Advisors Are Important Partners

Advising and Setting an Example for Philanthropic Giving

“I say to clients, ‘What is your passion? You can pick an organization based on your passion or favorite cause. You can leave a legacy.’ They are giving something forever. That means a lot.”

— Karen J. Bellamy, Farmers Insurance

Born in North Carolina, Karen Bellamy leads her own Farmers Insurance agency and does volunteer work as a member of New Haven Links and the Woodbridge Rotary, where she is the president-elect. She helps clients understand how they can have a lasting impact, even with small amounts left with their estate. “I ask, ‘What is your passion?’”she says. “They are giving something forever. That means a lot.” Last year, she started her own fund to support ConnCORP, a workforce and economic development program in New Haven because she “wanted to do something for today’s youth,” she says, as she had been helped in the past.

Karen Bellamy is among The Foundation’s network of trusted financial advisor partners. Since its beginning, The Foundation has worked with estate planning, wealth advising, accounting, financial planning and insurance experts who advise their clients about charitable giving. Working closely with Foundation staff, advisors provide clients with individualized giving plans to meet their unique charitable goals while maximizing tax advantages. As part of the partnership, seminars are offered for advisors, giving up-to-date information on important issues.

Earlier this year, Laurie Ingwersen of The Harvest Group and Michael D’Addio of Marcum, LLP unpacked recent legal changes affecting retirement plans. The Foundation also recently launched a special showcase page on LinkedIn called “Partnering for Impact” to share news and resources among advisors.

To learn more about charitable giving, contact Sharon Cappetta, CAP© Director of Development, at 203-777-7071.