BMO Nesbitt Burns Charitable Giving Program – a Great Way to Expand your Wealth Management Discussions

• The Community Foundation of Ottawa (CFO) recently opened an account through the BMO Nesbitt Burns Charitable Giving Program thanks to Gord Srdoc of the Ottawa Dalhousie Branch. Gord was one of the firm’s first Investment Advisors to participate in the BMO Nesbitt Burns Charitable Giving Program and shares with us some of the highlights from his experience. Through the BMO Nesbitt Burns Charitable Giving Program, Gord was able to successfully expand his dialogue with his client beyond the traditional investment discussion. The area of philanthropy was not something they had previously discussed, so it helped to evolve their relationship. The client now feels that Gord is able to help her in all aspects of her finances, which she finds very comforting.

  The first step that Gord took was to foster a collaborative approach to the process by setting up a meeting between himself, the client, her accountant and finally, the Community Foundation of Ottawa to ensure all parties were on the same page. His client was very impressed with the partnership between the Community Foundation of Ottawa and BMO Nesbitt Burns – and more importantly that the local community foundation was able to meet her charitable giving needs – and more!

  The client was impressed with two features of the program: first that she was able to establish a lasting legacy that will continue on in perpetuity because her donations will continue to grow over time, and secondly, the client was happy to have the freedom of choice to recommend the individual charities that she would like to support from her fund.

  Gord felt that the Foundation did an excellent job explaining to his client that they are committed to supporting and strengthening the community, and hopes to do much more business with them in the future.

  For more information on the BMO Nesbitt Burns Charitable Giving Program, please click here or contact the Wealth Management Resource desk through Our One Point of Contact. wealth@bmonb.com or (416) 359-5757.