A Guide to Planned Giving
Christine Dawson, CFRE, Vice President of Philanthropic Services, Community Foundation for Monterey County
A planned gift is one delivered after one’s death. It can benefit you, your family, and the causes you care about. Ms Dawson led us through practical matters regarding leaving a financial legacy.
See Your Legacy to learn more about planned giving.
Your gifts to Church in the Forest are invested in the funds of the Community Foundation of Monterey, when not needed immedately for church operations. Many other local philanthropies and nonprofits also invest there, creating a powerful financial tool to improve life throughout our area. The Foundation’s mission, indeed, is “To inspire philanthropy and be a catalyst for strengthening community throughout Monterey County.”
Community Foundation offers classes for those who want to learn more about philanthropy. Contact Ms Dawson at 831-375-9712 x126 or christine@cfmco.org
Reflecting on my Life and Legacy
Shary Farr, Founder and President, Partners for Transitions
A deeper and more intimate encounter with ourselves, our families, and our friends is what Mrs. Farr preaches. She encourages you to:
- Record your wants and needs regarding health care
- Record the information the executor of your estate requires
- Share the values and experiences that shaped your life
- Create a “love letter” to your family; this is also known as a “spiritual will”
- Recognize the people and organizations that can benefit from your financial legacy
Author Hank Mattimore’s article, “How to Create a Spiritual Will” states that such a love letter to your family includes these elements: salutation, statement of values and beliefs, meaningful life experiences, hopes for the future, personal & family memories, and conclusion. Learn more about this topic via an online search for “spiritual will.”
Shary Farr created and makes available for sale the All Together Notebook, which is a repository for all the practical information your family will need should you become disabled or die. It can be purchased via her website Partners for Transitions .
Mrs. Farr and her colleagues stand ready to guide us through life’s major emotional transitions. She can be reached at sharon@partnersfortransitions.com