A Chat With Martha Trombley-Oakes, Director of Philanthropy

The Insight Hub Team recently caught up with Martha Trombley-Oakes, Director of Philanthropy at the Vermont Community Foundation. Turns out, there are tools that philanthropic advisors recommend to their clients that most people don’t know about (yet).

For those who have only recently been introduced to the concept of philanthropic advising, can you tell us exactly what it means? 

Martha: Of course! Philanthropic advising means you work with a certified professional, who helps you connect your passion for giving with tangible impact. It all starts with a conversation. We want to hear about what drives you, what causes you’re passionate about, and how you envision making a difference. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about understanding you as a person behind the giving.

It’s the role of the Philanthropic advisor to answer your questions and do the due diligence necessary to make sure that your grant dollars are going to the organizations and programs that are working effectively on the issues you care about, whether that’s conserving farms and forestland, arts venues and programming, access to nutritious food, women’s economic security, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ work, or climate and environmental issues or so many more causes.

How do you help people decide where to direct their giving?

Martha: It’s all about understanding your interests and values. Whether you’re passionate about local organizations, national causes, or disaster relief efforts, we provide guidance and resources to help you align your giving with your goals. And if you’re unsure, we’re here to offer insights and recommendations.

What if someone wants to involve their family or financial advisors in the process?

Martha: Absolutely encouraged! Philanthropy is often a family affair, and we welcome input from all stakeholders. Whether you want your partner, family member, or financial advisor in on the convo, we welcome it.  We’re here to facilitate those discussions and ensure everyone’s on the same page.

Money conversations can sometimes be tricky. How do you handle those situations?

Martha: We understand the importance of open communication, especially when it comes to finances and philanthropy. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone’s voices are heard and respected. We act as mediators, helping families navigate those potentially sensitive discussions with empathy and understanding, and choose the type of fund that’s the best fit for the causes that are important to them.

It sounds like you take a holistic approach.

Martha: We do. We’re here to empower you to create a legacy of giving that truly reflects who you are and what you care about. One element of our process includes making recommendations on the types of giving vehicles that are the best fit based on your style of giving, the size of the grants you wish for us to administer, and how hands-on you want to be with your fund.

In some cases, we work with charitable individuals who have been giving directly from a savings account or a family foundation and want to consider a Donor Advised Fund with us because they are looking for a way to make a greater impact.

Is that the main reason someone looks to open a Donor Advised Fund?

Martha: Well, there are various motivations. Some donors may be looking to reduce paperwork and potentially increase tax savings. Major financial events such as an inheritance or the sale of assets such as a business, stock, or real estate also prompt people to consider a Donor Advised Fund at VCF as a tax-efficient way to give back.

Flexibility seems key, am I right?

Martha: Flexibility is indeed a cornerstone of what we offer. Unlike some other options, Donor Advised Funds don’t impose strict annual giving requirements. Plus, we offer features like appointing successors to continue your giving legacy and the ability to give both locally and nationally. We’re all about empowering our fundholders to make the biggest impact possible.

Just to double-check, even if I want to give outside Vermont?

Martha:  Yes! We’ve got you covered for charitable giving anywhere in the U.S. as long as it’s to a qualified nonprofit. So, whether you want to support your alma mater or make a difference with national issues, we can facilitate it.

Thank you, Martha. Super helpful.

Martha: My pleasure. Remember, philanthropy is personal, and we’re here to support our donors every step of the way.