Blog

March 3, 2026

By Ashley Coldiron, Chief Development Officer As an attorney, CPA, or financial advisor, you probably work with several clients who own a family business. You’ve likely also considered the role of strategic philanthropy in family business succession planning to help clients get ready for an eventual exit. So how does strategic philanthropy actually play out […]

March 3, 2026

By Jody Dilday, Philanthropic Advisor Recent rulings reinforce a familiar but critical message: charitable tax benefits depend on strict compliance. Strict substantiation matters.In Gibson v. Commissioner, a substantial noncash charitable deduction was disallowed—not because the gift lacked charitable intent, but because substantiation requirements were not met. Contemporaneous acknowledgments, qualified appraisals, and Form 8283 thresholds are […]

March 3, 2026

By Lesley Roberts, Philanthropic Advisor Because its Women’s History Month, March offers a natural moment to reflect on the evolving role of women in philanthropy. According to Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Women Give 2024: 20 Years of Gender & Giving Trends, women are increasingly leading charitable decisions. This happens both gradually, as […]

February 5, 2026

A few thoughtful steps early in the year can bring focus and confidence to your giving: Review your 2025 giving. We can help you understand the impact of your past gifts, identify patterns, and explore opportunities for the year ahead. Talk with your advisors early. New tax laws make early coordination especially important. This is […]

February 5, 2026

A new year presents an excellent opportunity to check in on your charitable giving priorities. This is the case every year, but it is especially important in 2026 because of a few new tax laws that may impact charitable giving strategies for some people. Here are the changes that you’ll want to be aware of, […]

January 2, 2026

The Future is Bright for Partnerships For Doug Seelicke at Stephens Inc., trust and stellar service strengthen advisor-client relationships. When it comes to philanthropy, professional advisors play a vital role in connecting clients’ financial goals with their desire to make a difference. For Doug Seelicke, an investment advisor at Stephens Inc. and a former attorney, […]

January 2, 2026

Tamara and Johnny Roberts make sure their giving is both intentional and impactful for their family. Tamara and Johnny Roberts believe generosity works best when it is intentional, organized, and shared across generations. As Chairman and former CEO of J.B. Hunt, Johnny is accustomed to structure and long-range planning. Tamara is the “CEO of the […]

January 2, 2026

From education to lifesaving equipment, Delta Area Community Foundation is investing in local solutions that bring hope, safety and opportunity across Desha and Lincoln counties. When the Desha County Sheriff’s Office received a grant to purchase its first two automated external defibrillators (AEDs), the impact was immediate and deeply personal. “Our patrol units are often […]

January 2, 2026

Ruth Wood’s century of generosity ensures students have the support they need to learn, belong and thrive. At 103, Ruth Wood of Eureka Springs still remembers the day a teacher changed her life. “When I was in college, I didn’t have any money,” Wood recalled. “A teacher loaned me some, and when I went back […]

December 2, 2025

Here are some reminders to sure that your gifts are recognized for the 2025 tax year: ADD TO AN EXISTING FUND To learn more about the various assets you can give, review our guide to Contributing to a fund. In order for charitable gifts into a fund to qualify for a charitable income tax deduction in the […]