Professional Advisors Hold the Key to Unlocking Billions for Good

If you’ve noticed me showing up more frequently in your inbox or on LinkedIn, there’s a reason. You’ll be hearing more from me and our team throughout the year—and I want to share why.

Because this moment needs you.

You are the catalyst. The trusted guide. The one who can help turn intention into action—and action into impact. You help people make some of the most meaningful decisions of their lives. And right now, there’s an extraordinary opportunity to do even more: To help your clients not just grow their wealth but use it to create real and lasting change in the world.

You are the stone that creates the ripple. You help shape legacies.

This is a call to step even deeper into that role—because the conversations you start, the questions you ask, and the inspiration you offer can unlock billions of dollars for communities and causes that need it most.

The nonprofit landscape is shifting dramatically. Organizations across the country are navigating rapid change and are under significant pressure to continue serving their communities while facing deep federal funding cuts. The need is great.

At the same time, more than $250 billion sits in Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), including funds your clients have set aside. Imagine what those resources could do for people and communities across the country, right now. And this is just us talking about DAFs—not even considering the total charitable resources or the potential for communities through impact investing.

Our goal at the Minneapolis Foundation is to work with our donor partners to invest $2.5 billion into the community over the next 10 years. While that’s ambitious, you could catalyze even more impact than we could ever achieve alone.

The truth is, we cannot do this without you. Most DAFs reside with professional advisors like you, giving you considerable access to those funds. And, as people try to figure out how to support communities in need, your clients are looking to you for more: More ideas. More inspiration. More leadership in their giving. They are ready to think bigger, take bold steps, and “get in the race,” so to speak.

There’s a huge opportunity for you, too. According to a recent Investments and Wealth Institute report, 80 percent of professional advisors report giving charitable planning advice, but only 6 percent of clients report receiving such advice. You can lead the charge in bridging that gap.

You hold the keys to unlocking tremendous capital for good.

This isn’t just about moving money from DAFs to communities in need (though that’s important). It’s about positioning you as the advisor who helps clients make a meaningful impact when it matters most.

Your clients are watching the world around them and asking: “What can I do? How can I help? Where should I start?”

They’re not just looking for investment advice. They want guidance on how to use their resources to create change in the world.

Our philanthropic services team has the expertise to support your clients and help make a change in the world. Our resources, tools, and engagement opportunities are designed to:

• Create pathways for your clients to learn about high-impact giving.
• Connect your clients with others who share their values and vision.
• Expand their understanding of what’s possible.
• Provide you and your team with the resources and support you need to guide these conversations.

With deep knowledge of community needs and giving options, we can help you deepen your relationships with your clients and make a difference.

When I joined the Minneapolis Foundation five years ago, I couldn’t have imagined writing this post. I couldn’t have imagined being in a position to help mobilize billions of dollars for communities in need.

But here we are. The need is urgent. The resources exist. And you are the bridge between them.

The question isn’t whether your clients care about making an impact. They do. The question is whether they’re being given the tools, inspiration, and leadership they need to act in meaningful ways.

Are you ready to explore how we can partner? I’d love to hear from you. What questions do you have? What support do you need? I look forward to hearing how we can make this partnership work for your clients and your practice.

In partnership,

Chris Beach
Senior Vice President, Philanthropic Services