Succession Planning Isn’t Just for Businesses — It’s Personal
by Matt Nelson, Director of Development and Fundholder Services
When most people hear “succession planning,” they think of CEOs, business transitions, or nonprofit leadership changes. But succession planning is just as important when it comes to your personal legacy—especially the legacy you want to leave through your charitable giving.
At the Community Foundation, we often sit down with individuals and families who want to make sure their donor-advised fund (DAF) continues to do good work even after they’re gone. They want their generosity to ripple out across generations—and we’re here to help make that happen in a way that feels meaningful, seamless, and true to their values.
If you’ve ever thought, “What happens to my fund after me?”—you’re not alone. Here are three things to consider as you think about the future of your giving:
Leave a Legacy That Reflects Who You Are
One of the most enduring ways to make a difference is by including charitable giving in your estate plan. For many, this means naming their donor-advised fund as a beneficiary of an IRA or retirement account. Not only is this a smart tax move, but it also ensures that your values continue to guide how your charitable dollars are used.
It’s a way to say, “Even when I’m not here, I’m still standing behind the causes I care about.”
And because retirement accounts left to the Community Foundation are free from income and estate taxes, more of your money goes directly to making an impact.
Bring in a Trusted Partner (That’s Us!)
We consider it a true privilege to walk alongside individuals and families on their giving journeys. Our team can help you create a plan that reflects your values—whether you want us to take the lead in distributing future grants, or you want to involve your children and grandchildren as advisors to the fund.
We also offer programs and conversations to help the next generation of your family step confidently into philanthropic leadership. Think of it as passing down more than money—you’re passing down a tradition of generosity.
Put Your Wishes in Writing
You might already have a vision for how you want your fund to be used down the road—whether that’s supporting specific nonprofits, responding to urgent needs, or focusing on issues close to your heart. Our job is to help you put that vision on paper and make it actionable.
By documenting your intentions now, you give your family peace of mind and give us a clear roadmap to follow. We become your partner in stewardship, helping to ensure your fund continues to reflect your voice and values for years to come.
We would love to talk more about what succession planning could look like for your donor-advised fund. Whether you’re just starting to think about it or already have a plan in mind, the Community Foundation is here to support you—and, if you’d like, your loved ones—as you build a lasting, living legacy of generosity. Reach out to Matt Nelson at matthewnelson@cfcsra.org to start the discussion today.