Planned Giving

Bob and Candy White, Legacy Society Members

If you’ve been wondering how to create a long-term impact for the causes you care about—like your church, an arts organization, a local nonprofit, or a scholarship fund—you’re not alone.

Many thoughtful donors want their generosity to live on. But figuring out how to structure a planned gift can feel overwhelming.

That’s where we come in.

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Download a Free Estate Planning Guide

What Is Planned Giving?

Planned giving allows you to designate a portion of your estate—cash, investments, property, or retirement accounts—to benefit the organizations and causes you care about most.

It’s your opportunity to:

Support one or multiple nonprofits
Maximize tax benefits
Leave a lasting legacy that reflects your values
Create a fund that continues giving in your name for generations

You Can Set Up a Planned Gift in Just a Few Steps

You don’t need to be wealthy, and you don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start with one decision: what do you want your giving to accomplish after you’re gone?

From there, Truman Heartland Community Foundation (THCF) can help.

We work with individuals and families to make planned giving simple, flexible, and meaningful—whether you want to give to one organization or several.

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Free Estate Planning Guide

Bequest IRA Beneficiary Designation Beneficiary Designation Gifts Charitable Remainder Unitrust

You transfer your cash or appreciated property to fund a charitable remainder unitrust. The trust sells your property tax free and provides you (or someone else) with income for life or a term of years. Learn more about how to make your assets work for you as well as benefit your favorite charity with a charitable remainder unitrust. When donors plan to give the income benefit to their children or someone else, this is sometimes referred to as a give it twice trust.

Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust Charitable Lead Trust Sale and Unitrust Bargain Sale Life Estate Reserve

Why Partner with THCF for Planned Giving?

Support multiple charities with a single, flexible plan
Enjoy tax advantages during your lifetime or for your estate
Trust experienced stewards to manage your gift responsibly
Ease the burden on your family by having a clear plan
Leave a lasting legacy aligned with your passions

Whether your goal is to build a personal endowment, create a family fund, or support a community initiative, we’ll help you create the right strategy and handle the details—so you can focus on the impact.

Download a Free Estate Planning Guide

A clear, professional giving plan

Recognition (if desired) as a Legacy Society member

Confidence your gift will be managed and distributed with integrity

Include your fund or shell fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation in your will, as a beneficiary designation, or other options we can help you explore.
Complete a Future Gift Statement of Intent (PDF) form to let us know how you will give and how you want to be recognized.

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Fill out a Future Gift Statement of Intent (PDF)

Q: What if I don’t have money to give today?
You can still set up a deferred fund that’s activated with your estate gift—no immediate donation required. This can also be referred to as a called a "Shell Fund"

Q: Am I limited to supporting Funds that already exist at THCF?
No. We help you give to your chosen causes—whether that’s your alma mater, local symphony, church, or another nonprofit.

Q: Can I support multiple nonprofits through one plan?
Absolutely. That’s one of the best reasons to work with us—we make it easy to manage and distribute your gifts to multiple recipients.

If you’re working with an attorney or estate planner, you may be asked for specific language to include in your will or trust. Below are commonly used examples you can adapt to suit your goals. These templates make it simple to direct a gift to your fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

Note: You can modify the amounts or percentages as needed. We’re happy to work with you or your advisor to customize language that fits your unique plan.

Bequest of Cash
"I bequeath the sum of $250,000* to My Fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation of Independence, Missouri, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization [EIN #43-1482136]."

Bequest of a Percent of the Estate
"I devise and bequeath 50%* of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to My Fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation of Independence, Missouri, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization [EIN #43-1482136]."

Contingent Bequest
"If my brother John Doe survives me, I devise and bequeath 75%* of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to John Doe. If John Doe does not survive me, then I devise and bequeath 100%* of my residuary estate, whether real or personal property and wherever located, to My Fund at Truman Heartland Community Foundation of Independence, Missouri, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization [EIN #43-1482136]."

*Please feel free to change the numbers or percentages as you desire.

A legacy gift at Truman Heartland is an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the community. It truly is a gift that keeps on giving.

- Rebecca Knepper, Professional Advisor and Legacy Society Member

Contact Cole Eason to learn how we can help: Eason@thcf.org or call 816-912-4182.

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Open a Fund Contact Us

You Want to Keep Making a Difference. Even After You're Gone.

What Is Planned Giving?

You Can Set Up a Planned Gift in Just a Few Steps

Common Ways to Leave a Planned Gift

Why Partner with THCF for Planned Giving?

Activate Your Planned Giving: Join the Heartland Legacy Society

Join the Heartland Legacy Society

FAQ Section

View Legacy Society Members Sample Bequest Language

Start your giving journey today.