Our Blog

For clients who may sell a business, the time to think charitably is right now

Business owners who’ve enjoyed summertime’s more relaxed energy can deservedly daydream about the “extended vacation” that comes with selling the business! 

While it all sounds good, business brokers will tell you that many business owners fail to optimize—and they sometimes even compromise—the value of their business’s proceeds by rushing the process, hastily determining an asking price, or not fully assessing the value of their business to a potential buyer. In their haste, owners often miss strategies that can deliver an improved post-sale result and a true reward for their years of work. 

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Help Us Give Our Youngest on Whidbey a Lifetime Advantage

Help Us Reach Our Goal of Raising $15,000!

Imagine every child under age five on Whidbey Island having the opportunity to grow their own home library of high-quality books, igniting their love of reading and preparing them for success upon entering kindergarten. This dream is a reality for more than 1,000 young children on Whidbey, and you can play an important role in putting more books into the hands of our earliest learners.

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Keep your eye on clients’ appreciated stock–always

Such a difference a year makes–maybe!?

By August 2022, markets were down 12% for the year and inflation was up 8.3% year-over-year. Perhaps consequently, but then unknown, annual charitable giving was on its way to a rare (fourth time in 40 years) year-over year decline of some 4% according to Giving USA. Certainly this decline was due in part to donors not wanting to give stock at depressed values. You likely even discussed this with your clients! 

Nearly 12 months later, as of July 2023, markets were up 7.28% year to date and inflation was roughly half at 4.7% year–over-year. Even though the stock market still shows signs of volatility, hopefully, charitable giving will rebound. 

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Smart disaster giving can offer predictability to the unpredictable

Sadly, rarely does a month go by without the news of another disaster or humanitarian tragedy. Most recently, the Maui fires and Hurricane Idalia are making the headlines–and also generating widespread charitable support. Indeed, many of your clients are no doubt supporting relief efforts through monetary donations.  

Disasters are both unpredictable yet, sadly, predictable. Multi-billion-dollar damage events occur annually and, not surprisingly (and thankfully), natural disasters and humanitarian tragedies consistently attract much-needed philanthropic support. 

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Whidbey Community Foundation’s 6th Annual Grant Cycle is Open Through September 8th!

Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) is pleased to share that its sixth annual grant cycle will be open until Friday September 8th, 2023. Any organization that operates with a charitable status or for a charitable purpose on Whidbey Island is eligible to apply for a grant. The organization does not need to have a headquarters or physical presence on Whidbey, so long as services are provided here.

This year, our Board of Directors has prioritized four distinct Grant Areas for funding: K-12 Education, Human Services, and Arts & Culture. Additionally, WCF recognizes the needs of our community extend broadly; we are also opening a 4th Open Area this year to any charitable organization serving Whidbey Island. K-12 Education Area, Human Services Area, and Arts & Culture Area applications will be considered for up to $10,000; Open Area applications will be considered for up to $5,000.

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