Your clients rely on your guidance to make important financial decisions. When it comes to charitable giving, the Omaha Community Foundation can partner with you to simplify their giving and amplify their impact.
But don’t just take our word for it.
Hear from professionals in the field like Jerry O’Doherty, Partner at CPA firm Eide Bailly. A graduate of the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy program and a fundholder himself, Jerry brings both professional expertise and personal experience to conversations about philanthropy in Omaha.
Tell us about your relationship with the Omaha Community Foundation.
My relationship with OCF is multifaceted. I went through the CAP program, I have an account myself, and I stay connected by attending events and recommending clients to consider using OCF’s services.
I first learned about the Charitable Checkbook from an OCF presentation I attended. For charitably inclined clients who want to minimize income taxes before the end of the year but do not know which charity to give to, it is the easiest solution to present. If they want to build something more robust later, that can come in time. But this is an easy place to start.
How does this relationship benefit your clients?
In the public accounting world, most individuals specialize in audit or tax. I began my career in the audit department. I serve many clients in the not-for-profit industry, so I see the sector from their angle. It is important to me that my clients understand the philanthropic vehicles people are using in Omaha and how those tools can support their goals.
For clients with charitable interests, what makes OCF a strong partner?
It is seamless. OCF is easy to work with, and they are willing to sit down and have real conversations with clients. I recently introduced a client who was exploring what he wanted his giving to look like, and OCF listened carefully and responded thoughtfully.
When I refer someone, I need to trust that the referral source will provide the person with a good experience. I know OCF is responsive and solutions-oriented. There are no hurdles. Recommending OCF reflects well on me as a professional because I know my clients will be well served.
How can clients use OCF within their financial plans?
At year-end, some clients need to give for tax reasons but are not ready to decide exactly where those dollars should go. A fund with OCF allows them to make the gift now, maximize tax benefits, and take time to be thoughtful about the grants they are giving.
And frankly, it makes generosity easy. If you are having a rough day, you can log in and give money away. That is a pretty good reset button for your general outlook!
How can advisors encourage clients to involve their children or the next generation in philanthropy?
I believe it starts with estate planning. A surprising number of people plan to leave charitable gifts within their estate but have not shared that information with their families. Bringing children into those conversations now creates alignment and builds shared values long before a will is read.
How has being a fundholder shaped your perspective?
When you use something yourself, you can explain it mechanically and confidently. I know how simple the process is because I have done it. When you believe in a tool, it is easy to recommend it. Clients know if someone is authentic or not.
What makes Omaha’s philanthropic culture unique?
The generosity here is simply remarkable and it creates an atmosphere that feels like a friendly competition to do the most good. As a born-and-bred Omahan, I have seen people step up time and time again. For those who live here, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not, no explanation will suffice. That spirit of generosity is what defines Omaha and makes it such a wonderful place to live.