A Rewarding Collaboration

Brown Smith Wallace Tax Partner and Startup Industry Group Leader Cathy Goldsticker often turns to the St. Louis Community Foundation when she wants to help one of her clients develop a smart, tax-efficient charitable giving plan.

“I can count on the folks there to take good care of my clients,” she says. “Whether it is opening one of their locally-managed donor advised funds or putting together a comprehensive charitable giving plan, the staff at the Foundation listen to my clients, provide unparalleled service, and have a deep understanding of St. Louis nonprofits and community needs.”

Cathy also notes the staff’s ability to synthesize a charitable giving plan that meets her clients’ philanthropic aspirations, while also maximizing tax efficiency.

“Tax policy is constantly changing,” Cathy says. “The Foundation works with me to realize the tax benefits my clients want to incorporate into their long-term philanthropy.”

In addition to working with the Foundation on client matters, Cathy is also a graduate of the Foundation’s Philanthropic Institute for Professional Advisors (PIPA), a collaboration between the St. Louis Community Foundation, The Jewish Federation of St. Louis and the Roman Catholic Foundation of Eastern Missouri.   PIPA creates a greater understanding of the values that motivate philanthropy and ways to satisfy client intentions. As participants hone their values-based communication skills, they also have the opportunity to form strong and enduring professional ties.

“PIPA was instrumental in helping deepen my understanding of the values that motivate philanthropy and satisfy my clients’ intentions,” says Cathy. “The program is another indication of the Foundation’s ability to offer my clients and me the tools we need to put comprehensive tax and charitable plans in place.

“Together, we make a good team.”

To learn more about Community Foundation services, visit here, or find out about PIPA, visit here.