Your clients rely on your guidance to make important financial decisions. When it comes to charitable giving, we 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 Susan Koesters, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at D.A. Davidson, Member SIPC. As a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, Susan combines her expertise in financial planning with a deep passion for helping families build lasting legacies. She is dedicated to supporting local families and strengthening the community through her service to area nonprofits. 

Are there any common misconceptions clients have about charitable giving or entering into the world of philanthropy? 

A common misconception is that philanthropy is only for the ultra-wealthy, when in reality even modest gifts can make a meaningful impact. The Omaha Community Foundation’s Charitable Checkbook account makes giving simple, with a $1,000 minimum and no fees. Most community foundations are prohibited from offering this type of account, but the Omaha Community Foundation was established in 1982 and has a grandfathered status. 

Another misconception is that OCF fundholders must live in Omaha or give only locally. In fact, clients nationwide use OCF to support charities across the country. 

Finally, remember that giving isn’t purely emotional; it can be part of a thoughtful financial and legacy plan. We often discuss tools like Donor Advised Funds to help clients align their values with their resources, maximize tax benefits, and create lasting impact. 

What are the questions you are most commonly asked as it relates to philanthropy? 

Clients most often ask about impact, efficiency, and sustainability—how to make the greatest difference, support strong nonprofits, and give without jeopardizing their financial future. 

Tax efficiency is another common theme. For clients age 70½ and older with pre-tax retirement accounts, we discuss Qualified Charitable Distributions and how they compare to donating appreciated securities or writing checks from personal accounts. 

For your clients with charitable interests, what makes OCF a good partner to facilitate giving goals? 

For clients who want to make a meaningful impact, the Omaha Community Foundation is an excellent partner. They help clients clarify and document their charitable wishes to ensure their intentions are honored for generations. 

OCF’s team is approachable, knowledgeable, and responsive. I know I can reach out on behalf of a client and receive a quick answer. Their internal account at my firm, and most others, makes it easy to process donations of appreciated securities without external transfers. 

How does opening an account with OCF make giving simplified for you and your clients? 

Opening an account at OCF is seamless. For Charitable Checkbook accounts, I introduce clients to a Donor Services Advisor who handles setup and documentation from start to finish. 

For more complex giving, we collaborate closely with clients to capture their intentions before OCF manages distributions, receipts, and tracking. Clients appreciate having one central account to support multiple charities rather than managing records and deductions across several organizations. 

Ready to Connect? 

Download our advisor toolkit and access ready-to-share philanthropic resources.

Schedule a personal session with our Donor Services Team—ask for Joey Felici, Donor Services Senior Advisor 402-614-8530 or joey@omahafoundation.org

Explore CAP® training to elevate your philanthropic advising through our Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® program.

We look forward to partnering with you to serve your clients more effectively—and together, to grow a culture of meaningful giving in our community.