DES MOINES, IA – On November 8, Governor Terry Branstad signed a proclamation declaring November as “Plan Your Giving Iowa” month. Organizations in North Iowa, including the NIACC Foundation are encouraging everyone to consider participation. The declaration marked the beginning of the “Plan Your Giving Iowa” (PYGI) Project.
PYGI is aimed at encouraging individuals from all income levels to include their favorite nonprofit organizations in their wills or estate plans (insurance, 401(k), trust, etc.), and to share their intentions at www.planyourgivingiowa.org. PYGI is a project of LEAVE A LEGACY Iowa and the Iowa Council of Foundations.
“As a LEAVE A LEGACY Iowa Partner we are proud to support this project,” said Jamie Zanios, Director of the NIACC Foundation. “Nonprofit organizations play a key role in our community and gifts from wills and estate plans have the potential to make a huge difference in the fulfillment of their missions.”
According to the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, more than 80% of individuals will give a gift during their lifetime but it is estimated that only 8% of those who die leave a bequest to a nonprofit organization.
“We want anyone who has included a nonprofit in their will or estate plans to add their name to the list at www.planyourgivingiowa.org,” Zanios said. “By putting your name on the list, you share with the world that you’re going to make a lasting difference and you’ll inspire others to consider the same. You only add your name and city, not the organizations or intended gift amounts. It is that simple.”
“Generosity has the power to change the world,” said Rob Hilbert, the volunteer chair of LEAVE A LEGACY Iowa and co-chair of PYGI. “Anyone can have an impact and become an immortal philanthropist through a gift from their will or estate plan.”
More information about the project as well as resources for individuals can be found at www.planyourgivingiowa.org.
For more information about the NIACC Foundation, contact Jamie Zanios at 641-422-4162.
