At United Way of 1000 Lakes, we believe that generosity today can echo for generations. One of the most powerful ways to ensure our mission endures is through planned giving to our Endowment Fund. By making a legacy gift, donors can meet their own financial objectives while advancing causes they care deeply about. Depending on your goals, a planned gift may help reduce taxes, increase income, conserve family wealth, or reflect your special interests—all while fulfilling your charitable vision.

Unlike annual campaign gifts, which address immediate needs, contributions to the Endowment are invested for long-term growth. As the Endowment’s principal grows, it will begin to generate earnings each year that can be reinvested into United Way’s core mission—helping children succeed in school, supporting families on the path to financial stability, strengthening health and well-being, and ensuring a safety net of services for those in need. At United Way, we are still building this foundation, but each gift brings us closer to the day when the Endowment consistently produces resources to sustain and expand this vital work for generations to come. The Fund is managed in partnership with the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, ensuring that contributions are invested wisely and with lasting impact.

Planned giving provides a powerful way for community members to ensure their generosity continues to make a difference long after today. These gifts can be tailored to fit personal goals—whether through a bequest, retirement plan, life insurance policy, trust, or donor-advised fund. Even modest contributions, when invested over time, can grow into something transformative, strengthening United Way’s ability to respond to changing needs while honoring the donor’s vision.

Donors who make a planned gift of any kind are welcomed into The Legacy Society, a circle of supporters whose commitment extends United Way’s reach into the future. Membership is not just recognition—it is a testament to the belief that strong families, healthy communities, and opportunities for all are worth sustaining for generations to come.

Estate Planning Seminar

To help community members explore these opportunities, the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation is hosting a free Estate Planning Seminar on Tuesday, October 7, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Timberlake Lodge.

This seminar will cover:

• What estate planning is and why it matters
• Common tools such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives
• Financial planning tips to support your goals
• How charitable giving can be part of your legacy

Presenters include Jerry Ophoven of Anderson, Ophoven, Stauffer and Jahn, P.A. and Andrew Shermoen of RBC Wealth Management, Transcend Wealth Solutions Group. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be provided.

Space is limited—register by calling the Community Foundation at 218-999-9100 or emailing info@gracf.org.

Start Your Legacy Today
The legal name to use in gift-planning transactions is:
United Way of 1000 Lakes
Federal Tax ID Number: 41-6042589

If you have already included United Way in your plans, we’d love to hear from you. Your commitment will be honored through our Legacy Society. To learn more, contact Kim Brink Smith, Executive Director, at kimberly@uwlakes.org or 218-999-7570.