When people think about leaving a legacy, they often picture giving directly to a specific nonprofit organization they care deeply about. But what happens 20, 40, or even 75 years down the road?
Needs evolve, organizations change, and new challenges emerge in our communities. That’s where Field of Interest Funds come in — a smart, flexible option that keeps your charitable vision alive while adapting to the future.
What Is a Field of Interest Fund?
A Field of Interest Fund allows you to designate your support toward a broad area of need — such as education, health, the arts, animal welfare, or youth services — without tying your gift to one specific nonprofit.
With this type of fund, you outline your passion, and Truman Heartland Community Foundation ensures your charitable dollars are directed to organizations and initiatives within that field, now and for generations to come.
Why Choose a Field of Interest Fund?
🔹 Future-Proof Flexibility
Unlike a restricted gift to one organization, a Field of Interest Fund can adapt over time. If a nonprofit you once supported no longer exists, your fund continues to make an impact in your chosen area.
🔹 Enduring Relevance
Your charitable priorities remain clear, but the fund allows for evolving approaches. For example, someone who cares about “education” might see their fund support early literacy programs today and innovative workforce training decades from now.
🔹 A Lasting Legacy
Field of Interest Funds are permanently endowed, meaning the principal is invested, and annual grants are made in your chosen area forever. Your gift creates ongoing impact long after your lifetime.
🔹 Expert Stewardship
Truman Heartland Community Foundation oversees the management and grantmaking of your fund, ensuring that your intent is honored while community needs are met in the most effective way.
An Example in Action
Imagine a donor passionate about addressing hunger in Eastern Jackson County. By establishing a Field of Interest Fund focused on food security, their legacy could support food pantries today, nutrition education programs tomorrow, and innovative food distribution models decades into the future — always aligning with the donor’s vision, but never locked into just one organization or approach.
Why Now?
In times of uncertainty — whether due to shifts in government funding, economic pressures, or changing social needs — nonprofits must adapt quickly. By choosing a Field of Interest Fund, your gift is built with that same adaptability in mind, ensuring your legacy remains relevant and impactful no matter how the future unfolds.
Start a Conversation
Whether you’re drafting your first estate plan or updating an existing one, consider the benefits of a Field of Interest Fund. With Truman Heartland Community Foundation, you can design a giving plan that both reflects your values today and anticipates the needs of tomorrow.
👉 To learn more about Field of Interest Funds and how they can become part of your legacy, contact Cole Eason, VP of Advancement, at eason@thcf.org or 816-912-4182.
