The Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network are offering a course specifically for wealth advisers, giving highlight to the important link between philanthropy and environmental conservation.

“Philanthropy for Wealth Advisers : An Environmental Perspective” is a free, two hour, internet based course that provides wealth advisers with valuable information to pass along to their clients, using real-life examples from environmental philanthropy.

Philanthropy is an important aspect of many wealth portfolios, as more people seek the chance to give in a structured manner to causes personally important to them. Being able to advise clients on how they can do so, and explaining the tax implications of choices surrounding philanthropy is an asset to any wealth adviser. This course (www.aegn.org.au/wealth-advisers/) is designed to introduce philanthropy to wealth advisers, in order for them, in turn, to offer information to their clients about how donations are managed by various types of beneficiaries, and how to develop philanthropic strategy that matches individual needs. This might be making donations over the course of a lifetime, or even establishing private foundations or sub-funds.

As the course outline available on the website explains, the information gained during the course using environmental examples can be applied to other types of philanthropy also. It includes guidelines for every step of the way, from identifying clients most likely to take an interest in philanthropy, through deciding exactly where to direct funds, even looking long term at inter-generational wealth and philanthropy. Being able to offer this sort of advice can set wealth advisers apart from their competitors, and allow them, as the website states, to “provide a service that transcends the ups and downs of the investment market”.

“Philanthropy for Wealth Advisers: An Environmental Perspective” is interactive, can be completed without leaving your office, and concludes with as assessment tool aimed at reinforcing knowledge gained during the course. Overall, the course aims to be accessible, practical and informative.

Anyone interested in more information can contact Lou O’Halloran, the Director of Environmental Philanthropy at AEGN via email: lou@aegn.org.au or by phone: 0412 924 014; or Ione McLean via email: ione@aegn.org.au. Alternatively, further information can be found by phoning the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network on  03 9663 7844. Registation for the course can also be done online.