Your clients rely on your guidance to make important financial decisions. When it comes to charitable giving, we can partner with you to simplify their giving and amplify their impact. But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from professionals in the field like Karen Pesek, Director of Finance at Pesek Law and co-leader of the firm’s community service initiatives. 

With a strong focus on helping families align charitable giving with financial planning, Karen believes generosity is less about the size of a gift and more about intention, habit, and long-term impact. In this Q&A, she shares why she values the Omaha Community Foundation as a trusted partner that makes giving accessible, flexible, and meaningful for donors at every stage. 

Are there any common misconceptions clients have about entering into the world of philanthropy?  

 Yes. For example, many people think you need a large sum of money to get started with philanthropy. The truth is, even small gifts can have a meaningful impact, especially when paired with matching agreements that multiply the effect of donations. Giving is less about the size of the check and more about the habit of generosity and the intention behind it. 

What are the questions come up about philanthropy?   

A common question is how philanthropy can help lower taxes while also creating a positive impact in the causes people care about. Donors often want to understand how they can align their charitable giving with both their financial planning and their values, so they’re making a difference in the most effective way possible. 

How can advisors prompt clients to think about legacy planning?   

Advisors should begin these conversations early, especially with individuals who have the potential to become significant donors over time. It’s not always easy to identify who will step fully into philanthropy, but one thing is clear: people who make a habit of giving when they don’t have much will give even more when they have greater resources. Education and accessibility are key; by offering information and options early, advisors can help clients build a tradition of giving that includes their children and future generations. 

What makes OCF a good partner to facilitate giving goals?   

The Omaha Community Foundation has a strong reputation for stability, trust, and long-term stewardship. Omaha’s philanthropic community is diverse and vibrant, and OCF serves as a central, reliable hub where people can come together to do good. Their staff is accessible and knowledgeable, which inspires confidence. Another advantage is flexibility: donations can be made in cash or stock, making it easier for donors who want to give in specific ways. 

How does opening an account with OCF simplify giving? 

Having a fund at OCF creates simplicity and trust. For example, during capital campaigns, being able to receive large donations immediately is invaluable. Donors know their money is safe, designated for philanthropic purposes, and managed by a trusted partner. That sense of security and accountability builds an additional layer of confidence that the funds will be used as intended. 

Is there anything else you would like to say about the philanthropic spirit of Omaha?  

Omaha is a small big town, and its philanthropic spirit reflects that. There’s a unique closeness here—people are deeply connected and invested in making the city thrive. OCF is a powerful tool that brings like-minded people together, allowing their combined efforts to build the community we are so proud of today. 

Ready to Connect? 

Download our advisor toolkit and access ready-to-share philanthropic resources.

Schedule a personal session with our Donor Services Team: ask for Joey Felici, Donor Services Senior Advisor 402-614-8530 or joey@omahafoundation.org

Explore CAP® training to elevate your philanthropic advising through our Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® program.

We look forward to partnering with you to serve your clients more effectively—and together, to grow a culture of meaningful giving in our community. 

The post Building a Habit of Giving That Grows Over Time appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Vanessa Denney, Vice President of Donor & Philanthropic Services, Omaha Community Foundation

With the passage of Public Law 119-21, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), several major changes to the tax treatment of charitable contributions take effect in 2026. That makes 2025 the perfect year to review your giving strategy and maximize the after-tax impact of your generosity. Here are two powerful tools to consider before year-end.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs

If you’re age 70½ or older and hold an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $108,000 in 2025 directly to a qualified charity. Doing so keeps that amount out of your taxable income, which can lower your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and help preserve other tax benefits that phase out at higher income levels.

Although QCDs don’t generate an additional charitable deduction, the ability to exclude the distribution from AGI often provides a greater overall tax advantage—especially when the funds aren’t needed for living expenses.

OCF offers multiple vehicles for QCDs including:

Designated Funds: allows donors to support specific nonprofits or causes over time, with the Foundation managing annual grants to ensure the original intent of the gift is achieved.

Field of Interest Fund: allows donors to target their gifts to address a specific need in the community (geriatric care, the arts, food insecurity, etc.) and our grant committee finds projects and groups that are making an impact in that area.

The “Bunching” Strategy for Charitable Gifts

The current standard deduction for 2025, the amount available to reduce taxable income without any specific spending, is $31,500 for married couples filing jointly and $15,750 for single filers. This means many taxpayers will no longer itemize deductions, potentially reducing the tax benefit of annual charitable donations.

If your typical yearly giving brings you close to the standard deduction threshold, consider “bunching” donations—combining two years of charitable contributions into one tax year. By doubling up gifts in 2025, you may exceed the standard deduction and itemize, maximizing your deduction in one year and taking the larger standard deduction the next.

This approach is particularly effective for those without mortgage interest deductions, who are less likely to itemize. With another 2% increase to the standard deduction expected in 2026, timing your giving at the end of 2025 could make your dollars go further.

A fund with OCF gives you time to distribute your donations on your own timeline. You can take the bunching deduction for 2025 and then decide over time which organizations to grant your funds to. Our Donor Advisors can strategize with you to support areas of greatest needs in the community or make gifts to organizations that are already important to you.

OCF Makes Charitable Giving Simple, Even When Laws Change

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is reshaping how individuals, families, and financial advisors think about charitable giving. Planning now, before the 2026 changes take effect, can help you maximize tax efficiency while living your values through charitable giving.

We at OCF can collaborate closely with you and your financial advisor, attorney, or CPA to design giving strategies that meet both your personal and financial objectives. With numerous giving vehicles, our expertise ensures that every charitable dollar works harder for you and for our community.

The post How the OBBBA Could Impact Year-End Charitable Giving appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

As families prepare to spend time together in the coming weeks, parents and grandparents have a unique opportunity to bring philanthropy into the conversation. Discussing giving back, community impact, and personal values can help families align values, build traditions, and start a legacy. 

For advisors and CPAs, encouraging these conversations is both timely and effective. Stacie Neussendorfer, Senior Lead Advisor at Foster Group, notes, “Several recent studies have shown that clients want their advisors to discuss charitable giving with them, so the first step is to have that conversation.” 

These conversations often start with simple actions. Families can start with: 

• Discussing the causes they care about  

• Visiting a local nonprofit 

• Volunteer together to gain a firsthand understanding of community needs 

Neussendorfer adds, “I love the idea of teaching the next generation to give, and one of the easiest ways is by using a fund at the Omaha Community Foundation. We have grandparents who are using these to teach their grandchildren by bringing them together and allocating each grandchild a certain amount to give to a charity of their choice each year.” 

Experiences like these bring families closer while nurturing the next generation’s understanding of philanthropy. “The grandchildren get to spend time with their grandparents and cousins, learning about different charitable organizations while establishing a pattern of giving,” Neussendorfer says. “While there may be many animal-related recipients among the younger grandchildren, as they grow and develop different interests, it is fun to see the various types of charities each child chooses to support.” 

Some families are taking these lessons further by giving through their OCF funds to local nonprofits during the holidays rather than exchanging traditional gifts. Whether through shared experiences or new giving structures, the key is intentional communication. As Neussendorfer summarizes, “This is a great way to get started on including children or the next generation, but what it really boils down to is talking with your family members about helping others and what causes are important to them.” 

OCF provides flexible, local tools that make multigenerational giving easy to structure and manage: 

• Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) allow families to make giving decisions together and name children or grandchildren as successor advisors. 

• Field of Interest Funds connect giving to specific issue areas, helping younger generations see the collective impact of pooled philanthropy. 

• Generation-Skipping Trusts can preserve wealth and charitable intent across generations while providing potential tax advantages. 

Whether families want to introduce children or grandchildren to philanthropy, create a long-term structure for family giving, or simplify their charitable plans, OCF offers expert support and local insight. 

To learn more about how we can help make giving part of your or your clients’ family legacy, contact the Omaha Community Foundation’s Donor Services team at giving@omahafoundatoin.org or visit omahafoundation.org 

The post Starting the Conversation: Philanthropy Across Generations  appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Why Consider Non-Cash Assets 

Donating appreciated assets instead of cash can be a powerful giving strategy, especially before year-end. When you contribute non-cash assets directly to OCF, you may eliminate capital gains taxes and receive a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the gift. This helps you give more while supporting the causes you care about most. 

Common non-cash assets include: 

• Publicly traded securities such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds 

• Privately held business interests, including LLCs and limited partnerships 

• Real estate, farmland, or other property 

• Life insurance policies 

• Retirement plan assets 

By donating these assets directly, rather than selling them first, you can make a greater philanthropic impact and potentially increase your overall tax efficiency. 

2025 Year-End Giving Deadlines 

To ensure your gifts are processed by December 31, please note the following important deadlines: 

• Complex assets like real estate, closely held business interests or stock, and legacy gifts: Initiate by December 9 

• Wire and ACH transfers: Must be received into OCF bank accounts by December 31 

• Check contributions: Must be postmarked by December 31 

• Grant recommendations from your fund: Submit by December 29 to allow time for year-end processing 

• Online gifts: Can be made through your donor portal or at omahafoundation.org until 11:59 p.m. on December 31 

If you plan to give complex assets such as stock, real estate, or business interests, it is best to start the process early so all paperwork and valuations can be completed before year-end. 

Partnering for Impact 

At OCF, we work closely with donors and their professional advisors to streamline complex giving, align philanthropic goals, and ensure charitable intent is fulfilled. Our team can handle the administrative details of processing non-cash gifts and provide charitable receipts for your records, making it simple to give with confidence and purpose. 

Get Started Today 

The final weeks of the year offer an opportunity to reflect on your values and invest in the future of our community. Whether you are an advisor guiding clients or a donor shaping your own legacy, OCF is here to help. 

Contact Kathy Schubauer, Director of Donor Services, at 402-614-9510 or kathy@omahafoundation.org to discuss your year-end strategy, explore options for giving non-cash assets, or open a new fund that supports the causes most meaningful to you. 

The post Make the Most of Your Year-End Giving  appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Trenton Magid and guest cohost Dave Fanslau, the City of Omaha’s director of planning, sat down with Vanessa Denney, vice president of donor and philanthropic services at the Omaha Community Foundation. Their conversation explored Giving Tuesday, trends in charitable giving, and how local donors can make a meaningful impact heading into year-end.

Grow Omaha: Vanessa, thanks for joining us. To start, give us the 30,000-foot view of the Omaha Community Foundation.

Vanessa: Thank you for partnering with us, Trenton. We’ve been in existence for over 40 years. We offer a variety of giving tools to help donors like yourself who want to give back to the community. Our goal is to help establish giving plans and use our community knowledge and expertise to ensure that donors who want to make a difference in the community can do so during their lifetime, but then also leave a lasting legacy that can make an impact on the Omaha community long term.

Grow Omaha: Giving Tuesday is coming up. What should people know about it?

Vanessa: Giving Tuesday is coming up Tuesday, December 2nd. It’s one of the largest giving days globally, but here in Omaha, it makes a significant impact every year. Omaha Community Foundation fund holders continue to play a major role in its success. And last year, we saw a 60% increase in grants to nonprofits through OCF charitable giving accounts. We count the donations that come through for the entire month of November in that total giving goal.

Grow Omaha: How long has Omaha been participating in Giving Tuesday?

Vanessa: It grew through a partnership with Share Omaha and has really became a major focus. It follows a national giving trend that we’re proud to support.

Grow Omaha: If someone wants to open a charitable giving account, how do they do it?

Vanessa: It’s simple. They can call us or visit our website. Because OCF is a 501(c)(3), donors can make one gift, receive one tax receipt, and then recommend grants over time to any qualifying nonprofit. We take care of the administrative details.

Grow Omaha: Omaha is known for generosity. How does local giving compare to other communities?

Vanessa: In 2024, OCF fundholders distributed $235.8 million through nearly 18,000 grants. Eighty percent of those dollars stayed in Douglas and Pottawattamie Counties. That level of local reinvestment says a lot about this community.

Grow Omaha: With so many ways to give, why do people choose the Omaha Community Foundation?

Vanessa: Our mission is to maximize the power of philanthropy to strengthen our community. We make giving easy, provide research and expertise, help donors engage their families, and step in where community needs and gaps exist. Recent examples include long-term recovery efforts after the Arbor Day tornadoes and the Food Relief Fund, which has already granted more than $120,000 to local food pantries.

Grow Omaha: What should people keep in mind as they plan their year-end giving?

Vanessa: Year-end is a busy time, so we encourage donors to reach out early. Many people are discussing charitable bunching, which involves making a larger contribution upfront to qualify for a deduction and then spreading their giving over time. With changes in the tax landscape, it’s a good idea to loop in your tax advisor as you plan.

Grow Omaha: Where can people find more information?

Vanessa: For Giving Tuesday details, visit the Omaha Community Foundation website or Share Omaha. And anyone interested in opening a fund or planning their giving can reach out to our team directly.

The post How Local Giving Powers Omaha: A Conversation with Vanessa Denney appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Gifts to Your Fund

Publicly Traded Securities — Gifts of publicly traded securities must be received into brokerage accounts by 3 p.m. Wednesday,  December 31. We encourage you to communicate with your broker about your gift plans, as many brokerage firms have their own year-end deadlines. As a general rule, we recommend you initiate your gift at least 10 business days prior to the deadline. Before you initiate your gift, please contact a Donor Services team member who will provide you with the appropriate transfer instructions. 

Complex Assets — Gifts of complex assets such as real estate, closely held business interests or stock, and legacy gifts should be discussed with our donor services advisor by December 9 to allow the Gift Acceptance Committee adequate time to review for approval and transfer by year-end. 

Checks — Checks sent via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) must be postmarked on or before December 31. Checks sent via carriers such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL must be physically received at the office on or before December 31. 

Wire and ACH Transfers: Initiated at your bank — Wire and ACH transfers must be received into the bank accounts by December 31. We encourage you to communicate with your banker about your gift plans, as many banks have their own year-end deadlines. 

ACH Transfers: Initiated from the fundholder’s online account — Please initiate the transfer by December 17. Wire and ACH transfers must be received into bank accounts by December 31. 

Credit Cards — Online credit card contributions must be submitted via the fundholder’s online account by 11:59 p.m. December 31. 

Grants to Nonprofits from Your Fund

Grant requests must be submitted through your online account or via email by 5 p.m. Monday, December 29. The final day for processing grants to nonprofits in 2025 is Tuesday, December 30. Please note that the timing of grants does not impact eligibility for a charitable income tax deduction.

Office Hours

The foundation office will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 31.

Contact Us

Please contact a member of our Donor Services team at (402) 342-3458 or giving@omahafoundation.org with any questions you may have. The entire team is deeply appreciative of your generosity this year and every year. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

The post Southwest Iowa 2025 Year-End Giving Deadlines appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Gifts to Your OCF Fund

Publicly Traded Securities — Gifts of publicly traded securities must be received into OCF brokerage accounts by 3 p.m. Wednesday, December 31. We encourage you to communicate with your broker about your gift plans, as many brokerage firms have their own year-end deadlines. As a general rule, we recommend you initiate your gift at least 10 business days prior to the deadline. Before you initiate your gift, please contact a Donor Services team member who will provide you with the appropriate transfer instructions. 

Complex Assets — Gifts of complex assets such as real estate, closely held business interests or stock, and legacy gifts should be discussed with our donor services advisor by December 9 to allow OCF’s Gift Acceptance Committee adequate time to review for approval and transfer by year-end. 

Wire and ACH Transfers: Initiated at your bank — Wire and ACH transfers must be received into OCF bank accounts by December 31. We encourage you to communicate with your banker about your gift plans, as many banks have their own year-end deadlines. 

ACH Transfers: Initiated from the fundholder’s OCF online account — Please initiate the transfer by December 17. Wire and ACH transfers must be received into OCF bank accounts by December 31. 

Credit Cards — Online credit card contributions must be submitted via the fundholder’s online OCF account by 11:59 p.m. December 31. 

Checks — For a mailed check to qualify as a 2025 gift, it must be mailed on or before Wednesday, December 31, and the mailing date must be verifiable. Due to new U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rules effective Dec. 24, 2025, standard postmarks are no longer a reliable way to confirm when a gift was mailed. To verify a December 31 mailing date, donors must hand the envelope directly to a USPS employee and use one of the following services:

• A Postage Validation Imprint (PVI) purchased at the counter
• A manual (local) postmark applied by USPS staff
• Certified Mail, Registered Mail, or a Certificate of Mailing

*Checks placed in a mailbox or mailed using a self-service kiosk may not provide proof of a 2025 mailing date. Checks sent via private carriers such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL must be physically received at the OCF office on or before December 31.

Grants to Nonprofits from Your OCF Fund

Grant requests must be submitted to OCF through your OCF online account or via email by 5 p.m. Monday, December 29. The final day for processing grants to nonprofits in 2025 is Tuesday, December 30. Please note that the timing of grants does not impact eligibility for a charitable income tax deduction.

OCF Office Hours

The Omaha Community Foundation office will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 31.

Contact Us

Please contact a member of our Donor Services team at (402) 342-3458 or giving@omahafoundation.org with any questions you may have. The entire OCF team is deeply appreciative of your generosity this year and every year. Thank you for your dedication to our community.

The post 2025 Year-End Giving Deadlines appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

Timing and Tax Efficiency 

The final weeks of the year account for a significant share of giving. Nonprofits typically raise 17 to 20 percent of their annual revenue in December, with the last three days alone accounting for about 10 percent, according to fundraising research from Nonprofit Tech For Good. Getting gifts in early, before Giving Tuesday, offers more breathing room for donors who want to avoid year-end crunch. 

Giving Tuesday and Beyond 

Giving Tuesday, which falls on Dec. 2 this year, generated $3.6 billion in the United States in 2024, up 16 percent from the previous year, with more than 36 million participants (Associated Press, 2024). While the day is an important giving moment, it represents only part of the broader season. 

The Omaha Community Foundation and SHARE Omaha are working together this year to encourage donors to give earlier, combining philanthropic forces to get more dollars into the community sooner. The goal is to make the holidays less stressful for both donors and nonprofits. 

“Giving Tuesday is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together,” said Teresa Mardesen, executive director of SHARE Omaha. “Collective giving at the local level strengthens nonprofits and neighborhoods, but giving early allows organizations to plan for and meet holiday needs more effectively.” 

Strategic Giving 

Advisors can work with the Omaha Community Foundation to establish a fund with a tax-deductible contribution now and advise grants later, providing both flexibility and efficiency. Gifts of cash or other assets can simplify giving for clients and offer immediate tax benefits for 2025. 

“Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to maximize collective generosity in our community,” said Donna Kush, president and CEO of the Omaha Community Foundation. “As nonprofits face mounting challenges, from an increased demand for services to rising operational costs, this one-day emphasis on giving plays an important role in sustaining the organizations that strengthen and serve our community.”

To learn more about establishing a Donor Advised Fund at the Omaha Community Foundation, contact us at giving@omahafoundation.org. 

The post Holidays Simplified: Clients can participate in Early Giving Tuesday Nov. 1 appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from professionals in the field like Susan Koesters, Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor at D.A. Davidson, Member SIPC. As a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®, Susan combines her expertise in financial planning with a deep passion for helping families build lasting legacies. She is dedicated to supporting local families and strengthening the community through her service to area nonprofits. 

Are there any common misconceptions clients have about charitable giving or entering into the world of philanthropy? 

A common misconception is that philanthropy is only for the ultra-wealthy, when in reality even modest gifts can make a meaningful impact. The Omaha Community Foundation’s Charitable Checkbook account makes giving simple, with a $1,000 minimum and no fees. Most community foundations are prohibited from offering this type of account, but the Omaha Community Foundation was established in 1982 and has a grandfathered status. 

Another misconception is that OCF fundholders must live in Omaha or give only locally. In fact, clients nationwide use OCF to support charities across the country. 

Finally, remember that giving isn’t purely emotional; it can be part of a thoughtful financial and legacy plan. We often discuss tools like Donor Advised Funds to help clients align their values with their resources, maximize tax benefits, and create lasting impact. 

What are the questions you are most commonly asked as it relates to philanthropy? 

Clients most often ask about impact, efficiency, and sustainability—how to make the greatest difference, support strong nonprofits, and give without jeopardizing their financial future. 

Tax efficiency is another common theme. For clients age 70½ and older with pre-tax retirement accounts, we discuss Qualified Charitable Distributions and how they compare to donating appreciated securities or writing checks from personal accounts. 

For your clients with charitable interests, what makes OCF a good partner to facilitate giving goals? 

For clients who want to make a meaningful impact, the Omaha Community Foundation is an excellent partner. They help clients clarify and document their charitable wishes to ensure their intentions are honored for generations. 

OCF’s team is approachable, knowledgeable, and responsive. I know I can reach out on behalf of a client and receive a quick answer. Their internal account at my firm, and most others, makes it easy to process donations of appreciated securities without external transfers. 

How does opening an account with OCF make giving simplified for you and your clients? 

Opening an account at OCF is seamless. For Charitable Checkbook accounts, I introduce clients to a Donor Services Advisor who handles setup and documentation from start to finish. 

For more complex giving, we collaborate closely with clients to capture their intentions before OCF manages distributions, receipts, and tracking. Clients appreciate having one central account to support multiple charities rather than managing records and deductions across several organizations. 

Ready to Connect? 

Download our advisor toolkit and access ready-to-share philanthropic resources.

Schedule a personal session with our Donor Services Team—ask for Joey Felici, Donor Services Senior Advisor 402-614-8530 or joey@omahafoundation.org

Explore CAP® training to elevate your philanthropic advising through our Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® program.

We look forward to partnering with you to serve your clients more effectively—and together, to grow a culture of meaningful giving in our community. 

The post Aligning Values, Wealth, and Impact: Q&A with Susan Koesters, Senior VP at D.A. Davidson  appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.

An Omaha native and proud Marian High School alum, Kathy’s journey into philanthropy began early. While earning her finance degree at Texas Christian University, she completed formative internships with the UNL Huskers Athletic Fund and the TCU Frog Club. Those experiences, and a mentor who recognized her talent, set her on a path toward a career in fundraising. 

Kathy began her professional journey at TD Ameritrade Institutional in San Diego before returning home to Nebraska, where she joined the University of Nebraska Foundation. She joined the College of Engineering team with an ambitious goal to fundraise $115 million for Kiewit Hall. She was able to witness both the facility’s opening and the measurable impact it had on higher enrollment and national rankings. 

Her approach to donor engagement is rooted in building trust-based relationships—connecting philanthropists’ values with meaningful opportunities to make a difference. Kathy has learned from mentors and peers alike, crediting their example for her ability to balance professional ambition with raising her three young sons. 

In addition to her professional achievements, Kathy holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and is an active volunteer. She has been a mentor with the TeamMates program, served on the Omaha Catholic chapter board of directors, and was the GALA Chair in 2018. She also serves on the Children’s Friends Board of Directors and supports Heart Heroes with her time and talents. 

Kathy is especially inspired by the Omaha Community Foundation’s community leadership and the collaborative approach to impact.  

“I love the collective idea of what philanthropy can accomplish,” she said. “I’m excited to get to know Omaha through the nonprofits serving so many different people—and to help connect donors with causes that reflect their values.” 

Outside of work, Kathy and her husband enjoy spending time with their three boys. She’s also a competitive person—both on and off the court—having been a three-time state tennis champion in high school and once swinging a hole-in-one on her first wedding anniversary. 

Kathy’s passion for community, proven track record in fundraising, and dedication to connecting people with purpose will strengthen the Omaha Community Foundation’s work and fundholder experiences in powerful ways. We are eager to welcome her into this role and look forward to the meaningful connections and impact she will help create. 

The post From Fundraising to Philanthropy Services: Welcome Kathy Schubauer as Our New Director of Donor Services  appeared first on Omaha Community Foundation.