Strategic philanthropy key to achieving a lasting impact

By Marlene Spalten, President and CEO, Community Foundation Tampa Bay

The fall season is a time of reflection, gratitude and generosity. During this season, many are starting to consider their gifts to charitable causes.

At Community Foundation Tampa Bay, we know that philanthropy is deeply personal. You have your passions and perspectives, and you have a vision for the impact that you’d like to make.

Our team of philanthropy professionals take a personalized approach to your charitable giving strategies. We also collaborate closely with your professional advisors, such as accountants and attorneys, to ensure that your unique charitable goals are fulfilled in ways that align with your values and vision for the future.

This customized approach allows you to give your way. Every donor’s journey is unique and the path to philanthropy is tailored to your needs and desires.

Fulfill Your Philanthropic Vision

At the Community Foundation, your charitable intent is sacred. We are trusted stewards of your philanthropic goals and gifts, which carry your legacy.

The Lindell’s are one example of a philanthropically minded family who entrusted the Community Foundation with their legacy. Tampa philanthropists Carl and Dr. Lyda Lindell discussed their philanthropic priorities with their family and made changes to their long-term plans, to benefit the community for generations through the Community Foundation.

We worked collaboratively with the Lindell family and their advisors to craft a customized plan that achieved their goals. The customized gift encompassed an estate plan, corporate philanthropy, family philanthropy and much more, with the goal of directing a higher portion of their taxable assets to philanthropy.

By making changes today, the Lindell’s were able to significantly reduce their future estate tax liability and maximize their giving potential. Working together, we created legal frameworks for the charitable gifts and developed giving guidelines. These frameworks and guidelines are important because the plan is built for today’s circumstances but requires flexibility for future uncertainties.

With experience in complex gifts, our team of professionals work alongside you and your advisors to develop a philanthropy plan that aligns with your vision and values, while protecting your legacy.

Experience & Stewardship Matter

Philanthropy is more than just giving money; it’s about making thoughtful, strategic decisions that will have a lasting impact. The Community Foundation’s experienced team of philanthropic experts is dedicated to guiding you through this process.

Whether you are interested in establishing a charitable fund, giving a legacy gift or donating assets like stocks or cryptocurrency, we provide the expertise and flexibility to help you make a difference. You have the power to create a lasting impact by directing your contributions where they matter most.

There are several ways to become part of a community of philanthropists who are committed to making a difference in our community:

  • Open a charitable fund. Make strategic charitable investments by becoming a fundholder at Community Foundation Tampa Bay. Build the fund and distribute the gifts when the timing is right for you. And, if you want advice on making the most impactful investments in our community, our philanthropy staff is available to help.
  • Start a scholarship. Support student access to life-changing educational opportunities by opening a scholarship fund.Individuals, families, community groups, businesses and other foundations can establish scholarships administered by Community Foundation Tampa Bay.
  • Explore opportunities for charitable giving for your business. Help our community and gain tax advantages with diverse charitable giving options. Our staff works with businesses and entrepreneurs to customize giving strategies – everything from a simple corporate giving fund to a complex gift of business interests before a sale.

More than 1,300 individuals, families and businesses have already selected Community Foundation Tampa Bay as partners in their philanthropy strategy. Our team is ready to work with you and your professional advisors to craft a giving strategy that fulfills your wishes, while optimizing tax savings and ensuring your legacy is preserved.

Marlene-Spalten
Marlene Spalten

Maximize Your Impact

As the year draws to a close, now is a good time to think strategically about your charitable giving. Our customized giving strategies can begin at any stage of your philanthropic journey, and timing is important to meet financial and charitable goals. Let’s work together to amplify the impact of your giving and ensure it aligns with your vision for the future.

Marlene Spalten is President and CEO of Community Foundation Tampa Bay.

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