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What type of donor are you? Finding your philanthropic profile
No two donors are exactly alike. Some give wherever needs arise, some focus on measurable impact, and others are building long-term charitable legacies. Kitsap Community Foundation works with donors at every stage of their philanthropic journey, helping individuals and families create giving strategies that reflect their values, goals, and vision for the Kitsap community.

Lillian Xie
May 73 min read


Step by step, it starts with “love of humanity”
Philanthropy is personal, and there’s no single “right” way to give. This month, we’re exploring how Kitsap Community Foundation helps donors connect their values, life experiences, and charitable goals to create lasting impact in our community. From donor-advised funds to legacy giving, we’re here to help you build a giving strategy that reflects what matters most to you.

Tina O'Brien
May 74 min read


Say what? The tax laws changed?
As donors adjust to changing tax laws and economic uncertainty, nonprofits may see both hesitation and new opportunities for engagement. Organizations that prioritize clear communication, flexible giving strategies, and mission-driven storytelling can strengthen donor relationships and encourage long-term support.

Tina O'Brien
May 74 min read


Are your messages out of date?
As tax laws and donor behavior evolve, nonprofits may need to rethink traditional fundraising messaging. Today’s donors are increasingly motivated by impact, transparency, and connection to mission. Organizations that focus on year-round storytelling, tailored outreach, and evolving giving methods can build stronger, more resilient donor relationships.

Tina O'Brien
May 73 min read


Wake up call: OBBBA changes and client conversations
While advisors may already be familiar with recent tax law changes, many clients are just beginning to understand their impact. With new deduction floors, caps, and opportunities for non-itemizers, thoughtful planning matters more than ever. Even simple conversations about charitable strategies can help clients navigate complexity with confidence.

Tina O'Brien
May 53 min read


Charitable giving, due diligence, and how KCF can help
With so many worthy causes and organizations, it’s natural for donors to feel uncertain about where their giving can make the greatest impact. By providing local insight, due diligence, and strategic guidance, Kitsap Community Foundation helps donors move forward with confidence. The result is a more thoughtful, informed approach to philanthropy—one that aligns with personal values and creates meaningful, lasting change.

Tina O'Brien
Apr 202 min read


Case study: Charitable giving in a down market
Market volatility can create hesitation, but it also presents an opportunity to reframe charitable giving as a strategic and values-driven decision. By leveraging tools like appreciated stock gifts and Qualified Charitable Distributions, advisors can help clients maintain their philanthropic commitments while navigating uncertainty. With the right approach, generosity can remain a steady and impactful part of a client’s financial plan—regardless of market conditions.

Tina O'Brien
Apr 165 min read


Transferring a private foundation? Remind clients to communicate
As tax policy and wealth patterns evolve, philanthropic clients are increasingly split between ultra-high-net-worth families engaging in complex legacy planning and emerging donors taking their first structured steps into giving. By tailoring strategies to each group—from sophisticated estate and succession planning to accessible entry points like small annual gifts and Qualified Charitable Distributions—advisors can help clients build meaningful, sustainable philanthropic im

Tina O'Brien
Apr 163 min read


From Volunteering to Legacy Giving: Building Your Future Donor Base
Today’s volunteers, especially younger generations, are already demonstrating a strong commitment to community impact. By helping them connect their time with financial support, nonprofits can build a natural pathway from service to giving. With the right engagement strategies, volunteers can evolve into consistent donors, and over time, become legacy supporters who help sustain your mission for years to come.

Tina O'Brien
Apr 75 min read


Reverse the Trend: Motivate More Giving in the Kitsap Region
As tax policies evolve, nonprofits may see shifts in donor behavior—but relationships, trust, and clear impact remain the strongest drivers of generosity. By focusing on donor engagement, multigenerational support, and collective giving opportunities, organizations in Kitsap can build resilience and sustain long-term impact regardless of external changes.

Tina O'Brien
Apr 64 min read


Inspiring Donors: Examples are Powerful!
National philanthropy headlines remind us that generosity remains strong, but the real opportunity for local nonprofits is turning inspiration into action. By clearly communicating impact and reinforcing the value of every gift, organizations can help donors see their role in a larger movement. In Kitsap, collective giving continues to drive meaningful change, proving that participation at every level truly matters.

Lillian Xie
Apr 64 min read


When We Give Together, We Grow Together
Mark your calendar for the 2026 Kitsap Great Give and join your community in giving back to the causes you love.

Tina O'Brien
Feb 243 min read


Worth a look: Charitable gifts of real estate
As wealth increasingly shifts through appreciated real estate, charitable planning will involve more non-cash assets. While gifts of property require careful structuring and documentation, they can offer significant tax advantages and convert illiquid assets into lasting community impact. With proper coordination, real estate can become a flexible and meaningful tool for philanthropic planning.

Tina O'Brien
Feb 123 min read


Beyond the donor: Engaging advisors in stewardship
More donors are integrating charitable giving into broader financial and estate plans with guidance from trusted advisors. For nonprofits, this means communications must resonate beyond the donor alone. Clear messaging about impact, governance, and stewardship—paired with readiness to accept non-cash gifts—builds advisor confidence and helps advised donors move forward with generosity and purpose.

Lillian Xie
Feb 52 min read


Charitable giving: Timing, timing, timing
While impact stories explain why giving matters, timing often determines when donors act. Life events, tax planning, and moments of urgency all influence readiness to give. By aligning your communications with these natural decision points—and reducing friction around how to give—nonprofits can build trust, support donor decision-making, and strengthen fundraising efforts in 2026 and beyond.

Jo Delaney
Feb 52 min read


Endowments and trust: What’s the connection?
Endowments are often discussed as tools for financial sustainability, but for many donors they also serve as powerful signals of trust. An endowment shows that an organization is planning for the long term, committed to strong stewardship, and prepared to carry its mission forward. When paired with clear governance and professional management, endowments can increase donor confidence and support meaningful legacy giving.

Tina O'Brien
Feb 52 min read


Keep going: Why donor-advised funds are still essential
Even with the 0.5% floor and 35% cap now in effect, donor-advised funds remain a highly relevant planning tool. KCF’s DAFs provide flexibility, local expertise, and meaningful opportunities for impact—helping clients align timing, strategy, and community priorities. For advisors, DAFs continue to support long-term, holistic planning and values-driven philanthropy.

Tina O'Brien
Jan 72 min read


Reminders to donors: There’s more to give than just cash and stock
Many donors default to writing a check, not realizing they can give more efficiently with appreciated assets. Beyond publicly traded stock, donors may contribute business interests, real estate, QCDs, life insurance, and more. Kitsap Community Foundation provides the expertise to accept and manage these complex gifts, helping your organization expand giving options and strengthen its endowment with confidence.

Tina O'Brien
Jan 62 min read


Big and small, there is something for every donor
As 2026 begins, tailor strategies for both affluent and entry-level donors. Major donors need personalized engagement and demonstrated impact, especially under new tax rules. At the same time, entry-level donors may increase giving thanks to new above-the-line deductions. Layered, diversified communication helps sustain support across all donor levels. KCF is here to help you build a resilient, inclusive fundraising strategy.

Lillian Xie
Jan 62 min read


Planned giving: Overcoming board members’ skepticism
If your board feels uncertain about planned giving, they’re not alone. Kitsap Community Foundation can help by offering education, resources, and support—from presenting at board meetings to providing tools and guidance on complex gifts. With KCF as a partner, your organization can build confidence and move forward with a strong, sustainable planned giving strategy.

Tina O'Brien
Jan 63 min read
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