Leaving a Lasting Legacy through a Donor Advised Fund

It is always gratifying to receive legacy gifts reflecting donors’ values and passions in their planned giving.

For example, one Tides donor had a love of the earth and the environment.  Through her philanthropic endeavors she became interested in Native American cultures.   Her testamentary gift to Tides stipulated that the funds be granted in support of Native Americans.  After the donor’s estate was fully settled, Tides made grants to community development funds in support of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation in Oklahoma and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.  We also made a grant to the First Nations Development Institute in Colorado that supports tribes from Alaska to Virginia.

A simple and easy way to continue your philanthropic vision of positive social change beyond your lifetime is utilizing an existing Donor Advised Fund or creating one as part of your planned giving.

Remember that you may designate your Donor Advised Fund at Tides as the beneficiary of your will, revocable living trust, or retirement plan.   Similarly, you may also designate your Donor Advised Fund or Tides as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, Charitable Lead Trust, or Charitable Remainder Trust.

You may designate individuals to make grant recommendations as successor advisors to your fund.   Additionally, or alternatively, you may also define specific areas of interest, specific organizations, or provide other guidance in how you want your philanthropic legacy assets managed or distributed.   We’re also happy to help you clarify your philanthropic intentions with a staff advisor at Tides.  You may change the designated individuals or your philanthropic intentions at any time.

Tides will ensure that the intent of your donor-advised fund is realized. If you have questions or would like to begin a conversation, please contact Tides at 415.561.6372 or email us at [email protected].