Planned Giving at Every Stage of Life: A Legacy That Grows With You
As graduates toss their caps and step into the future, it’s natural to reflect on the chapters we've written and the ones we’re still shaping. Whether you're at the start of your career, planning for retirement or thinking about the legacy you want to leave behind, there’s a way to give that works for you.
Planned giving is a powerful way to align your values with your actions. It’s not just reserved for the later years in life or for those with significant means. It’s a flexible, accessible approach to philanthropy that can evolve with you at every stage of life, offering a meaningful way to support causes like public health—which is personal, protecting you and your family, your neighbors and your community.
In Your 20s and 30s: Start Small, Think Long-Term
Early in your career, large charitable gifts may not feel realistic, but small steps now can lead to lasting impact.
Simple options like naming the CDC Foundation as a beneficiary on your 401(k), IRA or life insurance policy can be done in minutes and cost nothing today. You might also consider setting up a recurring monthly donation. Even $10 or $25 a month adds up over time—and if your employer offers matching gifts, you can double your impact at no extra cost.
These early habits build a foundation for a lifetime of intentional generosity.
In Your 40s and 50s: Grow Your Impact
With greater financial stability often comes the opportunity to be more intentional and strategic with your giving. This stage of life is ideal for aligning your charitable goals with your long-term financial and estate plans.
Consider options like creating a donor-advised fund (DAF), which allows you to make a charitable contribution now and recommend grants to the CDC Foundation over time.
If you’re reviewing or updating your estate plan, this is a good time to name the CDC Foundation as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy or brokerage account. You can also make a meaningful tribute gift in honor of someone important in your life—a way to celebrate their legacy while shaping a healthier future for others.
These options offer flexibility, potential tax advantages and the satisfaction of knowing your generosity is making a difference now and for years to come.
In Your 60s and Beyond: Create a Lasting Legacy
Later in life, you may begin to think more about the legacy you want to leave. Planned giving can be a powerful way to express your values and make a lasting contribution.
Including the CDC Foundation in your will or trust is a simple yet impactful way to ensure your support for public health helps future generations. You can choose to leave a specific amount or percentage of your estate. If you’re over 70½, a qualified charitable distribution (QCDs) from your IRA can help reduce taxable income while making a meaningful gift. You can also make a tribute gift in honor of a friend, relative or loved one, creating a lasting legacy that celebrates someone special while supporting a healthier world.
These gifts reflect a lifetime of purpose and help ensure your legacy of generosity.
Why It Matters
Supporting the causes you care about is more than financial strategy. It’s defining what matters most to you and ensuring your values endure. And it’s available to everyone no matter your age or income level.
This graduation season, as many take their steps into the future, your support helps ensure a healthier, safer tomorrow not just for the graduates today but for generations to follow.
Ready to Start Your Legacy?
We’re here to help you take the next step, whether that means exploring your options or simply having a conversation with our Advancement staff.
Request free estate planning resources.
If you have any additional questions, please contact:
Sean Allen
Senior Advancement Officer
Phone: 404.476.0205
Email
Already included us in your plans? Let us know.
Together, we’re building a legacy of health, safety and hope.
Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Charitable giving vehicles described herein are offered only in areas where permitted by law. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.
