By: Karen Andrew, Individual Giving Manager
When most people think about supporting the Edmonds Food Bank, they imagine donating canned goods, volunteering their time, or making financial contributions. These actions are incredibly valuable, and we deeply appreciate them! But I wanted to share another option: planned giving.
Every week at the Edmonds Food Bank, families leave with fresh produce, pantry staples, and a little more hope.
As one neighbor shared with us:
“You all are such a welcoming team of dedicated, genuinely caring people… you all have, and are, something very special. Thank you for giving rays of hope to so many people at the start of every week!”
That spirit of compassion is something people feel the moment they arrive. A planned gift helps ensure that this kindness, the smiles, and the behind-the-scenes effort continue to be here for anyone who needs it. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep that kind of impact going now and for future generations, this might be your answer. Your legacy will provide the hope and healing that’s possible when a person doesn’t have to worry about food insecurity.
“Planned giving” refers to the process of making a charitable gift as part of your financial or estate planning. These gifts often allow you to create a larger impact than might be possible with a cash donation during your lifetime. It’s called “planned” because these gifts are carefully arranged, often with input from legal or financial advisors, and typically benefit the nonprofit after the donor’s lifetime. Planned gifts help provide the Edmonds Food Bank with a buffer against economic shifts, funding gaps, and emergencies. We are raising capital funds for our much-needed new building, and your planned gift will allow us to invest in infrastructure, expand programs, and serve more of our neighbors more effectively.
Leaving a Legacy of Compassion
I recently spoke with Kate, one of our community members who chose to make a legacy gift. Kate shared that she decided to make a legacy gift because, for her, retirement and aging seem all about giving back to the community, and legacy gifting is an easy way to make that commitment.
Kate shared that she chose the Edmonds Food Bank because “I am impressed with the philosophy and effectiveness of the EFB leadership & organization, as well as the dedication and passion for supporting our community that is so very evident among the staff and volunteers. As a volunteer, I have developed a greater understanding of the extent of food insecurity in our community…I don’t want anybody to go without enough food.”
Planned Giving Options
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to planned giving. Here are a few common ways to make a legacy gift:
- Bequests – The simplest and most popular option. You can name the Edmonds Food Bank in your will or living trust for a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder after other obligations are met.
- Retirement Assets – Designate Edmonds Food Bank as a beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k), or other retirement plan. This option can reduce the tax burden on your heirs and increase your charitable impact.
- Life Insurance – Name the Edmonds Food Bank as a beneficiary of your policy, or transfer ownership of an existing policy to the organization.
- Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) – You can recommend a distribution from your DAF now or name the Edmonds Food Bank as a successor beneficiary of the fund.
- Charitable Trusts – More complex, but highly flexible. A charitable remainder trust or charitable lead trust can provide income to you or your heirs while supporting the Edmonds Food Bank.
Are you wondering where to begin? Start by thinking about the causes you care about. Then talk to your financial advisor or attorney about the options that best align with your goals and values. These gifts send a powerful message: that ending hunger in our community is a legacy worth leaving. Your gift ensures that the Edmonds Food Bank will continue to support our neighbors seeking food and nutrition security for as long as it is needed.
If you decide to include the Edmonds Food Bank, please let us know! We’d love the opportunity to thank you, recognize your generosity (if you choose), and make sure your gift is used according to your wishes. We’re also happy to answer questions and provide more information. You can email me at giving@edmondsfoodbank.org with any questions or comments.
Your legacy gift is a beautiful way for you to ensure that nutritious food is available for everyone in the greater Edmonds area for years to come. Contact me today (giving@edmondsfoodbank.org) to learn more about how planned giving can help feed our community’s future. Together, we can make sure no neighbor goes hungry.
Visit our Planned Giving page to learn more.
