Building Confidence in Giving: How Davidson Hepburn Is Bringing Philanthropy into Client Conversations

For Davidson Hepburn, philanthropy isn’t just an add-on to financial planning. It’s an opportunity to help clients create meaningful impact.

As a Vice President and Client Advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth, Davidson works closely with business owners and individuals navigating major financial decisions. Increasingly, those conversations include what comes next and how clients can give back in ways that align with their values.

“Many of our clients are thinking about succession planning or what life looks like after selling a business,” he says. “That’s a natural point to start talking about philanthropy.”

Through the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta’s Professional Advisor Leadership Institute (PALI), Davidson is building the skills and confidence to bring those conversations forward.

Learning by Doing

Davidson first connected with the Foundation through ProVisers, a network of experienced advisors focused on building long-term referral relationships. While he was already familiar with the Foundation, it was through conversations—and eventually PALI—that his engagement deepened.

“PALI is an opportunity for advisors who are interested in bringing more philanthropy into their practice,” he says. “It gives you a better understanding of what’s happening across Atlanta and how to introduce those conversations with clients.”

The program combines hands-on learning with real-world exposure, from nonprofit site visits to interactive exercises designed to build communication skills. One standout experience? An improv session at Dad’s Garage.

“It sounds a little outside the box, but it actually helps you show up more relaxed and natural in conversations,” Davidson says. “That’s important when you’re talking about something as personal as giving.”

Connecting Clients to Community

In his role, Davidson sees clear opportunities where philanthropy can play a meaningful role, especially for clients with strong ties to Atlanta.

“For clients who care about this city, the Foundation creates a way to connect their resources to real needs in the community,” he says. “It gives them a localized opportunity to implement their philanthropy.”

That local expertise is what sets the Foundation apart.

“What sets the Community Foundation apart is local knowledge,” Davidson says. “They understand the organizations, the needs, and where you can have the greatest impact.”

A Growing Role in Client Conversations

While Davidson notes that many philanthropic discussions today are still client-driven, programs like PALI are helping advisors take a more proactive role.

“It’s been a great opportunity to build connections with other advisors and learn from their experiences,” he says. “That shared knowledge helps you feel more confident bringing these ideas to clients.”

As he continues through the program, Davidson sees philanthropy becoming an even more integrated part of his practice—one that benefits both his clients and the broader Atlanta community.

“The Community Foundation helps my clients create impact right here in Atlanta,” he says. “And that’s something more advisors should be thinking about.”

The Philanthropic Advisor Leadership Institute (PALI) is a leadership development and networking program led by the Atlanta Charitable Advisor Network for financial, legal, and tax professionals. It is designed to strengthen how professional advisors incorporate charitable planning into their practices.

Applications for the next PALI cohort are open until May 30. Apply today.