Facilitating Philanthropy with Gordon Nielsen

Gordon Nielsen is a dedicated attorney and partner at Delaney, Nielsen & Sannes, P.C. in Sisseton. With roots deep in Northeast South Dakota, Gordon has been serving his community for decades. After graduating as a Sterling Honors Graduate from the University of South Dakota School of Law, Gordon's career path led him to become a trusted advisor specializing in estate planning, estate administration, and real estate matters.

Beyond his legal practice, Gordon is a passionate advocate for philanthropy. As a South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) Key Club Member, he helps clients realize their charitable goals through thoughtful estate planning.

Gordon joined Patrick Gallagher, SDCF Community Development Coordinator, to discuss how he works with clients and organizations to meet charitable goals.

Gordon understands the pivotal role of timing in discussing charitable giving with his clients, ensuring they explore opportunities that resonate with their values.

When asked how he brings up charitable giving with his clients, Gordon shared, “You know most people who come to my office have an idea of how they want their estate plan laid out,” said Gordon,” but it takes an experienced estate planner to know when it’s the right time to bring up the topic of charitable giving. In my experience, clients are often eager to learn more about how they can give back through their estate.”

Two of the main ways he encourages charitable giving is through a direct philanthropic gift in an estate plan or by helping clients set up a contingent gift in an estate plan to include a charitable gift that will take effect if their intended heir does not survive them.

“My advice [to fellow estate planners] would be to educate yourself as far as the opportunities that are out there for charitable giving,” Gordon said. “You know many people think they don’t have enough money to give, or that giving is just for the rich, but places like the South Dakota Community Foundation make it easy to give back. So, when those conversations come up, it’s so important to be educated so you can provide people the proper advice to see their charitable goals come to life.”

Gordon has also helped nonprofit organizations partner with SDCF. He has enjoyed working with SDCF over the years on several projects and finds the services that SDCF can provide to nonprofit organizations a key to success.

From his perspective as a volunteer board member, he observed, “You know we always have plenty on our plates, but when we partner with the South Dakota Community Foundation, we can take comfort in knowing the services that they provide help us focus our efforts in other areas, and they will take some of the burden off of our plate.”

Gordon shares satisfaction with his clients, and a rewarding feeling of knowing that together they are sharing, and making a difference. To Gordon, this is the power of philanthropy.