Giving Through the Ups and Downs: How to Help Clients Stay the Course

As 2025 continues to deliver twists and turns, it’s important to keep talking about philanthropy. Charitable giving is a vital strategy for your clients, even in times of economic uncertainty. Here are three trends to watch as you guide your clients through an unpredictable era and encourage them to look beyond the horizon.

Your clients still want to give

While overall giving may dip during economic downturns, most of your philanthropic clients will continue to support their favorite charities. Indeed, giving often rebounds quickly alongside economic recovery. Donor-advised funds, in particular, have shown resilience and even growth during economic shocks, providing a stable source of support for nonprofits and a flexible tool for your clients. This support is crucial because economic upheaval often increases community need, which in turn creates more demand for nonprofits’ services. Often, as was the case during the pandemic, donors rise to the occasion. By working with the Community Foundation, your clients can stay close to the tangible, local impact of their giving.

Legislation is still percolating

There’s little doubt that you’ve seen extensive news coverage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) that passed the House of Representatives by a 215-214 vote on May 22, 2025, and is now being debated in the Senate, where significant changes are expected before final passage. This makes it impossible to predict right now how your clients might be impacted by tax law changes. Still, it’s important to be aware of key components of the bill that could impact estate and financial planning. Learn more about the pending legislation here.

Focus on the future

Some of your clients may be wondering just how much they can truly accomplish through philanthropy, especially right now. The answer is a lot. Sometimes called “big bet philanthropy,” strategies to leverage charitable dollars to tackle systemic social issues are becoming more popular. “Long-haul” initiatives require sustained commitment, collaboration, and capacity-building among both donors and the nonprofit organizations they support. Thanks to its mission to connect donors to community needs, the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation is in a unique position to work with your clients who want to pursue this form of charitable giving.

Even in times of economic change, charitable giving remains a powerful way to achieve tax efficiency while creating meaningful, lasting impact. We’re grateful for your continued commitment to guiding your clients in ways that benefit both their goals and the greater good. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team, we’re always here to help.

Have questions about charitable giving solutions? Call us at 920-432-0800 or email a member of our Donor Relations team.