Our News
A new year is here, and with it can come a period of focus, clarity, and motivation that comes from a big "re-set." Seattle Foundation's gift planning team is here to help take that focus and clarity and help you hone in on what matters most: caring for the people, pets, and causes that bring meaning and joy to your life. Here are a few of the ways we can support you:
- Attend our February 13 webinar featuring Chanel Reynolds of Get Your Sh*t Together. Chanel is a compassionate, people-centered educator who helps people move through overwhelm and make plans for all of life's what ifs: healthcare directive, power of attorney, wills and trusts, and more. Chanel's personal experience with tragedy inspired her to bring the "what I wish I'd known" to a broader audience. Join us for this free hourlong webinar from 12-1pm by RSVP'ing here.
- Create opportunities for healthy, rewarding family giving. Whether you have a private foundation in your family or are considering philanthropy for the first time, Seattle Foundation's gift planning and philanthropic advising teams can help recommend the best structure and process for making gifts to nonprofits that will bring you closer together and create the impact you desire. Learn more about how we can support your family by contacting Cindy Sharek, Director of Gift Planning, at [email protected] or 206.957.7712.
- "I want to give, but I don't know where to start." There are so many worthy causes making an impact in our community. Whether you're thinking locally, statewide, or beyond, Seattle Foundation can help equip you with the right tools and knowledge to make decisions about your giving in 2025 and beyond. To learn more, we suggest contacting Cindy Sharek, Director of Gift Planning, at [email protected] or 206.957.7712.
Whatever 2025 has in store for you and your philanthropy, we would love to partner with you.
Three Ways to Energize Your Philanthropy This Giving Season
End of year giving season is almost here - our staff have some ideas about ways to supercharge your impact.
Learn MoreThe end of 2024 is almost upon us (if you can believe!). The end of the year is often a time for celebration, connection, and reflection. At Seattle Foundation, we believe in joyful philanthropy – and there's no better time to recommit to this principle than the holiday season. In the spirit of joy and simplicity, the Foundation's gift planning staff have three ideas to energize your philanthropy this giving season.
- Consider opening an Immediate Impact Fund. This year, for the first time, Seattle Foundation is offering the option for philanthropists to direct their Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to a fund that will distribute to five charities of your choosing. With an Immediate Impact Fund, achieve anonymity (if desired), control distribution timing and amounts, and galvanize short-term impact with this infusion of funds from your QCD. Funds must be open with the Foundation before a QCD distribution is made to be compliant with IRS standards. For more information, contact our gift planning team today.
- Convert your family foundation to a Donor Advised Fund. Intergenerational philanthropy can be rewarding, inspiring, and is vital to our community organizations. Managing a family foundation, with its regulatory compliance needs and administrative complexities, is not always a sustainable solution. Bring your family philanthropy in-house at Seattle Foundation and benefit from the joys of grantmaking without some of the challenges (including the option to host grant cycle applications, maintain a web presence, and many of the other benefits you currently enjoy). Our gift planning team can help!
- Incorporate your current Donor Advised Fund (or a new one you plan to start) into your legacy philanthropy. Many philanthropists don't realize that their DAF can continue after their lifetime – with a successor advisor or a specified giving plan overseen by the Foundation. Reduce the billable hours with your estate planning attorney and turn your existing philanthropic vehicle into a tool to power your legacy. Connect with us to learn more and get started.
What are the ways you are thinking about energizing your philanthropy as the year comes to a close? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us or tag @SeattleFoundation on a LinkedIn post – your voices inspire our work!