An early pioneer of donor advised funds, Philip T. Tobin is chairman and co-founder of the Hudson, Ohio-based iGiftFund, a national, independent sponsor of donor advised funds. Formerly CFO for the Cleveland Foundation and co-founder of the American Endowment Foundation (AEF), Phil is now dedicated to creating unique experiences for donors and financial advisors at [...]
Phil Tobin – Founder/Chairman of iGiftFund Today there are nearly 1,000 public charities that sponsor DAFs, the fastest-growing and most active philanthropic vehicle in America…but not all sponsor programs are alike. With so many sponsors to pick from, the task of recommending a sponsor as steward of your client’s philanthropic legacy is not an easy [...]
When we read about independence, we associate it with qualities like: “Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant” True independence was woven into our fabric as an early pioneer of donor advised funds (DAF) over 36 years ago. This independence allows us to focus on, and act in, your clients’ [...]
If you’re like many people who establish a donor-advised fund for philanthropic giving, you probably already have a passion for certain causes. Often, individuals and families set up donor-advised funds out of a strong desire to share their blessings and make positive change in the world. Many donors have given to charities on an individual [...]
America is experiencing a growing interest in genealogy. There are even TV shows on the subject, and one common theme is that our memory and knowledge of family is fragile. We’re lucky if it extends three generations. Do you know your parents’ cousins’ children? Why is it that family ties so easily come undone? Part [...]
A donor-advised fund can help you maximize the power of your philanthropy. Many of us procrastinate until the last minute to consider donating to charities at year-end. If this describes you, don’t feel bad, you’re in good company. But you can do something about it. A donor advised fund can help you with both short [...]
Some people already have a fairly good idea as to where they’d like to direct their philanthropic giving. But given the wide array of social, scientific research, and environmental needs, many others find it difficult to decide on a specific area of grantmaking from their donor-advised fund. Should you make grants to organizations that support researching [...]
A report published in 2012 by Pew Research Center shows that fully 50% of successful individuals worry that their children, or other heirs, do not have the proper financial skills to handle inherited wealth. If half are concerned about this, it’s likely that the other half should be. In 1877, when Cornelius Vanderbilt died, he [...]
Back in the 1960s and 1970s, as women began to venture into the workforce and become more independent, TV became rife with commercials themed around this newly empowered female persona. It didn't matter what the commercials were selling, the message was clear: women can make a difference in their lives and the lives of others. [...]
Americans are known around the world for their generosity. Giving is part of our very nature. Unique among nations, this reputation for caring predates the Declaration of Independence. Americans give generously of their treasure. In 2016, Americans gave nearly $400 billion to charity. In perspective, that is $100 billion more than Americans spent on prescription [...]