HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — Financial decisions are rarely just about numbers. For churches, nonprofits, and individuals who care deeply about giving back, money is often tied to mission, values, and long-term impact. When money is meant to do more than cover expenses or grow an account, thoughtful financial planning can help bring clarity and direction, ensuring resources are used in ways that reflect what matters most.

In the Shenandoah Valley, churches and charitable organizations serve communities in meaningful ways, often with limited resources and complex responsibilities. At the same time, many individuals are thinking more broadly about their financial lives, especially as they approach retirement and begin considering charitable giving and legacy planning. Understanding how a financial advisor supports each of these groups helps ensure that money becomes a tool for sustainability, generosity, and purpose.

What a Financial Advisor Does for Mission-Driven Clients

A financial advisor helps people and organizations make informed decisions about money, but for mission-driven clients, the role goes beyond basic financial management. It involves listening carefully, understanding priorities, and helping align financial strategies with deeply held values.

For churches and nonprofits, this often means supporting long-term stability and caring well for staff. For individuals, it can mean balancing family needs with a desire to give generously and pass on values. In both cases, thoughtful financial planning provides structure and confidence so financial decisions support what matters most.

Financial Planning for Churches and Faith-Based Organizations

Supporting Pastors and Church Staff

Churches carry an important responsibility to care for those who serve their congregations. A financial advisor can help churches establish or review retirement plans, evaluate benefits, and create compensation structures that are both sustainable and supportive.

This kind of planning helps churches:

  • Provide long-term financial security for pastors and staff
  • Navigate retirement plans designed for ministry settings
  • Create consistent policies that support current and future employees

Strong planning in this area allows churches to focus more fully on ministry, knowing their people are being cared for responsibly.

Stewarding Gifts with Care and Clarity

Churches often receive a wide range of gifts, including cash, appreciated stock, or other assets. A financial advisor can help church leaders understand how to receive, manage, and steward these gifts in ways that respect donor intent and meet financial and regulatory requirements.

Guidance may include:

  • Accepting non-cash gifts such as stock
  • Establishing investment or reserve policies
  • Planning for future needs through thoughtful financial management

Clear processes build trust with donors and help churches remain strong for years to come.

Financial Guidance for Nonprofits Serving the Shenandoah Valley

Building Financial Stability for Nonprofit Organizations

Nonprofits often balance multiple funding sources, grant timelines, and program needs. A financial advisor can help nonprofit leaders develop financial strategies that support stability while remaining flexible enough to adapt to change.

This may include:

  • Cash flow planning
  • Investment strategies for reserves
  • Retirement plans for nonprofit staff

With stronger financial structures in place, nonprofit leaders can focus more energy on advancing their mission.

Supporting Donors and Long-Term Giving

Many nonprofits rely on generous supporters who want to give in meaningful and effective ways. Financial advisors can help nonprofits understand common charitable giving strategies and ensure gifts are handled thoughtfully and transparently.

This support strengthens relationships with donors and helps organizations steward resources responsibly.

For more information about financial services designed specifically for churches and nonprofit organizations, visit: everence.com/financial-services/for-businesses-and-nonprofits Embedded video: Everence for Organizations

Financial Planning for Individuals with Charitable Intent

When Retirement Planning Includes Generosity

As individuals approach retirement, financial priorities often expand beyond income and savings. Many begin asking larger questions about legacy, charitable giving, and how their resources can reflect what matters most to them.

A financial advisor can help individuals integrate charitable goals into broader retirement planning, ensuring personal financial security while also supporting meaningful causes.

Thoughtful Approaches to Charitable Giving

Charitable giving can take many forms. Advisors can help individuals explore strategies that may be both impactful and tax-efficient, such as:

  • Donating appreciated stock
  • Planning charitable gifts over time
  • Coordinating giving with retirement income plans

These approaches allow individuals to give generously while remaining good stewards of their overall financial picture.

Passing On Values Alongside Assets

For many families, legacy planning is about more than transferring wealth. It is about modeling generosity, faith, and purpose. Financial advisors can help individuals

incorporate charitable giving into estate and legacy plans so values are reflected alongside financial decisions.

This type of planning often brings peace of mind and a sense of continuity across generations.

Learning More About Financial Planning with Purpose

Whether you serve on a church leadership team, help guide a nonprofit organization, or are an individual thinking about charitable giving and retirement planning, learning how financial planning can support your values is an important next step.

Everence offers financial services for individuals, families, churches, and nonprofits who want to align financial decisions with long-term purpose and stewardship. To explore available resources, visit: everence.com/financial-services Embedded video: Your Financial Journey Let’s Go!

For those interested in learning more or discussing their specific situation, Glen Kauffman is available as a local Everence financial advisor serving the Shenandoah Valley.

Glen Kauffman, ChFC®, is an Everence® Financial Planner in Harrisonburg. He earned a mathematics degree in 1982 and an MBA in 2006, both from Eastern Mennonite University. He earned his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designation from the American College in 1998 and is licensed to serve clients in various states. He can help families, churches and businesses with investment, insurance, retirement and financial services. Glen and his wife, Sandy, attend Ridgeway Mennonite Church.

Glen works with churches, nonprofit organizations, and individuals who want their financial decisions to support both personal goals and a broader sense of purpose.

Listen to Glen’s full conversation on Late Afternoons here.