Gary Germain headshot

Gary Germain

“A donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation eliminates those issues and simplifies a family’s tax plan.”

Serving as a tax and estate attorney, Gary has observed several clients reach their philanthropic objectives through charitable gift planning. Many were interested in funding a charitable endowment and considered establishing a private foundation or a charitable trust. As part of their planning, it was appropriate for them to consider a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation.

Gary believes that a private foundation or charitable trust may not be the appropriate choice for most donors because of the regulatory requirements and administrative burdens.

“A donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation eliminates those issues and simplifies a family’s tax plan,” he said. “A substantial contribution can be made to the fund, oftentimes at year-end, requiring only one receipt for the IRS. The fund can then be used to support a family’s favorite charities over any period of time, when it is convenient for them.”

In addition to the simplicity and tax benefits, Gary tells his clients that a donor-advised fund can foster a family’s charitable values. For example, its structure encourages family member participation in suggesting charitable donations.

Related Stories

Stories June 27, 2025

John Marsellus Memoriam

John D. Marsellus, a devoted civic leader, left a lasting legacy in Central New York ...

News Releases June 18, 2025

Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

The Central New York Community Foundation board of directors recently elected two new members. The ...

Blogs June 5, 2025

Southside Connections | Creating Stronger Communities Through Programming & Collaboration

On Syracuse’s Southside, neighbors, educators and local organizations are working together to build a stronger, ...

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publications May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Supporting Crisis Response

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Giving Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

President's Letter

Giving Voice Spring 2025: President's Letter

Partner in philanthropy Kriesel
Stories May 1, 2025

2025 Partner in Philanthropy Award Recipient

William T. Kriesel, CPA/PFS, CFP®, AEP®, Managing Member of Diversified Capital Management and Consultant and ...

Stories June 27, 2025

John Marsellus Memoriam

John D. Marsellus, a devoted civic leader, left a lasting legacy in Central New York ...

News Releases June 18, 2025

Community Foundation Announces New Board Members

The Central New York Community Foundation board of directors recently elected two new members. The ...

Blogs June 5, 2025

Southside Connections | Creating Stronger Communities Through Programming & Collaboration

On Syracuse’s Southside, neighbors, educators and local organizations are working together to build a stronger, ...

SYRACUSE, NY: Michelle at Sarah’s Guest House. CREDIT: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Finding a Home of Healing and Hope

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Grantee Story

Publications May 8, 2025

Piecing Together Dollars For Decisions

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Granting Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

Transforming Winter Recreation in Madison County

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Cover Story

Huntington Family Centers, the recipient of a grant from our COVID-19 Community Support Fund | Photo By: Ben Cleeton
Publications May 8, 2025

Supporting Crisis Response

Giving Voice Spring 2025: Giving Matters

Publications May 8, 2025

President's Letter

Giving Voice Spring 2025: President's Letter

Partner in philanthropy Kriesel
Stories May 1, 2025

2025 Partner in Philanthropy Award Recipient

William T. Kriesel, CPA/PFS, CFP®, AEP®, Managing Member of Diversified Capital Management and Consultant and ...

View More