Your Legacy, Your Values
August is National Make-A-Will Month, a timely reminder to create or review your will and make sure it reflects the people, places, and causes that matter most to you.
A will helps ensure your loved ones are cared for and your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It can also carry forward the values that have guided your life. By including a charitable gift in your estate plan, you can continue supporting the organizations and communities you love beyond your lifetime.
Creating a charitable legacy is not only for the wealthy, and it does not necessarily require making a gift today. A planned gift can be designed around your family, financial circumstances, and charitable goals.
One of the simplest options is a bequest in your will or living trust. You may leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a portion of what remains after your loved ones have been provided for.
You may also name the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, one of our local affiliate foundations, or a charitable fund held with us as a beneficiary of a retirement account, such as an individual retirement account (IRA), 401k, or 403 (b) plan.
Your charitable legacy should reflect what matters most to you. Through CFNEIA, your estate gift can support the nonprofits, causes, or communities you care about, or respond to changing local needs for generations to come.
Our team will work with you and your professional advisors to create a plan that reflects your values and clearly documents your wishes. Your gift can be invested and stewarded for the long term, allowing your generosity to continue making a difference.
As wealth transfers from one generation to the next across Iowa, there is a meaningful opportunity to keep a portion of those resources working in the communities where they were built.
Through 5 for the Future, CFNEIA encourages people to consider directing 5% of their estates to local charitable organizations or a charitable fund. A gift of 5% can create a lasting charitable legacy while still taking care of your loved ones.
When many people make this commitment, their generosity can collectively create significant resources for Iowa communities. Your gift can become part of what keeps the place you love vibrant and strong well into the future.
Begin by thinking about the people you want to provide for and the difference you want to make. Review your assets and beneficiary designations, then talk with an estate planning attorney to ensure your wishes are clearly and legally expressed.
CFNEIA can help you explore your charitable options and document how you want your gift to be used. If you have already included CFNEIA, one of our local affiliate foundations, or a fund held with us in your estate plan, we encourage you to let us know. You may remain anonymous, but sharing your intentions allows us to thank you, confirm that we understand your wishes, and welcome you to our Legacy Society.
Your will is more than a plan for your assets. It is an expression of what you value and an opportunity to shape the future of the community you call home. One thoughtful decision today can help ensure you are here for good.
This article is provided for informational purposes and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your professional advisors when creating or updating your estate plan.
