An Exceptionally Generous Couple Who Needed a Plan
case Study
An Exceptionally Generous Couple Who Needed a Plan
An Exceptionally Generous Couple Who Needed a Plan
The McCormicks* are a successful couple who were accustomed to giving liberally in the Seattle area and internationally, but they felt their giving lacked direction. They wanted to give more deliberately, making transformational gifts to organizations they could connect with on a personal level. Passionate lifelong learners, the McCormicks wanted to better understand the roots of injustice in the US and abroad, and they wanted their philanthropy to enrich the world as well as their own appreciation of it.
*names and distinguishing characteristics have been changed
Photo Credit Matt Swain, Courtesy of Columbia Riverkeeper; context: Elaine Harvey at Goodnoe Hills
An exceptionally generous couple who needed a plan
What we did
Over a year-long process of conversation and discovery, we recommended a list of five giving categories based on the McCormicks’ past giving and their wishes for the future direction of their philanthropy. Then, we brought out the scratch paper and helped them craft a mission statement to guide their strategy. Because the McCormicks worked with a team that included bookkeepers, financial advisors, and a household manager, we translated the completed giving plan into a highly visual, colorful poster that incorporated some of Ms. McCormick’s own artwork! The McCormicks pasted the visual reminder of their giving strategy to their fridge and shared it with the other professional advisors who helped to manage their wealth, ensuring everyone was on the same page about the McCormicks’ giving goals.
The Outcome
Today, the McCormicks are giving more of their inherited wealth away, but doing so in a way that is intentional and strategic. We have facilitated relationships between the McCormicks and leaders at organizations the couple supports in a substantial way. Those connections have allowed the McCormicks to gain a deeper understanding of the issues the organizations are addressing, and given them greater feelings of connection and joy in the organizations’ success,.
At Phīla, our commitment to creating effective, streamlined, and purpose-driven charitable solutions is not only a testament to our expertise but also a reflection of our dedication to ensuring our clients’ legacies leave a lasting, meaningful impact.
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What our clients are saying
“When it came time to work on our estate plan with our attorney, we realized we didn’t have enough information. We had ideas about where to give, but hadn’t decided on a long term charitable giving plan that really matched our values.
Because of Phīla’s help, we were able to come to our lawyer prepared with a charitable giving plan we feel really good about. And so does our attorney!”

“Phīla helped us redefine our goals, bring structure to our ideas and interests, assisted us with researching charities, and introduced us to new ones that aligned with our focus.”

“The team at Phīla was a huge help and I couldn’t have done these things myself. You helped to get the client’s goals in order so l could do my part. Our roles really overlap like a Venn diagram. Thank you!”

“My money will not be distributed for quite a while yet, but just to have it done and know that the money will go where I want is a huge relief. I’m so relieved. Thank you-you just did an outstanding job.”
