Advisor Finds Solutions for Clients with Support from Community Foundation

Maureen Kenney has been working as an attorney and professional advisor at Bradley & Riley PC for 22 years. This is a “second-career” for Kenney, who had previously worked for the IRS. As an attorney, she does transactional work including tax, real estate, probate, contracts and estate planning.

In her professional role, Maureen regularly helps her clients make charitable gifts, either during tax season or as a part of an estate plan. She has found that it’s not uncommon for her clients to be hesitant about making a large or long-term contribution, due to concerns that either the organization or the community need will change significantly after the gift has been made. “They realize they don’t know what the future holds,” she says.

Gifts made through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation provide a solution for clients with these concerns. Maureen explains, “The Community Foundation is a great tool because it allows for charitable contributions to evolve over time, based on community needs. My clients don’t have to make a decision today.”

She says this flexibility is essential for clients who may have to make decisions in a timely manner. “I had a client who was very charitably-minded. He had a terminal illness and knew that he didn’t have much time,” she explains. “He spent so much time researching organizations, but couldn’t find one that was the right fit for his intentions. It was actually stalling his estate plan.” Setting up a Donor-Advised Fund at the Community Foundation proved to be a solution. “He loved the idea, because he has a very close friend whom he entrusted as a donor-advisor for his fund. It relieved a huge burden for him.”

Maureen is always happy to refer clients to the Community Foundation, but she also believes the organization provides additional benefits beyond tax credits and grantmaking. Maureen has served on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations over the years.  She appreciates the guidance, support and learning opportunities offered by the Community Foundation to nonprofit professionals. She says, “I have experienced the value of the Community Foundation on both ends. It has been a valuable resource for my clients as well as the nonprofits I’ve been involved with.”