Giving Options

Helping you make more possible through the power of collective giving.

Planned Giving Support

Navigating life’s important decisions shouldn’t be difficult. To help our South Puget Sound community members plan for the future with confidence, we’ve partnered with FreeWill to offer a suite of estate planning tools at absolutely no cost to you—because peace of mind for you, your loved ones, and making more possible for the community you love is priceless.

Getting Started on Your Will or Trust

People use wills to choose who gets their property, name guardians for minors, provide a plan for pets, leave gifts to charitable causes, and more!

Ready to get started? FreeWill is easy to use, accessible online, and can be completed in about 20 minutes. You can use it on its own or as a starting point before finalizing your plans with an attorney or advisor.

Using FreeWill does not obligate you to include a charitable gift—it simply gives you a place to begin.

Start My Free Will

Beneficiary Designations

Some assets aren’t included in a will. These non-probate assets—such as retirement accounts (401(k) plans and IRAs), life insurance policies, and other financial accounts—can be an effective and flexible way to make a planned gift. Naming the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound as a beneficiary on one or more of these accounts may provide tax advantages and increase the impact of your gift.

Charitable benefits may include:

  • Receiving an estate tax charitable deduction
  • Reducing the tax burden on your family
  • Continuing to use assets or property during your lifetime
  • Creating a lasting legacy

By designating the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound as a beneficiary, you can receive all of these benefits while supporting the community you love.

Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans!

Letting us know is incredibly helpful and helps ensure your gift is used exactly as you intend. We would also be honored to recognize you as a member of the Foundation’s Legacy Circle, celebrating the values that guide your giving.

Learn more about the Legacy Circle

Questions?

Contact our Philanthropy Team if you are interested in starting a charitable fund or have questions about donor services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach out to our Philanthropy Team by email at giving@thecommunityfoundation.com or call 360.705.3340 with additional questions.

Disclaimer: The Community Foundation of South Puget Sound does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult your attorney or financial advisor when making estate planning decisions.

Is my estate big enough to leave a planned gift?

Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.

Absolutely. Reach out to our Philanthropy Team by email at giving@thecommunityfoundation.com or call 360.705.3340. Our team will be delighted to help you with your plans.

Can my gift remain anonymous?

Yes. While knowing about your intentions helps us plan for the future, you may always choose to remain anonymous.

Does it cost anything to plan my estate?

We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney or advisor to finalize your plans, which will likely have an associated cost.

Is my private information secure with FreeWill?

Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.

Can I edit my documents after I'm done?

Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.

"At any age, we all have assets to share. Small amounts make a difference. And we really are all in this together.”

- Janet, Community Foundation Fund Holder

“Philanthropy is an important piece of helping to sustain a thriving, healthy community... the dividends are a healthier, vibrant community.”

- Give Local Donor

"I know I can pick up the phone and call the CommunityFoundation and they'll take our call... I've been incredibly impressed with the generosity and sense of togetherness I've encountered in the South Sound. This community is strong because of that and only because of that."

- Brian, Local Nonprofit Leader