Donors Not Looking to Advisors for Philanthropy Help

But if they do need advice, 35% foundation professionals surveyed said they preferred to ask a philanthropic peer. For those who might seek advice from a professional, the choice of 16% would be a philanthropic consultant, of 12% a financial advisor, of 5% an accountant and of 4% an attorney.

These responses notwithstanding, Foundation Source found that respondents may consult their financial advisor on several specific issues in the coming year:

• 30%—engaging the next generation in philanthropy
• 25%—impact investing
• 25%—advice about philanthropic goals
• 22%—assistance with a major gift
• 17%—information on causes, charitable groups or projects

How can advisors become more engaged in their clients' charitable giving activities? For a start, get better informed about philanthropic issues.

The survey identified several ways in which advisors can add value for their philanthropic clients.

It found that respondents' most desired assistance focused on education and training: 51% said they wanted to receive investment management training; 32% wanted their advisors to suggest philanthropic conferences and educational opportunities and 21% wanted their advisor to recommend books and resources on philanthropy. Some respondents said they would appreciate their financial advisor's taking the lead around next-generation development, including mentoring younger family members and launching a junior board.

Others said they would like to see their advisors coordinating board/family meetings, organizing site visits and facilitating community service projects or philanthropic activities.

"Although donors have traditionally not reached out to their financial advisors about their giving, there clearly is an opportunity for advisors to step in and proactively deliver more value in this area," Page Snow, chief philanthropic and marketing officer at Foundation Source, said in the statement.

— Check out Top 15 Charities for 2014 Fundraising on ThinkAdvisor.