Use WILLpower to make dreams come true in our community

Experts estimate that before long, more than $41 trillion* will be transferred from one generation to the next, as millions of people in this country inherit wealth. Many nonprofit organizations hope that a large portion of this inherited wealth will become philanthropic capital—rivaling the generosity of the Gilded Era. During that golden time, great philanthropists such as Andrew Carnegie and George Eastman set the stage for others to follow by endowing communities with cultural and human service resources. These included George Eastman's "Community Chest"...now United Way of Greater Rochester, a model that the rest of the country has followed.  

Unless people become more aware of their ability to make a difference with the money they earn and inherit, the country's charitable windfall may not happen.

That's how WILLpower can help. This free resource assists individuals, family members, businesses and donors or clients to make dreams come true...reduce estate taxes...and benefit the communities where they live and work.

WILLpower is a nonprofit community collaborative founded in 1997. Its mission is twofold: to broaden the base of charitable dollars available to the Greater Rochester community, and to increase funds available for community-wide use through planned giving and organized philanthropy. WILLpower is available to present options for charitable giving, and to raise awareness of how the power of giving can nurture our local communities.

 *Chris Farrell's Sound Guide to Sharing the Wealth, Minnesota Public Radio, September 2000.

Why does someone make a charitable gift

The reasons are as personal and varied as the people themselves. Many people give to organizations that have personally touched their own—or a loved one's—life. Maybe an organization helped that person or a family member through a difficult time, such as an illness or personal loss. Or maybe someone has been involved with a special cause for many years, and wants to make sure that its good work continues. In some cases, people leave money to organizations they feel haven't received enough attention or support.  

By giving to nonprofit community organizations, whether they promote the arts, education, religion or civic works, people can exercise their support for the goals, people and purposes they believe in. It's an individual response to human needs, and an opportunity to be involved...while people are living and after their death.

Whatever the motivation, giving adds up to caring and serving for others. People choose to designate their resources for these and other benefits:

• The feeling of value and satisfaction that comes from helping other people

• A wish to leave a lasting imprint on their local community or society

• The desire to perpetuate a particular viewpoint or philosophy

• The opportunity to memorialize a friend or loved one

• Tax benefits—which make it even easier to make a substantial gift

 Even small amounts can make a big difference

Donors don't need to give large amounts of money to make a difference. Small and thoughtful gifts are also effective ways for people to support one or more causes they care about...causes that reflect their values. Nor do gifts have to be cash. Any asset, such as stocks, bonds, real estate or other valuables, can be donated.

Equally important, planned giving is something that can be instituted while people are living, with significant benefits all the way around. It can be part of a smart investment plan that begins now, and continues after the donor's death to touch many lives.

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