Planned giving in a pandemic
February 26, 2021
 | By Jamie Schloegel, Chief Executive Officer |
Planned giving in a pandemic
The need for estate planning has never been greater than now. The uncertainties around the COVID-19 pandemic combined with the impending “greatest wealth transfer in history” has highlighted this need. Financial advisors recommend individuals, especially baby boomers, have a solid plan in place to protect their wealth so they can access it during their retirement and eventually pass some of it down, or to favorite charities.
A CNBC article published last summer reported that “Americans are rushing to make online wills in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Here in La Crosse County, we’ve seen an uptick in estate planning, and an urgency to include local charities in those plans.
Approaching largest transfer of wealth in history
Estimates about how much wealth will be transferred to younger generations over the next two to three decades vary widely, and some experts like Cerulli Associates indicate it could be valued as high as $70 trillion. That’s trillion, with a “T!”
And Morgan Stanley estimates at least a third of that will be given to charity through planned gifts. Including charity in your estate planning offers many advantages, including the opportunity to create a lasting legacy for the public good.
A variety of planned giving options
At La Crosse Community Foundation, we offer a wide range of planned giving options that give you the flexibility to fulfill your wishes for the future, receive income, or benefit your favorite causes. And you get to choose how your gifts are spent.
Ready for planned giving?
If you’re ready to get planning, we encourage you to first work with your estate planning professional or tax advisor to determine the type of gift that is right for you and your family. Then, let’s start working together! We’re here to help prioritize your goals for social impact while achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available.
Become a member of the new Forever Society
Planning a gift to LCF in your will or other estate plans also qualifies you to become a member of our new Forever Society. You will be met by your peers and friends who have also made the choice to continue caring for this community long after living here.
If you are thinking of, or have already, created a planned gift to LCF, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you! We invite all who wish to protect our beloved community’s greatest assets to make a charitable decision today that will ensure support of your favorite charities forever.