What makes Vermont special isn’t the same for everyone. What is it for you?
For some, it’s the land—the mountains, forests, and fields that have shaped generations. For others, it’s the people—neighbors who show up when it matters most. Each of us holds something about Vermont close to our hearts.
And just as we’ve benefited from the investments made by Vermonters who came before us, you too, have the opportunity to shape what comes next.
Giving Back Doesn’t Have to Mean Giving Right Now
For many Vermonters, their wealth isn’t in cash—it’s in land, homes, and other assets. That’s why so many people choose to make a plan that allows them to continue using and enjoying what they have now while setting up a gift that will take effect in the future.
It’s called Planned Giving.
Elephant? Meet Room.
No one likes to talk about dying. (Well, that’s not exactly true—just ask the millions of people obsessed with true crime podcasts.)
But when it comes to our own future, it’s a little less entertaining and a lot more uncomfortable.
While often credited to Benjamin Franklin, “Nothing is certain but death and taxes” could just as easily belong in a planned giving guide. Some things in life are unavoidable, but you do have a say in what you leave behind.
A Gift That Reflects What Matters to You
When you think about Vermont’s future, what do you want to help preserve—or even build?
- The forests and rivers that define our landscape?
- The strong communities that support each other in times of need?
- An enduring source of support that helps Vermont nonprofits meet whatever challenges or uncertainties the future holds?
Your legacy is more than what you leave—it’s the impact you create and the ripple effect it can have when you do.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Bequests: One of the simplest ways to give, a bequest allows you to designate a gift in your will or trust to support the causes you care about.
- Testamentary Funds: Set up a charitable fund that will be established through your estate after your lifetime, ensuring long-term impact.
- Charitable Gift Annuities (CGA): Support Vermont while receiving fixed-income payments for life. CGAs provide tax benefits and a meaningful way to give.
- Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRT): A CRT allows you to provide income for yourself or loved ones while leaving a future gift to charity.
- Charitable Lead Trusts (CLT): This type of trust allows you to give now while preserving wealth for your heirs.
We know—another acronym. But if you’re 70½ or older, a QCD (Qualified Charitable Distribution) is a tax-smart way to give. It allows you to donate directly from your IRA, reducing taxable income while making an immediate impact on the Vermont causes you love.
Want to start a conversation? Our team of philanthropic advisors can help you create a legacy plan—one that will have impact for generations to come. Getting started is just a phone call away at 802-388-3355 opt. 5 or email us at philanthropy@vermontcf.org.
The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1986 as an enduring source of philanthropic support for Vermont communities. A family of more than 1,000 funds, foundations, and supporting organizations, the Foundation makes it easy for the people who care about Vermont to find and fund the causes they love. The Community Foundation and its partners put more than $60 million annually to work in Vermont communities and beyond. The heart of its work is closing the opportunity gap—the divide that leaves too many Vermonters struggling to get ahead, no matter how hard they work. The Community Foundation envisions Vermont at its best—where everyone can build a bright, secure future. Visit or call 802-388-3355 for more information. Give where your heart lives. Vermontcf.org
Read the story on VTDigger here: The Vermont you love—How will you shape its future?.