Summer/Fall 2025

Dear Advisors,

As fall approaches, we know the next few months will be particularly busy as clients reach out with questions about the new tax law changes and how charitable giving can fit into their broader estate and financial planning strategies.

With that in mind, we're sharing several articles that will keep you informed of key developments impacting charitable planning, as well as creative solutions you can present to your clients. Here's what we're covering in this issue:

• The most important points you need to know about charitable planning under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

• How tapping into your clients' philanthropic interests can motivate them to start addressing year-end tax planning items now.

• A quick refresher on the benefits of giving through an IRA, particularly in light of the charitable deduction changes starting in 2026.

• How transferring an existing donor-advised fund to the community foundation can unlock an array of benefits for your clients, including personalized services that maximize their charitable impact.

Certainly, 2025 is shaping up to be an important year for helping your clients plan their charitable gifts. As you begin to consider year-end planning, please reach out to explore ways to leverage the 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

Before your next client meeting, make sure you review your client’s charitable goals and evaluate those objectives against the recent changes in charitable tax laws. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates both challenges and opportunities, so we're providing a summary of how the new laws may impact your philanthropic clients.

As the year begins to wind down, consider tapping into your clients' philanthropic interests to motivate them to start addressing year-end planning items now, rather than waiting until December. The conversation will naturally evolve to include not only charitable giving topics, but also other important tax planning items that need attention. 

IRAs are tax-savvy vehicles for many reasons, including the role they can play in charitable giving. This is especially true under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, because they allow your clients to bypass the new floor and ceiling that will apply to itemized charitable deductions starting in 2026. Get answers to five common questions about giving with an IRA.

It’s easier than you might think to transfer a donor-advised fund from a national financial institution to Akron Community Foundation — which offers all the same tax advantages plus the unmatched benefits of local connection. This step-by-step overview walks you through the transfer process and how the community foundation can help.

Honoring

David & Cheryl Venarge

2025 Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award Dinner

Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Akron Fairlawn

Fundholder Spotlight: Kleckner Family Fund

David Kleckner and his wife, Joanna, knew they wanted to be more intentional with their philanthropy. After some discussion, they planned an intergenerational meeting with Karen Hrdlicka, director of The Center for Family Philanthropy at Akron Community Foundation, to talk about interests and values that could be reflected in their family's philanthropy. Based on those results, Karen brought the family on site visits to learn more about nonprofits that fit their shared interests.

Morningstar

5 Key Tax Changes Advisors Need to Know in 2025

InvestmentNews

Passing On More Than Wealth: Why Purpose Should Be Part of Every Estate Plan

Rethinking65

Beyond the Bottom Line: Helping Our Clients Do Good

WealthManagement.com

Tap Into Your Clients’ Interest in Charitable Planning

InsuranceNewsNet

Charitable Giving: Cash ‘Bad;’ Everything Else ‘Good’

Kiplinger

Five Ways to Adapt Your Charitable Giving Strategy in a Changing World

ACF Selects John F. Garofalo as New President & CEO

In June, John F. Garofalo was named Akron Community Foundation's new President & CEO. John brings nearly four decades of philanthropic leadership to the role, including the past 14 years at Akron Community Foundation, where he served as vice president of community investment. In this role, John oversaw the distribution of more than $125 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives across Greater Akron and beyond. Read more.

ACF Welcomes New Class of Emerging Philanthropists

Akron Community Foundation recently announced the fourth class of the Institute for Emerging Philanthropists, a comprehensive training program that teaches innovative, evidence-based methods of practicing strategic philanthropy. This year's class members include two local financial advisors: Gina Betti of Edward Jones and Jessica Korzhiletskiy of Marsh. Participants will identify their philanthropic goals and develop plans for a lifelong commitment to improving our community. Learn more.

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

Many people consider succession planning as it relates to their business or nonprofit. However, it's equally important when considering the legacy your clients want to leave through philanthropy — including being intentional about what happens to their donor-advised fund after their lifetime. In partnership with you as their trusted advisor, our team can help your clients document their charitable wishes, including how they envision their fund making a difference, whether that means supporting specific nonprofits, broad issue areas, or urgent community needs. By capturing their intentions in writing and then carrying out those wishes, the community foundation acts as a steward to safeguard your clients' philanthropic goals and ensure the causes they care about continue to receive support for years to come.

Meet Our Professional Advisor Council

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