Tips to Start the Planned Giving Conversation with Loved Ones

Planned giving is a profound way to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that your values and passions live on through your charitable contributions. For those considering including SAF International in their legacy, starting the conversation with loved ones can be challenging but essential. Here are some practical tips to help you initiate this important discussion with your family and friends.

1. Understand the Importance of Planned Giving

Before starting the planned giving conversation with loved ones, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what planned giving is and why it matters. Planned giving involves making a significant donation as part of your estate plan. It can include bequests, charitable remainder trusts, or gifts of life insurance, and it helps secure the future of organizations like SAF International. Knowing the benefits and impacts of planned giving will help you communicate its importance to your loved ones.

2. Choose the Right Time and Setting

Timing and environment are key to having a successful conversation. Choose a time when you and your loved ones are relaxed and can have an uninterrupted discussion. Avoid high-stress periods or family gatherings that might already have an agenda. A quiet, comfortable setting will make it easier for everyone to be open and receptive.

3. Be Open and Honest About Your Intentions

Start the conversation with honesty and clarity. Explain why you’re considering planned giving and what it means to you. Share your personal connection to SAF International and how their mission aligns with your values. Being transparent about your intentions can help your loved ones understand your motivations and support your decision.

4. Educate Your Loved Ones

Provide information about planned giving and its benefits. Many people may not be familiar with the concept or how it works. You can share resources from SAF International, including brochures or links to their website. Educating your loved ones will demystify the process and highlight the positive impact of such a gift.

5. Address Their Concerns

Be prepared to listen to your loved ones’ concerns and questions. They might worry about financial implications or how the gift might affect their inheritance. Address these concerns with empathy and provide reassurance. Explain that planned giving doesn’t have to interfere with their financial security and that there are many ways to structure a gift that benefits both the charity and the family.

6. Highlight the Legacy Aspect

Emphasize the lasting legacy that planned giving creates. Explain how your gift will continue to support the causes you care about, long after you’re gone. Highlight specific programs or initiatives at SAF International that will benefit from your contribution. This can help your loved ones see the tangible, long-term impact of your decision.

7. Utilize Online Tools

SAF International has now teamed up with Willfora, an online will-making software, to simplify the process of planned giving. Willfora provides an accessible and user-friendly platform to create or update your will, including options for charitable donations. Share this resource with your loved ones to demonstrate how easy and convenient planned giving can be.

8. Involve Professional Advisors

If your situation involves children from other marriages, estates in multiple countries, or other complex issues, it is suggested you involve a professional advisor. Professional advisors can provide expert guidance and help answer complex questions. They can also ensure that your planned giving aligns with your overall financial plan and estate goals, providing additional peace of mind for your loved ones.

9. Share Stories and Testimonials

Share stories of others who have made planned gifts and the positive outcomes of their contributions. Testimonials from beneficiaries or examples of how planned giving has helped SAF International can provide powerful, real-world context. These stories can inspire and reassure your loved ones about the meaningful difference such gifts can make.

10. Keep the Conversation Ongoing

Remember that this conversation doesn’t have to be a one-time event. Keep the lines of communication open and revisit the topic as needed. As circumstances and perspectives change, it’s important to keep your loved ones informed and involved in your planned giving decisions.

11. Express Gratitude

Finally, express gratitude to your loved ones for their understanding and support. Acknowledge their role in helping you fulfill your philanthropic goals. This appreciation can strengthen your relationship and foster a positive attitude towards planned giving within your family.

Conclusion

Starting the planned giving conversation with loved ones is a thoughtful step towards ensuring your legacy supports the causes you care about. By approaching the discussion with preparation, honesty, and empathy, you can help your family understand and embrace your charitable intentions. Together, you can make a lasting impact through the work of SAF International.

By following these tips, you can navigate the complexities of planned giving conversations and create a lasting, positive legacy for future generations. Utilizing resources like Willfora, in partnership with SAF International, makes the process even more accessible and efficient.

For more insights on planned giving and how to create a lasting impact through your legacy, visit our Legacy Giving page to learn about the options and benefits of including SAF International in your estate plans. For additional guidance, check out:

• Getting Started with Legacy Giving: A Guide for Sikh Audiences