For Those Who Believe in Leaving the World Better Than They Found It: Integrating Charitable Giving and Estate Planning

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us pause to give thanks for family, friends, and the traditions that bring meaning to our lives. It’s also a reminder to protect your future and your loved ones through thoughtful planning.

Right on the heels of Thanksgiving comes Giving Tuesday on December 2, a global day dedicated to generosity and making a difference. For individuals who believe in leaving the world better than they found it, this season is a powerful opportunity to align charitable giving with estate planning.

Thoughtful charitable planning—whether through a will, trust, or other giving strategy—can be a powerful way to plan a secure future while simultaneously aligning your resources with your purpose. Whether you’re thinking about establishing your legacy for the first time or have supported impactful causes for years, choosing to incorporate philanthropy into your estate planning allows you to shape the world for generations to come.

Giving With Purpose

Charitable estate planning isn’t just about giving—it’s about giving with intention. It starts with asking yourself:

• What impact do I want to have on the world?
• How can I make a difference after I’m gone?

For many, philanthropy is deeply personal. It may be a way to honor a loved one, celebrate resilience, or ensure future generations benefit from causes that matter most.

Once your goals are clear, there are many ways to turn your vision into lasting impact. By incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan—whether through a will, trust, or beneficiary designation—you can extend your values far beyond your lifetime and create a brighter future for all.

Charitable Bequest

A charitable bequest through your will or revocable trust is an easy and flexible way to make an impact for generations to come. Your will or trust gives you peace of mind knowing your loved ones are taken care of, your assets are distributed accurately, and your gift reflects your personal values.

Charitable Trusts

For those looking to make a meaningful impact while meeting personal financial goals, charitable trusts offer a smart and flexible way to give. Two of the most effective options are:

• Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT): Provides income for you or loved ones for life or a set term, with the remaining assets going to charity.
• Charitable Lead Trusts (CLT): Makes regular gifts to charity for a set number of years, then transfers the remaining assets to your heirs—often with significant tax advantages.

Both options offer a thoughtful balance of generosity and financial planning, allowing you to support the missions you care about, create your legacy and provide for loved ones all at the same time.

Beneficiary Designations

Planning for your future includes determining the distribution of your assets. A beneficiary designation is a legal form available for many financial accounts that allows you to specify who should receive the remaining funds after your passing. When you use a beneficiary designation, you simplify the estate planning and administration process while creating a lasting legacy.

Donor Advised Funds: Flexibility for Your Giving

A Donor Advised Fund (DAF) offers a simple, tax-efficient way to support the causes you care about—on a timeline that works for you.

With a DAF, you can make a charitable contribution now and receive an immediate tax deduction, while recommending grants to organizations like the American Heart Association over time. It’s an ideal solution for those who’ve experienced a high-income year, sold a business, or simply want to be more intentional and strategic with their philanthropy.

You can also create a legacy with your DAF by naming a charity(ies) as a beneficiary(ies) of your fund. By simply completing the beneficiary designation form assigned to your fund, you can name successor advisors to your fund or a specific charity(ies) to receive all or a percentage of the remaining balance.

Whether you’re looking to give annually, respond to urgent needs, or create a lasting pattern of support, a DAF gives you the flexibility to align your giving with your financial goals and personal values.

Private Foundations

For individuals and families with significant charitable goals, a private foundation offers a meaningful way to create a lasting impact while involving future generations in giving.

A private foundation gives you flexibility, control, and a platform to shape a legacy that reflects your values and vision for the world.

As you gather with loved ones this Thanksgiving, take a moment to reflect on your legacy. Protecting your family and aligning your resources with your values is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give.

And as Giving Tuesday approaches, consider not just how you can give today, but how your plan can extend that generosity far into the future. Thoughtful estate planning turns gratitude into action, creating a legacy that lives on.

Taking the Next Step

Estate planning with charitable giving in mind doesn’t need to feel complicated. With guidance from your financial, tax, or legal advisors, you can design a strategy that is personal, purposeful, and enduring. The American Heart Association’s team of charitable estate planning professionals are also available to assist in your plans at any time with no cost or obligation.

This season of gratitude is the perfect time to begin. By integrating charitable giving into your estate plan, you not only protect the people you love but also help create a future that reflects your deepest values.

About the Author

Andrew Jenkins
Senior Vice President, Director of Planning, Trust, and Investment Management
First Western Trust

With more than 20 years of experience in financial planning, Andrew has spent his career helping individuals, families, and organizations align their wealth strategies with their deepest values. Since joining First Western Trust in 2023, he has brought a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to guiding clients through the complexities of planning, trust administration, and investment management. Andrew is particularly passionate about helping wealth creators connect their long-term financial visions with their philanthropic goals—ensuring their investments not only grow but also serve a greater purpose.

Investment, Insurance, Retirement, Trust and Estate products and services are Not FDIC Insured, are Not Guaranteed by Bank, and May Lose Value.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or endorsements of the American Heart Association. The Association does not endorse or assume responsibility for any information or opinions presented in this article.