The New Philanthropy Conversation
How to move beyond tax strategies to help families connect their wealth with purpose, legacy and community impact.
By Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa, CFRE, Gift Planner
Across Minnesota, more attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors are making philanthropy a natural part of how they serve their clients.
For many who work with high-net-worth individuals and families, conversations about giving are no longer optional. They are expected. And yet, even when philanthropy is part of every conversation, something meaningful can still be missed.
Recent research from the 2026 TPI Study of the Philanthropic Conversation shows that while advisors today are more proactive than ever, many still overestimate the role of tax benefits and underestimate what truly motivates people to give: their values, their families and their connection to community.
That insight matters, especially in a place like Minnesota, where generosity is deeply rooted in who we are.
Giving Starts with Values
Thoughtful strategies from gifts of appreciated stock to donor advised funds and qualified charitable distributions can create meaningful financial benefits, but those tools are rarely the starting point.
More often, your clients are asking:
- What difference can I make here in our community?
- How do I involve my children and grandchildren in giving back?
- What causes reflect who we are as a family?
- What kind of legacy do I want to leave?
- How can my giving strengthen my community?
Financial considerations matter, but they are often only part of a much bigger picture. Clients begin with purpose, and with a desire to connect their resources to something larger than themselves.
For advisors, this creates both an opportunity and a challenge. Philanthropy is becoming an increasingly important part of holistic planning. When integrated thoughtfully, it can deepen relationships, differentiate your practice and support families navigating multigenerational wealth, especially as wealth transfers to the next generation.
But how you approach the conversation makes all the difference.
When advisors create space for conversations about values, family traditions and community impact, rather than focusing exclusively on tax benefits, they become more impactful, meaningful and engaging.
A Local Partner for Deeper Conversations
With deep roots in Saint Paul and a statewide perspective, the Foundation brings both local knowledge and philanthropic expertise to help you and your clients move from intention to meaningful giving.
Together, we can:
- Surface opportunities for charitable planning that may not emerge in traditional financial or estate conversations
- Support implementation of giving strategies, including donor-advised funds, charitable trusts and complex asset gifts
- Connect clients to community, sharing insight into local nonprofits, emerging needs and opportunities for impact
- Facilitate family conversations, helping engage multiple generations around shared values and goals
- Build long-term strategies that integrate giving into broader financial and legacy planning
- Strengthen client relationships by connecting wealth with purpose, meaning and community impact
“At its best, philanthropy reflects both who your clients are and where they call home.”
Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa, Gift Planner
Rooted Here. Working Together.
At its best, philanthropy reflects both who your clients are and where they call home.
In Minnesota, that often means a strong commitment to community, a belief in shared responsibility and a desire to create lasting impact close to home.
By leading with values and partnering with organizations that understand our communities, you can help clients turn their generosity into something deeply meaningful.
To learn more about how the Foundation can support you and your clients, call 651.224.5463 or email philanthropy@spmcf.org to talk to one of our gift planners.
About the Author
Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa, Gift Planner, works to advance the Foundation’s mission by collaborating with professional advisors and donors to achieve philanthropic goals to better the lives of people in their communities. Jennifer feels that working at the Foundation, with its focus on inspiring generosity, advocating for equity, and investing to advance community visions, is a fantastic way for her to live out her personal passions in her profession. Her favorite part of her job is connecting with community members who are generous and care about being part of community-led solutions.
She previously worked as a financial advisor and in new business development for Thrivent Financial, as a gift planner for Gustavus Adolphus College, and as the Director of Development & Philanthropy for Friends of the Hennepin County Library. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in Music Performance and Theatre from Gustavus Adolphus College. She has earned a Fundraising Certificate from the University of St. Thomas and the Certified Fundraising Executive accredited designation from CFRE International.
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors regarding your individual situation before engaging in any transaction.
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