Close your eyes and imagine Saginaw County in the future. 10 years. 20 years. 50 years. Do you see a community with a robust arts culture? Do you see safe places for children to play? Do you see opportunities for residents to pursue higher education via scholarships? Do you see neighborhoods strengthened, health safeguarded or the environment protected? All of these visions can be realized with your help.

 

A golden age

Following WWII, the United States had one of the world’s largest workforces. This generation won the war and survived the Great Depression. Through their hard work, they built significant wealth through diligent saving and investing. Much of this wealth is currently invested in family homes and farms, retirement accounts and other assets – some of which may be heavily taxed if given to heirs.

 

The power of giving together

According to a recent study, between now and 2063, $59 trillion in assets will be transferred from one generation to the next. In Saginaw County, $16 billion will be transferred over the next 50 years. In the next 10 years alone: $2.6 billion. If transferred wisely, the possibility to solve local challenges or pursue local opportunities is virtually unlimited.

 

We, as citizens of Saginaw County, have an amazing opportunity. Imagine this: if in 10 years only 5% of this wealth is directed to a charitable endowment, the resulting $129 million would generate hundreds of thousands of dollars every year for community projects and initiatives across Saginaw County – forever. You’ve lived here. You’ve worked here. You can give back here with a gift to our community’s future.

 

Create a permanent legacy

Now is the time to solve local challenges – to think big and dream bigger dreams. By designating a planned gift from your estate, you can leave a permanent legacy of giving. A legacy that will be a source of pride for your family and help build a stronger community. Getting started with legacy planning can seem overwhelming. Saginaw Community Foundation is here to help guide you through the process. Here are four easy ways to make a planned gift to Saginaw Community Foundation:

 

 

Keep it local

For nearly 30 years, Saginaw Community Foundation has existed to fulfill donor wishes and enable community initiatives to come to life. We provide personalized service and access to local experts. We are staffed by people from our community and led by a local board of directors. This group of people has an in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and resources that shape our community, enabling us to play a key role in solving community challenges. We help you make a difference where it is needed most, now and forever.

 

Interested in learning more?

Please let us know more about your charitable intentions. We can work directly with your estate, tax or financial advisor to help you achieve your philanthropic goals. This is an incredible moment in not only our nation’s history, but also right here in our community where we live, work and play. Together, you and the Saginaw Community Foundation can have the greatest impact on Saginaw County that private citizens have ever made.

 

For conversations, ideas, planning guides and more, contact Reneé Johnston, president and CEO of Saginaw Community Foundation at (989) 755-0545 or renee@saginawfoundation.org.