Advisor Testimonials
Overview
Professional Advisors who refer clients to the Community Foundation find value in the partnership. Because every client has different reasons and opportunities for giving, the Community Foundation is happy to work with you to help your clients realize their charitable goals and make a lasting difference in our community.
Jim Back CFP®
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Jim Back has served clients for the past 15 years, offering a variety of services from charitable giving to retirement strategies. During his annual review with clients, discussions surrounding their complete financial picture include their estate, wills, and trusts. By asking clients if they are charitably inclined, this opens the door to his breadth of knowledge about ways they can leave a lasting legacy that impacts their community.
Back turned his professional relationship with the Vanderburgh Community Foundation into a personal relationship, serving on the advisory board for the past three years, most currently as the president. His insight into how the Vanderburgh Community Foundation impacts the community allows him to assist clients with the community
connections to address needs. “Financial planners have a role in estate planning, and it’s important to let clients know about charitable legacy options,” says Back.
Through his first-hand volunteer experience, Back can attest that the Community Foundation is a valued partner for financial planners. By explaining the power of endowment, clients can envision how their gift will be used for many years to come. He insists that clients can use this already-established organization to make their gift, grow their gift - through the Lilly Endowment matching grant opportunities and responsibly managed investment strategies – and make their gift last forever.
Back believes that we all serve as a “link in the chain” and we are here to make our communities the best we can in the time we have. Being able to continue that chain beyond our lifetime is truly remarkable.
Wilfred C. "Bill" Bussing III
Attorney at Law, Owner Evansville Otters
One of Evansville’s most respected attorneys, Bill Bussing, has partnered with the Community Foundation since its inception in 1991, having served on the original advisory board for Vanderburgh County. Bussing’s passion for this community shines through his years of service and commitment to many local organizations.
Bussing continues to serve clients with an array of estate planning services, including wills and trusts. His belief in the power of charitable giving allows him to offer great advice to clients who have a charitable intent for their estate. “You, too, can be a philanthropist. You need not be extraordinarily wealthy. You can leave a charitable legacy and still remember your family,”
Bussing explained. “Accepting the charitable gift comes with accepting the intent and purpose of the donor’s wishes, and administering the funds in that manner.”
He agrees that the Community Foundation is perfectly positioned to do just that – with 30 years of experience, and a transparent process for donors. Bussing states, “You allow donors to do the fun part, which is to decide which charities get the money, without the unglamorous part of following all the legal accountabilities.”
You can leave a charitable gift in your estate to any qualified organization through the Community Foundation, and your name will be attached to your gift for years to come. That is the power of endowment and leaving a charitable legacy.
Shannon S. Frank
Partner, Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP
Having practiced real estate, construction and small business law for more than 30 years, Shannon Frank provides her clients with expert advice on estate planning. By understanding their lifelong passions, goals, and what’s important to them, she can ensure their wishes are carried on through their lifetime and beyond.
Frank has partnered with the Community Foundation for many years. Her first experience dates back to ensuring a client’s wishes were carried out through their last will and testament. They were passionately committed to one local nonprofit that touched their hearts, so they left a large bequest to the organization.
Since the organization did not have the ability to manage such a large amount of money, she was able to step in and petition the court for the Community Foundation to accept the large bequest. This allowed for the creation of a designated endowment fund in their name, ensuring the organization is sustainable in perpetuity. The client’s wishes were exceeded and this local organization is thriving still today, receiving annual grant distributions through this endowment fund.
“The Community Foundation has an important role in the charitable giving realm,” states Frank. “As an experienced group with the common goal of sustaining charitable organizations – the experience level and oversight ensures our client’s wishes are carried through forever. One major benefit is the consolidation of management and sharing of expenses which allows for a cost-reduction to organizations.” Frank truly believes the Community Foundation can improve the sustainability of nonprofit organizations.
