Professional Advisor FAQs

As a professional advisor, your recommendations can greatly impact your clients' philanthropic strategies. The Ventura County Community Foundation is not just a foundation; it's a community-centric organization deeply embedded in Ventura County since 1987. Recommending VCCF allows you to connect your clients with a trusted entity known for its transparency, compassion, and excellence in stewarding philanthropic resources. VCCF donors have granted over $250 million since 1987, directly impacting local nonprofits and aiding thousands of students through scholarships.​ Donate.

VCCF provides client-centric philanthropic consulting, assisting in creating personalized and impactful giving strategies. This includes everything from identifying causes to developing strategies that align with your clients' values. Additionally, VCCF offers flexible giving options, such as Donor Advised Funds, which can be more cost-efficient and simpler than establishing a private foundation. Make Ventura County a Better Place to Live.

Yes, VCCF is equipped to handle a wide range of asset types including cash, real estate, and stocks. Our expertise extends to more complex scenarios such as closely held stock or charitable planning, ensuring that your clients' philanthropic acts are both impactful and financially sound.​ Ways to Donate and Make a Difference in Ventura County​.

By partnering with VCCF, you gain access to an organization with deep roots in the community and extensive knowledge of local needs. In addition to enhancing your service offering, a partnership with VCCF positions you as a key player in your clients' philanthropic journey, deepening client relationships and building your reputation as a forward-thinking advisor.​ Donors​.

VCCF has been instrumental in addressing some of the most pressing issues in Ventura County, from educational initiatives to disaster relief. Our work, supported by a network of donors and partners, is a testament to the power of community-driven philanthropy and the tangible difference it makes in the lives of Ventura County residents​. About VCCF – Empowering Ventura County's Future,​​ VCCF’s First Ever Legacy Magazine, Out Now!​.

Yes! We have four staff at VCCF who are Certified Planned Giving Specialists.

Yes! We have two staff at VCCF who are Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analysts.

We work closely with and seek to attract estate attorneys, CPAs and tax accountants, certified financial planners, and estate planners. Our aim is to partner with advisors who are committed to guiding their clients in making impactful philanthropic decisions.

At VCCF, we offer a distinctive advantage by being deeply rooted in the local community. Our Philanthropic Consulting Office provides personalized services to individuals, families, and businesses, guiding them through their philanthropic journeys. We help identify meaningful causes, develop impactful strategies, engage future generations in philanthropy, and offer local expertise on pressing community issues. Our comprehensive due diligence on nonprofits, strategic grantmaking advice, and education on maximizing charitable giving benefits empower professional advisors to offer holistic solutions to their clients.

Additionally, our expertise in planned giving allows us to collaborate with professional advisors to design giving strategies that meet various needs, such as providing immediate income, reducing taxes, and establishing lasting legacies. We also provide impact reporting services, helping advisors demonstrate the tangible outcomes of their clients' philanthropic investments. Finally, we offer personalized consultations, legacy planning services, and access to a broad network of experts and peers, including legal, financial, and nonprofit leaders. This network provides valuable insights and opportunities for collaboration.

We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of several initiatives designed specifically for professional advisors. To stay informed, please sign up for our Power of Purpose newsletter.

Currently, we do not offer specific tools or calculators. However, as we enhance our online presence, our new portal will have the capability to integrate such resources, should they prove valuable to professional advisors.

Donations to VCCF offer several potential tax benefits, which can be an integral part of a comprehensive financial and philanthropic strategy. Key tax benefits may include:

• Charitable Income Tax Deduction: Donors may often deduct donations to VCCF from their federal income taxes, up to a certain percentage of their adjusted gross income (AGI). This deduction may be particularly advantageous for high-income individuals.
• Capital Gains Tax Savings: Donors who contribute appreciated assets, such as stocks or real estate, to VCCF may potentially avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation. This allows them to make a more substantial charitable impact compared to selling the assets and donating the proceeds.
• Estate Tax Reduction: Including charitable donations as part of an estate plan may reduce the taxable estate value, potentially lowering or eliminating estate taxes. This is especially beneficial for donors who wish to leave a lasting legacy while minimizing estate tax liabilities.
• Donor Advised Funds (DAFs): Establishing a Donor Advised Fund through VCCF may allow donors to take an immediate tax deduction for the full amount of the contribution while maintaining the flexibility to recommend grants over time. This may be a strategic tool for managing tax liabilities and supporting charitable causes.
• IRA Charitable Rollovers: Individuals aged 70½ or older may make tax-free transfers directly from their IRAs to VCCF, satisfying required minimum distributions without incurring income tax.

While these benefits may be significant, it is important for donors to consult with tax professionals or estate planning attorneys to understand the specific implications of charitable giving within the context of their overall financial and tax situation. VCCF is committed to working with professional advisors to ensure donors receive accurate information and maximize the impact of their philanthropic contributions.