The holiday season has a special way of reminding us what matters most — family, gratitude, and giving back. As you gather with loved ones and reflect on the blessings of the year, it’s also a meaningful time to think about how your generosity can extend beyond today and create lasting impact for generations to come.
The Season of Giving — and Legacy Building
During the holidays, many families discuss the traditions and values they hope to pass on. For some, it’s the importance of kindness or community service. For others, it’s the belief in giving back to the causes that shaped their lives.
Legacy giving — planning a gift in your will, trust, or estate — transforms those values into action. It allows you to continue supporting the nonprofits that reflect your heart, ensuring that your generosity carries forward into the future.
A Natural Time to Start the Conversation
End-of-year giving often sparks meaningful family discussions about philanthropy and purpose. Including your loved ones in your legacy planning can help them understand what causes matter most to you and why. It also gives you an opportunity to share the stories behind your giving — the experiences and people that inspired you to make a difference.
These conversations can become part of your family’s story, strengthening the connection between your values and the impact you want to leave behind.
Simple Ways to Begin
You don’t have to have all the answers to start. Legacy giving can be as straightforward as:
- Naming Truman Heartland Community Foundation as a beneficiary of an IRA or Retirement Plan
- Naming Truman Heartland Community Foundation as a beneficiary for a life insurance policy.
- Creating an endowed fund that supports your favorite causes forever
- Adding a charitable bequest to your will or trust
Even a modest legacy gift can make a significant difference when pooled with the generosity of others across our community.
A Gift That Keeps on Giving
As the year draws to a close, take time to reflect on the difference you want your giving to make — not just this season, but long into the future. Legacy planning is more than a financial decision; it’s a meaningful way to express your values, care for your community, and inspire others through your example.
Let’s Talk About Your Legacy
If you’d like to explore how a planned gift can reflect your personal values and create lasting impact, we’re here to help.
📞 Contact Cole Eason, Vice President of Advancement
📧 eason@thcf.org | ☎️ 816-912-4182
Together, we can help you plan a gift that truly gives back — this holiday season and for years to come.
