The Value and Benefits of Legacy Giving
Legacy giving—often referred to as planned giving—is one of the most meaningful ways individuals can support causes they care about while creating a lasting personal impact. Rooted in thoughtful financial and estate planning, legacy giving allows donors to extend their generosity beyond their lifetime, ensuring that their values and passions continue to shape the future.
What Is Legacy Giving?
Legacy giving is the act of designating a charitable gift—typically through a will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy—that will be distributed after one’s lifetime. Learn more about how to give
This type of giving is deeply intentional. Rather than a one-time donation, it represents a long-term commitment to a mission or organization. In many cases, legacy gifts are part of a broader estate plan, allowing individuals to align their financial decisions with their personal values.
But that’s not the point. What is the point?
A Lasting Impact Beyond a Lifetime
One of the most powerful aspects of legacy giving is its ability to create enduring change. Unlike traditional donations, legacy gifts often provide substantial resources that can support an organization’s mission for years—or even generations—to come.
These gifts enable nonprofits to:
- Launch new programs
- Expand services
- Strengthen long-term sustainability
Because legacy gifts are typically larger than annual contributions, they can transform an organization’s capacity to serve its community.
For donors, this means their generosity continues to make a difference long after they are gone—turning a lifetime of values into a permanent legacy.
Financial and Tax Advantages
Legacy giving is not only impactful—it is also financially strategic. Many planned gifts offer significant benefits, including:
- Estate tax reduction: Charitable gifts are often exempt from estate taxes, allowing more of the donor’s assets to go toward meaningful causes.
- Capital gains tax savings: Donating appreciated assets such as stocks or real estate can reduce or eliminate capital gains taxes.
- Income opportunities: Certain gift arrangements can provide income to donors or their beneficiaries during their lifetime.
These advantages make legacy giving a practical way to maximize both charitable impact and financial stewardship.
Flexibility and Accessibility
A common misconception is that legacy giving is only for the wealthy. In reality, it is accessible to individuals of many financial backgrounds. One of the simplest forms—a charitable bequest—can be added to a will at any time and adjusted as circumstances change.
Legacy gifts can take many forms, including:
- Bequests in a will or trust
- Beneficiary designations (retirement accounts, insurance policies)
- Charitable trusts or annuities
- Gifts of real estate or other assets
This flexibility allows donors to choose an approach that fits their personal, financial, and family goals.
Aligning Values with Purpose
At its core, legacy giving is about more than finances—it is about purpose. These gifts reflect what matters most to donors: their faith, their community, their commitment to helping others.
Many individuals choose legacy giving as a way to:
- Honor their beliefs and life experiences
- Support organizations that shaped their lives
- Leave a meaningful story for future generations
Legacy gifts become a reflection of a life lived with intention—an enduring expression of generosity and vision.
Strengthening the Future of Organizations
For nonprofits, legacy giving is essential to long-term success. It creates a reliable pipeline of future support, allowing organizations to plan confidently and invest in sustainable growth.
More importantly, legacy giving deepens relationships between donors and organizations. It builds trust, fosters lifelong engagement, and connects generations through a shared mission.
A Gift That Endures
Legacy giving represents the intersection of generosity, planning, and purpose. It allows individuals to make a significant contribution—often larger than they could during their lifetime—while ensuring their values live on.
In a world where impact often feels temporary, legacy giving stands apart. It is a powerful reminder that the choices we make today can shape tomorrow in meaningful and lasting ways.
