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Why do people like making planned gifts?

Planned gifts (most commonly a donation made in your will or trust) cost nothing today and allow you to make an incredible impact, which is why so many people choose to make them.

There are some other exciting but less common gifts — scroll down to learn more!

Popular gifts for the future

See what types of gifts many people choose to make. Many people make these to honor a loved one, to show what’s important in their life.

Popular

Gifts in a will or trust

Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will or trust – for free!

Learn more

Beneficiary designations

Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.

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Popular gifts for today

Many people love these donation options because they fit with their personal circumstances and financial goals.

Gifts that pay you back

Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.

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Stocks and securities

Many people love donating stock or mutual funds because it may help them avoid paying capital gains taxes.

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Donor Advised Funds

Easily recommend grants to Greater Twin Cities United Way for tax-efficient giving.

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Qualified Charitable Distributions

Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and our mission.

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Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans!

Letting us know is incredibly helpful to our team and helps to make sure your gift is used the way you want it to be.

Planned giving helps fuel United Way’s mission

When you include a donation as part of your overall estate and financial planning, you ensure we make meaningful strides toward achieving our mission: to unite changemakers, advocate for social good and develop solutions to address the challenges no one can solve alone.

Chris and Brenda Wicker’s story

Brenda and Chris Wicker believe giving is for everyone. “Philanthropy” may sound like something only wealthy people do, or something you might save for later in life. But as Chris Wicker says: “This is for everyone. And it’s rewarding for everyone” – whether through volunteering or giving a financial gift of any size.

The Wickers invited us into their home to share their approach to giving back in community. Brenda and Chris are each veterans, and the couple adopted their son after he’d been placed in foster care. Their experiences serving in the military and becoming parents helped shape their giving decisions.

As a veteran and now a parent, Brenda says you don’t have to be older to think about legacy. That’s why the couple included a planned gift to Greater Twin Cities United Way in their will as one part of their philanthropy. “The thing I care most about in my community is leaving it better for my son than I found it,” Chris said.

Watch the video to hear their perspective.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.

Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your gift.

We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).

Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.

Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.

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We’re here to help you meet your goals!

Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.

Name: Linne Lemke, CFRE

Title :Planned Giving Officer

Phone: 612-340-7434

Email: linne.lemke@gtcuw.org

Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know

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