Partnering for Impact in 2025 and Beyond
As 2025 continues to deliver unexpected twists and changes, staying ahead of the evolving landscape is essential for professional advisors committed to serving their clients’ best interests. Now more than ever, meaningful conversations about philanthropy are vital. Charitable giving is not just a gesture of generosity; it is a strategic tool that can provide significant tax benefits, strengthen community ties, and help clients realize their legacy aspirations—regardless of economic fluctuations.
In times of uncertainty, a well-crafted philanthropic approach can offer stability and purpose, reinforcing a client’s values and fostering a legacy of positive impact. Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) is dedicated to being your trusted partner in this journey. We bring innovative charitable gift planning strategies, local knowledge, and personalized support to help you guide your clients confidently through a challenging and changing environment.
By collaborating with us, you gain a dedicated partner committed to helping your clients maximize their charitable potential—turning challenges into opportunities for meaningful, lasting change.
Your Clients Still Want to Give—and Will Continue to Do So
While economic downturns may prompt some fluctuations in overall giving, your charitably inclined clients often demonstrate resilience and steadfastness. Historically, giving tends to rebound quickly with economic recovery, and donor advised funds (DAFs) are a prime example of this resilience. During periods of financial instability, DAFs have shown consistent growth, serving as flexible, reliable vehicles for charitable contributions. This stability is crucial because, during economic uncertainty, community needs often intensify—nonprofits face increased demand for their services, and your clients’ generosity becomes even more impactful.
Partnering with the Foundation allows your clients to see the immediate impact of their philanthropic dollars and provides opportunities for them to engage more deeply through our specialized donor programming. These programs are designed for donors who wish to explore the full scope of their giving, offering insights into how their contributions support vital community services and address pressing needs. By participating in these initiatives, your clients can deepen their understanding of community challenges and enhance their sense of connection and fulfillment. This level of engagement helps them maintain momentum in their giving, confident that their generosity is creating meaningful change where it matters most.
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Navigating Evolving Legislation—Your Strategic Advantage
The legislative landscape surrounding charitable giving is actively evolving, with key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the end of 2025. This potential shift could significantly influence your clients’ tax planning strategies. Recent legislative proposals, such as the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025, aim to eliminate federal estate and GST taxes, which could reshape estate planning frameworks.
Amid these changes, consider the Foundation an extension of your firm and your strategic philanthropic partner in navigating this space. For example, under newly proposed legislation, clients over age 70½ might be able to make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) directly to donor advised funds, expanding their charitable giving options. Currently, QCDs are not allowed to go to DAFs, limiting the charitable vehicle choices to designated, field-of-interest, and unrestricted funds. We’re hopeful that legislative changes could broaden these avenues, allowing for more tailored and tax-efficient giving strategies.
Our team of philanthropic advisors is committed to keeping you informed of legislative developments. Together, we can navigate legislative uncertainties and secure the most advantageous outcomes for your clients’ wealth goals and charitable aspirations.
Focusing on Long-Term Impact—Thinking Beyond the Horizon
Some clients may question whether their philanthropy can truly create meaningful change. The answer is a resounding yes. Emerging trends, such as “big bet philanthropy,” involve deploying substantial resources toward systemic social issues—addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. These initiatives often require long-term commitment, strategic collaboration, and capacity-building with nonprofit partners.
As a community foundation deeply rooted in understanding local needs, Greater Houston Community Foundation is uniquely positioned to facilitate these ambitious efforts. We help your clients develop sustained, impactful giving strategies that leverage their resources for meaningful change. Whether through multi-year grants, collaborative giving opportunities, innovative scholarship programs, or capacity-building initiatives, we can guide your clients in orchestrating philanthropy that amplifies giving and leaves a legacy for future generations.
Continue reading: Philanthropic Loans: An Innovative Force for Positive Change
Your Partner for Purposeful Philanthropy
The Foundation is more than a conduit for charitable dollars; we are your strategic partner in cultivating meaningful, effective philanthropy. Our team offers personalized guidance, innovative giving options, and a deep understanding of community needs—ensuring your clients’ generosity aligns with their values and long-term objectives.
We invite you to reach out to Andrea Mayes, Senior Director of Charitable Solutions, to explore how the Foundation can support your clients’ philanthropic ambitions, especially during these turbulent times. Even amidst economic and legislative uncertainty, charitable giving remains a powerful tool—not only for tax planning but also for creating durable community impact. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and your commitment to helping your clients make a positive impact on our community’s future.
Additional Resources:
- Learn more about our Foundation’s services and how we can support your clients’ philanthropic goals.
- Join our professional advisor mailing list to stay up-to-date on the latest news and insights from the Foundation.
More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation:
- How to Donate Shares of Privately Held Companies
- Tama Brooks Klosek: The Advisor Who Gives as She Guides
- Emerging Philanthropic Trends for Women & Wealth: Professional Advisor Event
- How Charitable Giving Can Enhance Your Legacy Planning
- Retaining Clients Through Generational Connections
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