Many people wonder how their legacy will take shape, especially when traditional heirs are not part of their life or long-term plans. For some, this creates meaningful freedom to reflect on personal values, experiences, and the impact they hope to leave behind. In fact, Americans over age 50 without children are more than four times as likely as parents to have a charitable estate plan. If you fall into this group or advise family members who do, take a moment to consider adopting an intentional philanthropic strategy.
No matter your family structure, the Wayne County Foundation is here as a trusted partner in shaping a thoughtful and enduring charitable plan. If you fall into this group or if you help guide loved ones who do, here are three themes to consider:
- Treat charitable giving as an expression of identity. For many donors, the causes they champion often become extensions of their values and impact. A fund at the Wayne County Foundation can carry your name or a name that represents the vision or impact you hope to create. Whether it’s the “Smith Family Fund,” “Sally Smith and Joe Brown Foundation Fund,” “Building Stronger Communities Fund,” “Animal Welfare Innovation Fund,” or something uniquely meaningful to you, your fund becomes a lasting expression of who you are.
- Integrate charitable planning into estate planning. Without the need to provide for direct heirs, many donors have greater flexibility when determining how their assets can create long-term meaning. Incorporating charitable giving into your estate and financial plans ensures that your resources support the causes you care about most. Our team can work alongside your estate planning advisors to structure charitable provisions that honor your wishes and sustain your legacy for future generations.
- For those without children, philanthropy can become an opportunity to engage nieces, nephews, younger relatives, or close community members. You might invite them into conversations, develop a multi-year giving plan together, or even name them as successor advisors to your donor-advised fund. This approach helps extend your values forward while remaining adaptable to evolving community needs.
Whether you have children, extended family, or a community you consider family, the Wayne County Foundation is here to walk with you every step of the way. We would be honored to help you build a charitable plan that reflects your goals, your values, and your vision for making a lasting difference.