Donor Knowledge Hub
If you’re thinking that, consider this: Five charitable giving ideas for year-end
As the end of the year approaches, you may be thinking about your charitable giving plans alongside other financial and tax planning decisions. And with several new charitable tax provisions taking...
From billionaires to small business owners: Entrepreneurs are giving back
Entrepreneurs are known for turning big ideas into successful businesses. Increasingly, some are also finding creative ways to turn their financial success into charitable impact. And while the...
Expanding your impact: FAQs about unrestricted funds
Year-end is a busy and fun time for many reasons, including supporting causes you care about. This season, three occasions help celebrate the importance of charitable giving: National Philanthropy...
Checking in on your charitable plan
"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." — John Lennon You’ve certainly heard that well-known quote. But have you thought about it in the context of your charitable...
Charitable giving: Ten ways teens can get involved
At IECF, we are honored to work with many families across multiple generations. Quite frequently, parents and grandparents share with us their hopes of passing along to the next generation more than...
Closer to home: Steps to move your donor-advised fund to the IECF
At IECF, we work with a wide range of donors who want to support favorite charities and causes they care about. Sometimes we meet with individuals and families who have already begun their...
All that and more: Your donor-advised fund may surprise you
You might initially think of a donor-advised fund as a simple charitable savings account: contribute assets, immediately receive a tax deduction, if eligible, and recommend grants to your favorite...
“Nice to meet you”: Introducing your advisors to the IECF team
At IECF, we are honored to work with many individuals, families, and businesses who support the causes that matter most to them and help make our entire community a better place to live. In many...
A moment to meet: Philanthropy’s crucial role
Over the last several years, communities across the country, including our own region, have faced moments of enormous challenge—from natural disasters and economic uncertainty to housing shortages...
Step by step, it starts with “love of humanity”
The word “philanthropy” comes from Greek roots, meaning, quite simply, a love of humanity. It’s a big word—but at its heart, it reflects something very personal: the desire to help others,...
What type of donor are you—spontaneous, results-focused, or deep into it already?
Even if you are new to charitable giving, you’ve likely discovered that there’s no single “right” way to approach making a difference. That’s not only normal—it’s a strength! Recent research...
Rethinking legacy: Balancing gifts to heirs with the community’s future
Next time you meet with your estate planning attorney, it may be a good idea to check in on your long-term plans and ask yourself questions you might not yet have considered. Some planners, for...
Charitable giving, due diligence, and how IECF can help
Many people want to be thoughtful in their charitable giving, but that doesn’t always make the process easy. In fact, one of the most common challenges donors face is simply feeling confident in...
Tax season debrief: Three common regrets
If you’re like many donors, the weeks leading up to tax deadlines tend to bring charitable giving into sharper focus. You may have finalized contributions, gathered documentation, or had...
Deepening your impact in times of need
Many people are not fully aware of the extent to which charitable organizations shape everyday life in our communities. From social services to education, healthcare, and the arts, nonprofits touch...
Building your charitable plan, brick by brick
Most of us can think of something we fully intend to do—someday. Organize the photos. Update the estate plan. Have that family meeting. Reboot the exercise routine. Charitable planning often falls...
Why 2026 is different: Four tax-time reminders
It’s tax season, which means it’s a terrific time to ensure that your charitable giving goals are on track. If you’ve already established a fund at IECF, please reach out to discuss your charitable...
Women and philanthropy: Impact across generations
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a great time to check in on the increasing role of women in philanthropy. At IECF, we are honored to work with women across multiple generations, such as: –A...
What type of fund, or funds, is right for you?
At IECF, we know that charitable giving is deeply personal—and that choosing the right tools matters just as much as choosing the causes you care about. Whether you are considering establishing...
Eye on the storms: Keep giving
Uncertain times often cause people to pause and reassess. Whether the uncertainty comes from markets, employment changes, health concerns, or the general feeling that the world is unpredictable, it...
Your charitable intentions: Plan to plan!
Many individuals and families spend a great deal of time setting up a charitable plan they feel good about. For example, they establish a donor-advised or other types of funds at IECF, update IRA...
Underappreciated and overlooked: Why life insurance matters
Even in an era when term life insurance policies may appear to dominate, many people still hold whole life, variable life, or universal life insurance policies. In many cases, when the original need...
Get started now: Your 2026 charitable giving checklist
Many people approach a new year with a genuine desire to be more intentional about their charitable giving. They know they want to make a difference, align their generosity with their values, and...
2026 charitable tax law changes: Keep your tax advisors in the loop
At IECF, we are honored to serve as your home for charitable giving. Whether you support a wide range of charitable organizations in our community and across the country, focus your giving on a few...
No children? Three calls-to-action for charitable planning
Many people without children wonder how their legacy will take shape. Rather than focusing on biological heirs, they often find freedom to channel their resources, time, and values toward the...
Unrestricted giving, QCDs, and why they matter for your philanthropy
As someone who cares deeply about our community, you already understand how important charitable giving is to improving the quality of life. Every year, Americans give nearly 2% of our nation’s GDP...
Countdown to 2026: 10 tips for charitable giving
At IECF, we are honored to work with you and so many other families, individuals, and businesses to help organize your charitable giving and support favorite charities that make a difference in our...
Donor-advised funds: Bunching, abundance, and flexibility
Many people establish a donor-advised fund at IECF to simplify their giving, stay organized, and even engage the next generation in philanthropy. And, for some families, 2025 is the year when the...
Tax-deductible, tax-exempt, and need-to-know nuances
As year-end approaches, your thoughts might naturally turn to charitable giving—both as a way to support favorite causes and to make the most of available tax benefits. Recent changes in the tax...
Year-end dynamics: Tax law changes and growing community need
You are likely aware that many families in our community are struggling, and you may be wondering how you can help most effectively. Whether increased community needs are triggered by a government...
