Beth Gamel, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Pillar Financial Advisors, often suggests to her clients that they establish a Donor Advised Fund at the Boston Foundation.  “On a practical level, I tell my clients that opening a fund at the Boston Foundation is a good idea because it gives them a place to put their money without having to decide exactly what they’re going to do with that money right away.  They can receive an immediate charitable deduction for the gift and take their time deciding what institutions or causes they want to support.  And, if they need help finding a charity to give to or guidance in focusing their giving, the staff of the Boston Foundation is there to help them with everything they need.” 

Michael Fay, a Senior Partner with WilmerHale, assists clients with estate planning.  When philanthropy emerges as part of that planning, he refers clients to the Boston Foundation.  “When I meet with clients, I always start with a discussion of their goals,” he says, “and even two couples who come in on the same day with similar financial pictures, may have radically different goals.  In many cases, people who are successful, especially if they are ‘self-made’, want to give back to the community.  So we begin to discuss the kinds of organizations and resources that can help them achieve their philanthropic goals.  I tell them that the Boston Foundation is the best resource I know in this community.