“You will be enriched in every way for your generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11

Over the course of 20 plus years as a Ministry Relations Officer with the Presbyterian Foundation, I have done countless planned giving presentations. For the most part, those presentations have focused on the mechanics of making a planned gift. I usually talk about the different giving vehicles such as a will, a trust, life income plans and Donor Advised Funds, while sharing an example of each that I have had the pleasure of working on with different donors. I talk about the motivation behind making such a gift like gratitude for all that God has done for us, making an impact in the world, love and compassion for others, and belief in the mission and ministry of the church. I include some information on the people who can help you carry out your plan such as an attorney, tax advisor, financial planner, and/or accountant. Then I usually conclude the presentation by encouraging my audience to make their charitable estate plan a lasting legacy of faith.

Recently I became a grandfather. Noah Robert Keizer was born on July 4, 2024.  Holding him for the first time was amazing and wonderful. But it was also filled with excitement about all the fun times I hope to have with him during his life. His birth has provided a different perspective on planned giving. It has made me think about the legacy that I want to share with him. What values, beliefs, experiences, life lessons and other themes do I want to pass on to the next generation?

Ethical Wills are a practical tool that have been around for at least a century. They have their roots in the Bible where Jacob is described as gathering his children around his bedside to tell them how they should live after he is gone (Genesis 49:1-33). Today they are taking on a broader appeal, as folks look back on their lives and want to pass on more than just their assets. As my family starts to expand to yet another generation, passing along my values to them has risen to the forefront of the importance of planned giving.

As I continue my work here at the Presbyterian Foundation, I hope I can use my personal experiences to enhance the planned giving presentations I get to do. Transferring your assets is extremely important but passing along your values will truly make a generational impact. If the family is to flourish for multiple generations, the attention to human capital should be as serious as that of financial capital, says author Gini Dietrich in her blog post, The Importance of Passing on Values to the Next Generation. You can find out more about the book at familywealthlibrary.com. I recommend it to you as you consider how you want to be remembered, and what you think is essential for the next generation to know.