A donor came to the Foundation with a clear philanthropic vision: include a long list of charities they have loved and supported as part of their estate plan. Collaborating with the donor’s estate planning attorney Marisa Martinson of Berliner Cohen, they turned a complex set of intentions into a streamlined, enduring legacy.
The Foundation’s Family Charitable Legacy Plan (FCLP) was the center point for the client’s charitable instructions. Instead of listing 17 organizations in the trust, the trust names CCF as the charitable beneficiary and the FCLP documents every detail: the specific designation for each organization, the percentage allocations, and contingency instructions for organizations that might cease to exist.
“Working with CCF made charitable legacy planning straightforward for my client,” said Marisa. “They handled the details, completed due diligence, and provided the same attentive service my clients expect, which made collaboration effortless.”
Benefits for the Advisor
- Reduced administrative burden: Marisa preserved the legal structure of the trust while outsourcing the philanthropic details.
- Professional alignment: CCF matched the high level of service Marisa provides, creating a seamless client experience.
- Confidence in stewardship: Marisa can rely on CCF to honor the client’s wishes and manage contingencies responsibly.
Benefits for the Client
- Full-service philanthropic care: CCF answered questions, documented preferences, and provided ongoing stewardship.
- Flexibility: The client can change percentages, swap organizations, or add and remove charities directly with CCF.
- Simplicity: Updates do not require trust amendments, avoiding legal costs and administrative delays.
Marisa found the collaboration efficient and reassuring. “My client received comprehensive philanthropic support, and I gained a reliable partner,” noted Marisa. The arrangement allowed her to focus on legal matters while knowing the client’s charitable intentions were documented, vetted, and easily adjustable through a trusted partner.