Applauding the Power of Professional Advisors

Professional advisors are important partners in our community’s philanthropic fabric.

They help clients bring their philanthropic intentions to life, making West Michigan a great place for future generations to live, work and play. Professional advisors—lawyers, accountants and other consultants—have long partnered with Grand Rapids Community Foundation and our donor partners on a range of personal, financial and estate planning matters. Each advisor’s unique approach and focus adds diversity of perspective, strengthening philanthropy in West Michigan. And advisors don’t have just one role! In their personal and professional lives, they activate the power of philanthropy to create impact and make a difference in our community.

UNDERSTANDING

Brent Geers

Alfield Reeves Photography

Brent Geers founded Geers Law, where his work includes estate planning. He is also a member of the Community Foundation’s One Hundred New Philanthropists, making a personal commitment to be part of our region’s philanthropic future, and volunteers on both the Professional Advisory and Advisory committees.

Brent, through his work, exemplifies the power of understanding. There are many options in estate planning, and clients look to their advisor for guidance.

“In many estate planning conversations, my role is to ask questions. What causes are important to them? Have they volunteered with or given to specific nonprofits in the past? Understanding their values is the basis for creating a plan that empowers the people they trust to carry out their wishes,” Brent said.

INTENTION

Laura Radle

Alfield Reeves Photography

Laura Radle, attorney at Varnum and member of the Community Foundation’s Professional Advisory Committee, has made a personal commitment to give back. Through every stage of her life, she has dedicated her time and talent to causes she cares about. And, as an estate planning attorney, she supports others as they create their own legacies.

“It’s probably the best part of my job,” Laura said about estate planning. “Outside of giving back yourself, helping others to give back is a great thing. Clients really appreciate it when they can put in place a meaningful, thoughtful plan and create a legacy.”

Laura recognizes West Michigan’s rich philanthropic history and sees its influence in her role as an advisor. When discussing lifetime gifts or estate plans, she walks clients through their many options—including direct gifts to an organization, giving retirement assets, creating a Donor Advised fund or crafting an estate plan that recognizes their priorities.

PASSION

Ben VerWys

Alfield Reeves Photography

Ben VerWys is founder and senior financial advisor at Fiduciary Financial Advisors. A member of the Community Foundation’s One Hundred New Philanthropists, he is an active volunteer and supporter of nonprofit organizations, including Gilda’s LaughFest.

Ben follows his passions to establish his own philanthropic legacy, and he takes the same approach with clients—identifying their values and guiding financial plans that focus on what matters most to clients.

“I encourage clients to recognize their passions and priorities and reflect those things in their financial planning and philanthropy,” Ben said. “People can strategically design their life and create unique plans that work for them. There isn’t one right way to plan or give back.”

MAKE A CONNECTION

The Community Foundation has worked with many attorneys, accountants and other advisors. If you are interested in connecting with a professional to assist in navigating your philanthropic options, but don’t know where to start, contact our team at 616.454.1751. We can help you make a connection.