently, she served as Chief Development Officer for the Global Fund for a New Economy and previously spent nearly 16 years at Silicon Valley Community Foundation, most recently as Executive Vice President of Community Action, Policy and Strategy.
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“At their very best, community foundations are the heartbeat of our shared humanity—the places where people bring their finest assets, passions and purpose together to build something greater than themselves. Monterey County exemplifies this spirit,” said Dalma. “I am so honored to work with our team, our board, community leaders and donors to continue to realize the vision of the CFMC.”
Read more.
| | Thank you to those who attended or referred clients to our recent Women, Wealth & Impact: Financial Planning and the Power of Charitable Giving event with panelists Julie Roth CFP, CIMA, Jennifer L. Walker Esq. and Gina Cochetti, CPA. We were inspired by thoughtful questions and discussions about the different life stages and transitions and the role charitable giving and legacy planning plays throughout. If you missed it, you can watch or share the recording with your clients here: | | Beyond a QCD: How to maximize impact with retirement assets | | |
For clients 70 1/2 or older, a gift from an IRA account to the CFMC can have a multiplying benefit. Gifts made from an IRA (up to $111,000 per year in 2026) are not taxable income. If they are married, a spouse can also make a gift of up to $111,000 from their IRA, for a total of $222,000. If your client is 73 or older in the year of the distribution, the gift qualifies towards the Required Minimum Distribution. At CFMC there are many options to benefit both your clients and their favorite causes with an IRA. Your clients can:
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Contribute to the CFMC existing funds such as scholarship, field of interest or agency funds or support general grantmaking of the Foundation through the Fund for Monterey County.
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Make a gift to the CFMC to benefit one or more nonprofits anytime AND/OR direct it to Monterey County Gives! during the campaign to receive a partial match.
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Consider a lifetime gift: Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust with a QCD:
- Receive income for life or term of years
- Can include a spouse as a recipient of the annuity payment.
- There is no income tax deduction for this contribution, although there is no tax on the QCD either.
- Can exercise this option only once during the client’s lifetime.
- There is an aggregate limit of $55,000 for 2026.
- The entire payment your clients receive from the CGA or CRT will be subject to income tax.
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Create a Fund at the CFMC: Scholarship, Designated, Field of Interest (note: the IRA QCD cannot be used to establish or contribute to a Donor Advised Fund).
- Beneficiary Designations: An IRA can be a powerful legacy gift. Because IRAs can be complex assets for heirs to inherit, naming charity as a beneficiary can be an effective way to support causes your clients care about while potentially reducing the tax burden on their estate.
| | National Estate Planning Week, October 19-25 | | |
National Estate Planning Week, is a natural opportunity for advisors to encourage clients to revisit their estate plans—and consider how charitable giving can be part of the conversation.
For many clients, estate planning is about more than transferring assets. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what matters most and create a lasting legacy. A charitable bequest, donor advised fund, Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA), or Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) can be incorporated into an overall plan to support the causes and communities a client cares about.
For clients planning a future gift, a Memorandum of Charitable Intent (MOCI) provides a simple, flexible way to document charitable wishes upon their passing. Clients can explore different options and make changes as their plans evolve.
The Community Foundation for Monterey County can be a resource throughout the planning process. Our team can help clients explore their charitable goals and consider strategies that align with their assets, income needs, family, and long-term intentions.
Charitable planning doesn’t have to be a separate conversation. It can be an important part of the estate planning process—and we’re here to help.
| | Looking Ahead: Upcoming CFMC Events and Initiatives | | | | Monterey County Gives! is a year-end giving campaign that brings together local donors, nonprofits and community partners to strengthen Monterey County. Donations support over 200 nonprofits serving Monterey County annually in diverse focus areas such as arts & culture, community & social service and environment & sustainability. Each nonprofit receives 100% of donations plus a pro rata match, thanks to local donors and matching fund sponsors. | | |
Since its launch in 2009, MC Gives! has raised more than $99 million for local nonprofits—turning individual generosity into collective impact for the community.
The campaign runs November 12-December 31 and accepts many different types of payments, including IRA QCDs, appreciated securities, donor advised fund grants and many more. Learn more.
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Year-End Deadlines:
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IRA QCDs should be sent to the CFMC no later than December 4 as they must clear the donor’s custodial account by Thursday, December 31, 2026.
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New Donor Advised Funds can be established by Thursday, December 31, 2026.
- Gifts of stocks must be received in CFMC accounts by Thursday, December 31, 2026.
- Real estate and partnerships assets must have title transferred or assigned on or before Thursday, December 31, 2026. (County recorder’s office will close at 12 noon with their last recording at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2026)
- Gifts sent to the CFMC must be postmarked no later than December 31.
- Credit card gifts must be made before 12 midnight Thursday, December 31.
| | The team at CFMC is pleased to be a resource and sounding board. We understand the charitable side of the equation and are happy to help you find the best solutions to meet your clients’ needs. Please contact us if we can be of assistance. | | |
This useful guide covers many ways donors can give during their lifetime or through their estate including:
| | | This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only.
It is not intended as legal, accounting or financial planning advice. | | To inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening communities throughout Monterey County | | | | |
