When Bill and Sally Hanley's family gather each Thanksgiving, one of their main topics of conversation is where to contribute charitable funds during the coming year. "We feel strongly about giving back to individuals and communities that have helped us be what we are as a family — financially and as human beings," Bill said.

Many families don't think of their religious contributions as "charitable" donations. Therefore, they don't take advantage of the most tax-efficient ways to help fund their churches, synagogues, or other places of worship.

The Hanleys give to their church through the Omaha Community Foundation because the Foundation ensures that both donors and recipients, including religious organizations, receive the maximum benefit from every charitable contribution.

And the Hanleys can also use their Foundation account to give to some of their other favorite charities, Children's Hospital and the Omaha Children's Museum.