Maximize Your Client’s Giving
At CFMT, we understand the vital role professional advisors play in guiding clients through significant philanthropic decisions.
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) works with financial advisors, accountants and attorneys across the country to maximize their clients’ giving. As a fully accredited charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)3 and 509(a)1, we can the same tax benefits to your clients as other nonprofits with additional offerings such as legacy giving, grantmaking or scholarships. Our philanthropic advisors are adept at transferring all types of assets into charitable funds, and we handle the burden of fund administration so your clients can focus on the pleasure of giving. Think of us as the charitable arm of your professional team.
We recognize that the most opportune moments for giving often align with major life decisions your clients face.
- Estate Planning
- Sale of Businesses or Major Assets
- Retirement Planning
- Management of Unusual Financial Gains (e.g., major bonuses)
By working with local corporate and government leaders and nonprofits, CFMT understands the pressing needs of our Middle Tennessee community, and we can connect your clients with giving opportunities that truly reflect their values. We offer ongoing learning and networking opportunities to our fundholders, and we can work with you to help families align their values around a custom giving strategy.
How Does the CFMT Work with Professional Advisors?
If a client’s donor advised fund assets exceed $500,000, you can manage the assets after they are donated to the fund. Both you and your clients will have access to a knowledgeable team of professionals who empower donors to become organized and efficient philanthropists.
If your client’s assets do not yet meet this monetary threshold, you can work with them to choose the correct giving program via our “Choose Your Fund” tool.
What are the tax benefits of working with the CFMT?
Clients may be able to avoid capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated assets. CFMT is a public charity, so your clients will receive the maximum tax deductions allowed by law for their donations. Even if your clients would ordinarily take the standard deduction, they can continue to support the charities they care about with help of a charitable fund and a tax strategy known as bunching.
There is $5,000 minimum amount required to establish a charitable named fund. There are also no minimums for gifts to the fund or grants from the fund.
Partner with CFMT
A CFMT partnership provides clients:
Distinct from national funds and commercial donor advised funds (DAFs) offered by large institutions, CFMT boasts an in-depth understanding of local needs. Our team works directly with local leaders, nonprofit partners, and innovators to address the community’s most pressing challenges.
At CFMT, we offer highly customized philanthropic services tailored to align with each donor’s vision and values. Our personalized approach ensures that each donor’s legacy and philanthropic goals resonate deeply, delivering a level of service that mass-market DAFs cannot match.
Our investment goals are to preserve the purchasing power of the endowment and generate strong returns. This strategy helps us meet current community needs while offering donors contributing $500,000 or more flexible management options beyond our standard total return approach.
Partnering with CFMT provides significant tax advantages. Donations are tax-deductible, and assets grow tax-free. We manage all administrative and compliance requirements, allowing your clients to focus on the joy of giving.
Each contribution effectively drives meaningful change where it’s needed most. Donors can directly witness their impact by engaging in projects and initiatives, strengthening their commitment to philanthropy.
Our charitable funds power significant grantmaking efforts, disbursing funds to a broad spectrum of nonprofits across the United States. These grants support diverse causes, all while aligning with our donors’ wishes.
CFMT is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of local leaders with diverse expertise. We are committed to transparency and accountability. We engage in ongoing dialogue with donors and their advisors, offering comprehensive reports and insights into the initiatives they support.
Gift Options for Clients
| Gift Options to Meet Client Goals | If Goal Is To: | Then Client Can: | And The Benefits Are: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outright Gift of Securities | Eliminate capital gains tax. | Contribute long-term appreciated stock or other securities. | A charitable deduction plus eliminate capital gains tax. |
| Gift of Real Estate | Eliminate capital gains tax on the sale of land or other real estate. | Donate the property to CFMT to benefit the client’s charitable fund. | An income tax deduction plus reduction or elimination of capital gains tax. |
| Gift of Retirement Plan Assets | Eliminate the possible twofold taxation on IRA or other employee benefit plans. | Name client’s charitable fund the beneficiary of the remainder of the assets after client’s lifetime. | The ability to leave their family other assets that carry less tax liability. |
| Outright Gift of Personal Property | Share enjoyment of a collection or other personal item. | Donate tangible personal property like art or a coin collection. | A charitable deduction based on the cost-basis value. |
| Gift of Life Insurance | Make a large gift with little cost to client. | Contribute ownership of a life insurance policy you no longer need. | Current and possibly future income tax deductions. |
| Retained Life Estate | Give client’s personal residence or farm, but retain current use. | Create a charitable gift now, but retain occupancy for life. | Tax advantages plus continued use of the property. |
| Bequest | Defer a gift until after client’s lifetime. | Put a bequest in client will’s; give Client charitable fund cash, specific property, or a share of the residue. | Donations exempt from tax. |
Katie Marchetti
Vice President of Philanthropic Services
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you’re assisting an individual or working alongside clients in structuring charitable giving, we are here to complement your expertise with our specialized knowledge and resources.
