Why Your Legacy Matters
As we step into August and celebrate Make a Will Month, it's the perfect time to reflect on the impact we can have beyond our lifetimes. Planned giving is a transformative way to create lasting change in our community. Whether you're looking to strengthen local resilience, advance health, youth opportunity, or financial security, a well-thought-out plan can leave a legacy that aligns with your values and dreams.
What is Planned Giving?
Planned giving involves arranging for a charitable contribution at a future date, typically through your will or estate plan. Unlike immediate donations, planned gifts are made as part of your long-term financial and estate planning. They can take various forms, including bequests, charitable remainder trusts, and gifts of real estate or appreciated securities.
Why Planned Giving Matters
1. Empower Future Generations Your planned gift to United Way of Central Illinois invests in the community’s future. It funds vital programs addressing local issues, from youth opportunity to family financial security, ensuring long-term impact.
2. Reflect Your Values Planned giving aligns your legacy with your personal values. Including United Way of Central Illinois in your will or estate plan shows your commitment to causes like local resilience or advancing health, reflecting the future you envision for our community.
3. Provide for Your Family Planned giving can complement, not compromise, your financial plans. Strategies like charitable remainder trusts benefit both you and your family while supporting charitable causes. Consult a financial advisor to create a plan that meets your needs and philanthropic goals.
4. Leave a Lasting Legacy Your planned gift creates a lasting impact, building a stronger community and inspiring others to give. Your legacy ensures that your generosity continues to make a difference long after you're gone.
How to Get Started
Consider what you want your legacy to achieve. Reflect on the causes you care about and how you’d like to support them. United Way of Central Illinois can work with you to identify the most impactful way to allocate your planned gift.
Speak with your financial advisor or estate planner to explore the best options for your situation. They can help you navigate the complexities of planned giving and integrate your charitable goals with your overall financial plan.
Once you’ve made the decision to include United Way of Central Illinois in your estate plan, let us know. We would love to recognize your generosity and keep you informed about the impact your gift will make. You can also choose to remain anonymous if you prefer.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
This August, as we celebrate Make a Will Month, we invite you to consider the profound impact of planned giving. Your legacy can be a beacon of hope and progress for future generations. At United Way of Central Illinois, we’re committed to making every gift count and ensuring that your vision for a better community is realized.
For more information about planned giving or to start the conversation, please reach out to our Director of Donor Engagement through out contact page, here. Together, we can build a legacy of positive change.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making Central Illinois a better place for all. Here’s to the future and the incredible difference your planned gift will make!
With gratitude,
Megan Reynolds, Director of Donor Engagement