Plan Your Giving Iowa

On November 8, Governor Terry Branstad signed a proclamation declaring November as “Plan Your Giving Iowa” month. Organizations in Siouxland are encouraging everyone to consider participation. The declaration marked the beginning of the “Plan Your Giving Iowa” (PYGI) Project.PYGI is aimed at encouraging individuals from all income levels to include their favorite nonprofit organizations in their wills or estate plans (insurance, 401(k), trust, etc.), and to share their intentions at www.planyourgivingiowa.org. PYGI is a project of LEAVE A LEGACY Iowa and the Iowa Council of Foundations."As a LEAVE A LEGACY Iowa Partner we are proud to support this project." said Pat Hubbard, director of fund development at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. "Nonprofit organizations play a key role in our community and gifts from wills and estate plans have the potential to make a huge difference in the fulfillment of their missions." Hubbard said.According to the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, over 80% of individuals will give a gift during their lifetime but it is estimated that only 8% of those who die leave a bequest to a nonprofit."We want anyone who has included a nonprofit in their will or estate plans to add their name to the list at www.planyourgivingiowa.org," Hubbard said. "By putting your name on the list, you share with the world that you're going to make a lasting difference and you'll inspire others to consider the same. You only add your name and city, not the organizations or intended gift amounts. It is that simple.""Generosity has the power to change the world." said Rob Hilbert, the volunteer chair of LEAVE A LEGACY Iowa and co-chair of PYGI. "Anyone can have an impact and become an immortal philanthropist through a gift from their will or estate plan."More information about the project as well as resources for individuals can be found at www.planyourgivingiowa.org.LEAVE A LEGACY Iowa is a public awareness initiative of the national organization the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and the planned giving councils in Iowa. The purpose of LEAVE A LEGACY is to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to make planned gifts from their estates to nonprofit organizations that will help them create and fulfill their legacy.The Iowa Council of Foundations is the place where grant makers come together to access information, build skills and develop relationships to enhance philanthropy in Iowa.