Looking Forward. Giving Back.

When and why do nonprofit organizations need an audit? Why should nonprofits NOT ALWAYS go with the cheapest auditor. And how cool is it that one of my two favorite CPAs is a farmer, and the other is an Improv mastermind? Join us in this episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back." as we dive deep into the nonprofit audit with perspectives from both the auditor and auditee. Get advice on how best a nonprofit can prepare for an audit, what the right audit "fit" might be for your organization, and the importance of making sure your staff gets along with the auditing team! 

Many of my listeners have heard me use the phrase "philanthropic back office" when talking about the Community Foundation's relationship with professional advisors. In this episode, meet Ross Rettenmier, the financial advisor who coined that phrase many years ago! Hear about how Ross talks to clients about the benefits of charitable giving as part of overall planning. Learn why he believes these conversations can not only strengthen relationships with current clients, but lead to new referrals too. AND hear about Gonzaga basketball, exciting happenings on the Everett Waterfront, and the joy of grandkids in this latest episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back."

What do Employment Law, Succession Planning, and Landlord/Tenant Rights have to do with working with women business owners in India? How has a local attorney used her commitment to community justice, child welfare, and a love for contracts to create a successful estate planning practice? And what does she feel is one of the most important responsibilities of professional advisors? Join me as I explore these questions and more with Snohomish estate planning attorney Paige Buurstra on this latest episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back."

Philanthropic Advising is a thing! Philanthropic Advisors provide critical resources to professional advisors and their clients. Join us in this episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back." as we welcome Stephanie Ellis Smith, Philanthropic Advisor and Founder of Phila Engaged Giving. Stepahanie shares all the ways philanthropic advisors can help attorneys, financial managers, and accountants strengthen their relationships with clients, and can play an important role in helping you become the most trusted advisor in your clients' estate, financial, and tax planning. 

What happens after an advisor refers a client to the Community Foundation of Snohomish County? What does "donor services" really mean? How can our team help your clients meet their perfect charitable "match"? (Think Match.com, but not in a creepy way ;-) ). Join us for a conversation with Angelique Leone, the Community Foundation's VP in charge of all things Donor Services. Hear about how she and we work with individuals and families by helping them make tax-smart donations today AND leave a meaningful generational legacy for tomorrow. Listen in, share your thoughts, and spread the word about charitable giving options on this episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back."

Why is it critical that wealth managers understand that women are not a "niche market" in the financial services world? What are simple strategies advisors can use to meet clients' legacy and estate goals while protecting their assets? Where is the hottest jazz club in Hermosa Beach? Join me and CFP Rene Nourse of Urban Wealth Management as we discuss charitable and estate planning strategies, the unique value that a diverse, women-led firm brings to the world of wealth management....and jazz, lots of jazz in this latest episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back."!

How has the SECURE Act changed critical aspects of estate planning? How can you use these changes to your client's advantage, helping them protect their assets AND their legacy at the same time? What are the key components of pre-planning and what are the dangers of not doing all of them? And why do dogs make such good running companions? Join me for another episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back." as Attorney Chandra Lewnau, Partner at Wall Group Law in Edmonds, and I discuss all of this and more. 

What is the Community Foundation of Snohomish County's Nonprofit Services Program? How does our local knowledge and partnerships with nonprofits grow the impact of donor gifts and the grants they make? And why do we all need to take a lesson from Mrs. Lorraine Young (aka Nekya's mom) on how to become an expert "Pokémon Go Thrifter"? Join me in the latest episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back." as CFSC's Director of Community Impact and Grantmaking, Nekya Johnson and I discuss community philanthropy, the crucial impact of equitable grantmaking, and how the Community Foundation connects donors to the charitable causes and nonprofits providing critical services throughout Snohomish County. Thanks for listening!

"Tax codes are not just for the 1%!" An important reminder from my latest podcast guest, Laird Norton Fiduciary Senior Analyst and Trust Guru Debra Smiley. Join me and Debra as we dig deep into the world of charitable remainder trusts and other income-generating gifts that can help your clients meet both immediate financial needs and future charitable goals. We'll also talk about how representation matters in the world of financial planning AND charitable giving. We'll discuss the importance of harnessing the legacy of giving in diverse communities and how legacy, estate, financial, and trust planning are all interrelated. And MOST IMPORTANTLY hear about a few bones we have to pick with IKEA regarding the location of their exits and access to the self-serve ice cream! :-) Join me for another episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back."!

What EXACTLY does the Community Foundation of Snohomish County do? How do community foundations in general play a unique role in growing community philanthropy? Why and how is CFSC growing our commitment to professional advisors? And MOST IMPORTANTLY, why won't my boss commit to doing a triathlon with me in 2022?! Join me in the latest episode of "Looking Forward. Giving Back." as CFSC's CEO Karri Matau and I discuss community philanthropy, the Community Foundation's rapidly growing work with professional advisors, and so much more. Thanks for listening in and HAPPY NEW YEAR!