Published Date, 2026

Where Philanthropy Meets Financial Planning: Collaborating to Create Meaningful Legacies

Created By: Lindsy Hannan
March 23, 2026

For many donors, philanthropy is not just an act of generosity; it’s an expression of their values and the legacy that they hope to leave behind. Increasingly, those philanthropic decisions take shape not only in conversations with nonprofit leaders but also with financial advisors who help donors integrate charitable giving into their broader financial and estate plans.

For nonprofit CEOs, executive directors, and major gift officers, understanding how financial advisors approach philanthropy, and how to collaborate effectively with them, can strengthen donor relationships and lead to more impactful gifts.

At its best, this partnership ensures that donors can align their financial strategies with the causes that matter to them most.

The Advisor’s Role: Connecting Values and Financial Strategy

When donors consider a major or legacy gift, financial advisors often help them step back and see how philanthropy fits into the bigger picture of their financial lives.

Julien Franklin, CAP, Vice President of Endowments, Foundations, and Charitable at Bryn Mawr Trust Advisors, describes the advisor’s role as helping donors translate their intentions into thoughtful strategy.

“Our role is to be a sounding board and guide,” Franklin says. “We help donors think about their assets holistically and understand how charitable giving fits within a broader financial plan. Donors often know the organizations they care about. Our job is to help them use the right tools so their giving creates the greatest possible impact.”

Ryan Haag, CFP at Tradition Wealth Management, similarly sees his role as helping clients turn intentions into clear plans.

“My role is to act as a catalyst,” Haag says. “I help clients clarify their objectives, understand the financial implications, and communicate their plans to other advisors and to their families.”

Philanthropy often surfaces naturally in financial planning conversations. As clients build wealth and begin thinking about legacy, charitable giving becomes an important dimension of their long-term plans.

“For many clients, realizing that they can give some of their wealth away is incredibly meaningful,” Haag says. “That ability—to give it away—is the ultimate financial freedom.”

Why Advisors Value Planned Giving Professionals

While advisors frequently help structure charitable strategies, many are not deeply versed in the nuances of planned giving vehicles. This is where knowledgeable gift officers can play a critical role.

“Financial advisors want to connect with clients beyond transactions and understand the purpose behind their wealth,” Franklin says. “Philanthropy is a powerful way to do that; however, many advisors may hesitate to initiate deeper philanthropic conversations if they feel unsure about specific charitable tools.”

Planned giving professionals who can clearly explain strategies, outline tax-efficient options, and share examples of how other donors have structured gifts can become invaluable partners.

“The best gift officers can speak the language of the advisor,” Franklin says. “They help both the donor and the advisor understand how a gift can be structured and how it will advance the organization’s mission.”

For advisors, trust in a nonprofit partner also depends on how the organization engages with donors.

“They put the client’s objectives ahead of their own,” Haag says. “They listen carefully and don’t rush the donor or apply pressure.”

Clear communication, thoughtful procedures, and materials that advisors can share with clients all help build confidence in recommending a nonprofit partner.

Collaboration Works Best When It Starts Early

Despite the benefits of collaboration, nonprofits sometimes assume financial advisors are acting as gatekeepers to donor relationships. Franklin says that perception misses the bigger picture.

“Advisors aren’t trying to control access to clients,” he says. “We’re trying to ensure the client has the best possible experience—including when they work with nonprofits.”

Early collaboration between advisors and gift officers allows both perspectives to inform the structure of a planned gift.

Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D., Director of The Fund Raising School at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, emphasizes that gift officers must recognize the broader financial context that advisors manage.

“For a financial advisor, the planned gift is only one piece of the client’s overall financial picture,” Stanczykiewicz explains. “The advisor is accountable for the comprehensive financial well-being of their client.”

Because complex gifts can affect taxes, estate planning, and family wealth strategies, involving advisors early helps ensure the structure of the gift is sound.

“Major gifts from high-net-worth individuals and legacy gifts often have ripple effects across a donor’s financial plan,” Stanczykiewicz says. “Bringing advisors into the conversation early helps get it right from the beginning.”

Building Trust Within the Donor’s Advisory Team

For nonprofits hoping to collaborate effectively with financial advisors, credibility and professionalism matter. Stanczykiewicz advises nonprofits to demonstrate the same level of financial fluency that advisors would expect to see in the business world.

“Nonprofits need to speak the language of the business sector,” he says. “They should be able to explain their financials, revenue streams, costs, and demonstrate strong governance.”

Equally important is welcoming advisors as part of the donor’s broader team. A simple but powerful step, Stanczykiewicz says, is asking donors who they want involved in gift discussions.

“If the donor wants their advisor at the table, the gift officer should be open to that,” he says. “Everyone shares the same goal: helping the donor achieve their philanthropic vision.”

Keeping the Donor’s Vision at the Center

The strongest collaborations between advisors and nonprofits share a common foundation: the donor’s intent. Advisors help donors determine which assets and strategies make financial sense. Nonprofits help donors understand how their gifts can advance mission and create lasting impact.

When those roles are respected—and communication remains open—donors benefit from the combined expertise of both partners. The result is more than a well-structured gift. It is a thoughtful partnership that allows donors to align their financial plans with their deepest values—and create meaningful legacies that endure for generations.

Get in touch to learn more about how Orr Group helps nonprofits design and grow strategic, high-performing planned giving programs.

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Lindsy Hannan is a Director at Orr Group. She brings over ten years of fundraising experience with a strong focus on corporate giving, donor relations, pipeline development, event fundraising, and board management.

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