Generosity, Amplified Donor Advised Funds make giving easy and meaningful. Support the causes you love — locally and beyond — with a fund at the Omaha Community Foundation. We’re growing good, together. » omahafoundation.org/advisors UNLOCKING PHILANTHROPIC POTENTIAL A GUIDE TO DONATING COMPLEX ASSETS BY VANESSA DENNEY, OMAHA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IN TODAY’S EVOLVING PHILANTHROPIC landscape, more donors are looking beyond their checkbooks and cash gifts. They’re exploring how complex assets, like real estate, business interests, and even cryptocurrency, can fuel meaningful giving. Working with an advisor at a community foundation can make these conversations easier and more effective for advisors and their clients. Recently, I had the opportunity to present a session on this very topic—Assets to Donate: Fundamentals—as part of The American College of Financial Services’ new Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Professional Certificate. It included practical insights into how and why non-cash assets can be a powerful philanthropic tool. What Is a Complex Asset? Complex (or non-cash) assets include publicly traded securities, real estate (residential, commercial, or undeveloped), closely held business interests, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, cryptocurrency, and art and collectibles. The Case for Non-Cash Giving. Donating complex assets to a DAF allows clients to convert illiquid or appreciated assets into long-term charitable impact while also achieving meaningful tax benefits. Benefits include eliminating capital gains taxes on appreciated assets, receiving a fair market value deduction for eligible gifts, reducing estate tax exposure, and supporting multiple nonprofits over time through one streamlined vehicle. Clients preparing to sell a business, dispose of real estate, or rebalance investment portfolios are ideal candidates for this strategy. Why Advisors Should Initiate the Conversation. Many clients simply aren’t aware they can donate complex assets. When you introduce this option, you’re helping them give more effectively while achieving financial goals. It’s also an opportunity to differentiate your practice and build deeper relationships rooted in values and impact. How Community Foundations Support Advisors. Philanthropy professionals at community foundations offer expert guidance on the donation process, from navigating valuations and timelines to ensuring smooth execution of the donation. Their teams can handle the logistics, while you remain focused on your client’s broader financial picture. The community foundation is a trusted partner, adding depth and community insight to your planning conversations. Vanessa Denney is the vice president of donor and philanthropic services at the Omaha Community Foundation, where she leads efforts to help donors achieve their charitable goals and maximize their impact in the community. With deep expertise in philanthropic strategy and donor engagement, Denney ensures that each fundholder receives thoughtful, personalized service grounded in trust. For more information, contact her at (402) 614-9531 or vanessa@omahafoundation.org. 21 nescpa.org
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