Phil Savage

Phil Savage IV is a director at Fennemore’s San Bernardino office. His practice focuses on helping clients navigate complex legal matters, including business succession, estate planning, and trust administration. With a keen eye for detail and a client-centered approach, Phil guides individuals, families, and businesses in preserving wealth and ensuring a smooth transition of assets. Phil was named IECF’s Professional Advisor Champion in 2023 for his expertise in supporting the region through partnerships with the Foundation.

Phil was our guest speaker at the November 2024 meeting of the IECF Professional Advisor’s Council, where he spoke on the topic of “How to Talk to Your Clients about Charitable Giving.” We’re pleased to share this summary of his presentation.       

Phil Savage IV

My journey with IECF began when I was a young attorney. My boss, who was also an advisor, introduced me to the foundation while assisting a client with charitable giving. We met with the then-director of IECF over lunch, discussing how to structure a gift for our client. That initial introduction set the stage for my enduring relationship with the organization, including 12 years on the board, which has given me invaluable insight into helping clients meet their charitable goals.

Estate Planning and Its Challenges

In my 30 years of practicing law in Riverside and San Bernardino, I’ve specialized in estate planning, helping clients protect their assets, care for their families, and achieve their broader goals. Over time, I’ve worked with a variety of organizations—some extraordinarily well-managed and others more challenging. What I’ve observed is that the effectiveness of an organization often depends on its leadership, which can fluctuate over time. This variability makes it crucial for clients to carefully consider the long-term sustainability of the organizations they wish to support.

When I sit down with clients, I aim to understand their goals and help them achieve them using the tools available. I help them plan their estates, protect their assets, and distribute their assets efficiently. My role is to educate clients and empower them to make their own decisions without directing them or telling them what to do. I want them to actively consider their options and make conscious choices. I disclose my involvement with IECF and explain why it can be a smart choice for clients, but I emphasize the importance of independent decision-making.

I find it’s also crucial to involve both spouses in the discussion to ensure both partners are aligned with the plan. If one spouse passes away, the surviving spouse may have different priorities and may not want to follow the original plan.

Encouraging the Practice of Giving Now

One of the most effective ways for clients to explore charitable giving is simply to start giving, even in small amounts. Giving now allows clients to experience the joy and impact of their philanthropy firsthand. For instance, if a client regularly donates $100 a month to their church, I’ll ask, “Would you like that support to continue after you’re gone?” This often sparks a deeper conversation about how to incorporate sustained giving into their estate plan.

Starting small can also lead to greater giving down the road. A client might make an initial gift to an organization to see how it handles their donation and what kind of impact it creates. Over time, this relationship can grow, and clients may feel inspired to give more significantly. The act of giving—no matter the size—often opens the door to broader possibilities.

Focusing on the Client’s Goals

When I work with clients, my approach is to listen, learn, and guide rather than dictate. I encourage my clients to reflect deeply on their goals, which often evolve during our discussions. Many start with the default idea of leaving everything to their children. However, as we explore their values and aspirations, clients frequently realize they want their estate to reflect broader priorities—supporting causes they care about, ensuring their children inherit responsibly, and sometimes even fostering a legacy of community engagement.

For instance, a client with a successful business once told me, “I don’t want all this money going to my kids—it’s too much.” This led us to discuss options like donor-advised funds or endowed funds, which allowed him to balance providing for his children with giving back to the community.

Educating Clients on Options

A significant part of my role is education—helping clients understand their options without pushing them in any specific direction. For instance, I often recommend donor-advised funds (DAFs) for their flexibility. DAFs allow donors to support multiple causes over time, offering them the freedom to adjust their giving as their priorities change. I also emphasize that working with IECF provides access to local expertise and a variety of fund options, such as endowed funds, scholarships, or field-of-interest funds. These options allow donors to align their giving with their passions.

Another tool I recommend is a charitable remainder trust (CRT), particularly for clients with appreciated assets like real estate or stocks. CRTs enable donors to defer or avoid capital gains taxes while securing an income stream and leaving a charitable legacy. For example, a client recently considered selling a highly appreciated property. By placing it in a CRT, they avoided immediate capital gains taxes, ensured a steady income, and provided for a charity upon the trust’s termination.

Navigating Family Dynamics

One of the most delicate aspects of estate planning is addressing family dynamics. Clients sometimes face difficult decisions, such as disinheriting a child or significantly altering traditional distributions. I encourage clients to communicate their intentions with their families while they are still alive. While these conversations can be challenging, they can prevent misunderstandings and resentment after the client’s passing.

The Power of Donor-Advised Funds and Community Expertise

One of the most versatile tools is the donor-advised fund, especially through IECF. These funds allow clients to support causes locally and nationally, adapt their giving over time, and even engage family members in philanthropic decisions. For example, a client passionate about equine therapy wasn’t sure which organization to support. IECF’s team provided a list of reputable nonprofits, enabling the client to make an informed decision.

Additionally, IECF offers personalized services that go beyond what larger, national DAF providers can offer. With its investment expertise, commitment to community leadership, and tailored support, IECF ensures donors’ goals are met while making a lasting impact.

A Final Thought on Legacy

Ultimately, estate planning and charitable giving are about creating a legacy that reflects one’s values. Whether it’s through a simple gift annuity, a complex CRT, or a thoughtfully structured DAF, the goal is to align financial planning with personal priorities. By starting the practice of giving now—even in small ways—clients can build a philanthropic habit that grows over time and leaves a lasting impact on the causes they care about most.         

Our Charitable Giving Team is here to help donors design the giving experience that suits their needs and goals. Contact us to start the conversation today!

Download our free Professional Advisors Guide.

Share this free Giving Guide with your clients.

The post How to Talk to Your Clients about Charitable Giving (November 2024 Professional Advisors Council Meeting) appeared first on IECF.

Phil and Lynda Savage III

The Savages have deep roots in San Bernardino. Lynda’s family arrived when she was an infant, and several generations of Phil’s family have resided here, including his grandfather, Dr. Philip Savage, whose vision of community care and compassion resulted in the establishment of St. Bernardine’s Hospital in 1931, and his father and uncle who, with three other doctors, started the San Bernardino Medical Group.

With the exception of time spent outside of the area during college, Phil and Lynda have lived, worked, raised a family in, and supported this community they love and call home.

Although Phil’s grandfather and father were both physicians, he says, “I knew I didn’t want to be a doctor, but I was interested in a profession that combined my love of analysis, problem-solving and serving people.” He decided to pursue a career in law, obtaining his degree from UC Hastings in San Francisco while Lynda taught elementary school.

Phil & Lynda on their Las Vegas honeymoon in 1965.

After graduation, the Savages moved back to be near family in San Bernardino. Phil built a thriving law practice specializing in Trust and Estate Law. Lynda retired from teaching when their son, Philip IV, and daughter, Sheryl, entered school.

Even as a young, busy family, the Savages always found time for community involvement. A long list of organizations they’ve supported includes local college and university foundations, Making Hope Happen Foundation, the Arrowhead United Way, the San Bernardino City Library Foundation, and the now-defunct YWCA, which Phil’s mother and grandmother also supported. Additionally, Phil was the first president of the San Bernardino Humane Society, and Lynda has been extensively involved with the Assistance League of San Bernardino, while also serving 25 years on the SBCUSD school board. She’s the current president of the San Bernardino Symphony Guild, “for the third time!” she laughs. Phil says that probably his greatest contribution to his community was the 2-3 years he worked almost full time in leading the city’s Charter Review Committee to draft an essentially completely new Charter for San Bernardino as a council-manager form of government, and then getting it adopted by his city.

Lynda Receiving State Recognition from Bill Leonard – 1994

Phil became acquainted with IECF – then called The Community Foundation (TCF) – in the late 1980s. “I was convinced that my clients could do good things for their community through Donor Advised Funds,” he remembers. “I had done a lot of work in establishing nonprofits, and I began to think about starting a community foundation for San Bernardino.” Conversations with TCF’s executive director led to the concept of a single foundation serving both communities. Phil joined TCF’s board and was part of the expansion of our services which now cover both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

“I’ve always been impressed with the Foundation,” Phil shares, “and particularly with their boards of directors. They work well together, they administer their funds well, and the structure is just solid.”

Phil and Lynda have long-term confidence in IECF, and have named the Foundation as the primary philanthropic beneficiary in their estate plan.  “We trust the Foundation. The important thing to us is knowing that IECF will be here to continue distributing funds to the causes we care about – long after we’re gone.”  He points out that “good organizations like the San Bernardino YWCA were previously named in our estate plan, but now it is gone.” Lynda adds, “I don’t have to worry about where our funds will be distributed; I know that our money will be used to its best advantage.”

Their children are named as advisors on the fund and will help give direct guidance so the Savage’s wishes are fulfilled. Their son, Philip Savage IV, is a past IECF board member and board chair, demonstrating the family’s generational engagement with the Foundation.

Of particular importance to them today is early childhood education. “Lynda and I are most concerned for kids who are disadvantaged. If we, as a community, can’t give them what they need, they’re going to be lost for their whole lives.”

Phil and Lynda enjoyed swimming with the dolphins in Cabo San Lucas – 2008

Phil’s advice to other donors stems from his work in estate planning. “A community foundation is the best way to administer a Donor Advised Fund, rather than a commercial investment organization. That’s because they care about their community, they know what’s going on, and they can help ensure the funds are being used in the best way and according to the donor’s original wishes.”

IECF is grateful to Phil and Lynda Savage for their heartfelt commitment to the betterment of their community. We’re honored by their trust in us as we strive to create a more vibrant, equitable and just region for all.

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