You’re likely well aware that regularly talking with your clients about charitable giving can strengthen your relationships. That’s not surprising, considering that the topic of philanthropy itself helps uncover values, build trust, and position you as not just an advisor but as a holistic partner. Indeed, recent research shows that 99% of advisors believe these conversations are important and 96% see them as their responsibility, highlighting both the expectation and the opportunity for advisors to engage more deeply.
At the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, we work with business leaders and owners to structure charitable giving plans that support both corporate goals and community impact. Whether your corporate clients give directly to local nonprofits or organize philanthropy through a fund at the Community Foundation, thoughtful planning has always mattered. In 2026, it matters even more.
By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA
Charitable giving doesn’t have to be tied to a deadline or a particular season. In fact, some of the most meaningful and effective philanthropic decisions happen when donors take a step back to look at the bigger picture: your values, your assets, and the impact you want to make over time. This is especially true in light of recent tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill, which updated several rules related to charitable giving and philanthropy.
By Kathleen Lowenthal, Development Officer, CFNOVA
As we look ahead to the remainder of 2026, one thing is clear: generosity is growing and donors like you are leading the way.
According to a recent Foundation Source infographic on funder priorities for 2026, nearly half of donors (49%) plan to give more to charity this year than they did in 2025. This renewed commitment to philanthropy comes from both opportunity and urgency.
Building Northern Virginia’s Future—Together
For students across Northern Virginia, opportunity often begins with exposure: the first time they code an app, build a robot, or see how artificial intelligence connects to real-world careers. In 2026, hundreds of middle and high school students will gain those experiences through hands-on STEM programs made possible by a strategic partnership between the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia (CFNOVA) and the Micron Foundation.Through the Micron STEM Opportunity Fund, CFNOVA and Micron are investing $190,000 in eight nonprofit and educational organizations delivering high-quality, career-connected STEM learning to students in grades 6–12. These programs emphasize engineering and physical sciences, responsible technology and AI learning, and strong measurement practices—ensuring students are not only learning new skills, but building confidence, relevance, and momentum toward future careers.
As professional advisors, you know that the strongest client relationships are built on trust, shared values, and conversations that go beyond technical planning. A recent study from The Philanthropic Initiative underscores an important truth we see every day: philanthropy is often where those deeper conversations begin. Discussing charitable goals not only helps clients clarify what matters most to them—it also creates a powerful opportunity to strengthen long‑term relationships and engage the next generation around family values and legacy.
By Judy L Redpath, CFP®, CPWA®, AIF®
Charitable planning and giving is a very personal activity for individuals and families. As advisors, we often wait to introduce the topic of philanthropy until our clients have accumulated much of their wealth and we are discussing estate planning strategies and considerations under the rubric of a wealth transfer conversation. Whether we are currently working with multigenerational families or are proposing to be introduced to our clients’ children and grandchildren, family-based philanthropy can serve a much broader purpose. When well structured, charitable planning and giving becomes a powerful tool for ongoing family engagement, education, and aligning values to promote a legacy.
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia has concluded its discretionary grants cycle for the Ross-Roberts Fund for the Arts and Environment Fund, both permanent endowments (often called 'forever funds') managed by the Foundation.
Thanks to the generous support of donors and partners, grants totaling $210,000 will be directed to seventeen regional nonprofits, selected for their work preserving natural spaces, expanding arts access, and engaging residents through creative and environmental programming.
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