GREATER NEW ORLEANS FOUNDATION
WINTER 2016
PHILANTHROPY AT WORK
PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR ADVICE A FAMILY TRADITION CONTINUES GREATER GOOD ACCOUNT ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
PUTTING ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS INTO EVERYONE’S HANDS KIPP CENTRAL CITY PRIMARY recently installed a rain garden and other water features on the playground to minimize flooding, with the bonus of providing hands-on experiences teachers can use to illustrate our region’s water challenges and solutions. This is but one example of how the Foundation through its Environment Fund is working to introduce the benefits of green stormwater management.
SOME PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FROM A PROFESSIONAL ADVISOR Q: What motivated you to open your own Greater Good Account*? A: My wife Celeste and I are both born and bred New Orleanians. We’ve always been philanthropically minded, coming from families who emphasized the importance of giving back. Post Katrina, the city has awakened and created an unbelievable opportunity for our citizens to make our hometown even better. This has only increased our desire and motivation to do our part. Q: As a professional advisor, where do you suggest people start with their philanthropy? A: Philanthropy is highly personal. When people talk about causes they feel strongly about, it reveals what is profoundly important to them. For those who want to make an impact, it begins with making it a part of their personal financial plan. Q: What assets can be tapped into for the purpose of philanthropy? A: There are so many options to explore. There is the sale of highly appreciated stock and the disposition of retirement accounts for those 70+. Other tools might include charitable gift annuities, trusts or bequests. There are many innovative ways to structure a gift. Q: How would you suggest getting families with children involved in philanthropy? A: Philanthropy offers a great opportunity for families to work together. As a family, you can discuss your favorite causes, do research, and make decisions. Naming the children as co-advisors on a Greater Good Account, for example, may be a way to extend family values, while having some fun along the way. *The Greater Good Account is a brand name for a donor advised fund. For more information on opening a Greater Good Account, please call Allie Betts at (504) 598-4663 or by email at allie@gnof.org.
Curtis Eustis is senior vice president at Merrill Lynch. He is a longtime member of the Cornerstone Council, an advisory group of professional advisors including attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, and insurance professionals who connect their philanthropically minded clients with the Foundation’s resources.
THE TRADITION OF FAMILY PHILANTHROPY CONTINUES IN THE LEMANN FAMILY The Stephen B. Lemann Memorial Fund was established at the Greater New Orleans Foundation by friends and family after Stephen’s sudden death in 1995 at the age of 65. A nationally-acclaimed attorney, an avid sportsman, and a legendary civic leader who helped create the Greater New Orleans Foundation in 1983, Stephen was perhaps best known as being a generous and passionate man—qualities visible today in his two affable sons, Monte and Zack. Through the charitable fund, each brother chooses his own causes and individualizes his own giving, making philanthropy easy and flexible for both. “I’m quite certain we’re doing right by him,” said Zack, “by supporting nonprofits that are bettering the city.”
Brothers Monte and Zack Lemann carry out their father Stephen B. Lemann’s commitment to philanthropy through the Stephen B. Lemann
For more information on opening a Greater Good Account
Memorial Fund. Monte, an attorney who lives in Los Angeles, uses
where you can name your children as current or future
the fund to support nonprofits that help disadvantaged youth, while
advisors to the fund, please contact Allie Betts at
Zack, an entomologist with the Audubon Insectarium, supports local environmental and educational nonprofits.
(504) 598-4663 or by email at allie@gnof.org.
Open a Greater Good Account with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to support all the things that are important to you. Call Allie Betts: 504-598-4663 | Email allie@gnof.org The Greater Good Account is a brand name for a donor-advised fund that allows you to receive the most favorable tax benefits while supporting your favorite charities at any time.
www.gnof.org
ENDORSEMENTS FROM THE FIELD Organizational Effectiveness, an iniative of The Greater New Orleans Foundation, designs programs for nonprofit leaders.
The Greater New Orleans Foundation
GRADUATE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTENSIVE
“I learned how to better leverage my strengths as a leader and the skills necessary to do my job more effectively.” DENALI LANDER Executive Director, Youth Run NOLA
It’s about STRENGTHENING nonprofits
GRADUATE OF EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
“ Participating in this transformative leadership development opportunity along with like-minded and passionate nonprofit professionals was remarkable.”
Environment
Arts and Culture
Health and Human Service
DARRIN MCCALL Director of Programs, Youth Empowerment Project
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS
Education
WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT
Youth Development
“GNOF found a presenter who was not only an expert in her field, but one who was able to make the information relatable and accessible for everyone.”
When the sector is STRONG the community THRIVES
ANDREANECIA MORRIS, Chair, Greater New Orleans Housing Alliance
Since 2011
2000
1000
Participants
Nonprofits Helped
On such TOPICS as...
Design: Tom Varisco Designs
Cover photograph: Jackson Hill
All Other Photography: Vanessa Rachel Photography
1055 St. Charles Avenue, Ste. 100 New Orleans, LA 70130-3981
Visit www.gnof.org/oe for 2016 learning opportunities.