A LEGACY OF PURPOSE: GIVING BACK WITHOUT LEAVING FAMILY BEHIND

When a friend of Hunter’s Fund sat down to update her will…

…she did what any loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother would do—she made sure her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would be cared for first.

But after providing for her family, she made a choice that will continue changing lives for years to come.

She included two charities close to her heart—Hunter’s Fund and The Carter Center—in her estate plans.

Her decision was rooted in personal experience.

Over the years, she saw how both organizations turned compassion into action—Hunter’s Fund by saving young lives and fueling bold dreams, and The Carter Center by promoting health and peace around the world.

As a volunteer for Hunter’s Fund, she saw firsthand how a grant could change the course of a young person’s life, offering not just funding but belief in their potential, mentorship to guide them, and recognition that their idea could matter.

She had been inspired by how Hunter's spirit lives on in the courage and creativity of the young people the Fund supports.

Now I want to leave behind a legacy that keeps doing good after I’m gone.

When she reviewed her assets, she was surprised by how much they had grown over the past decade and would allow her to make charitable gifts.

She chose to make her charitable gifts from her IRA to maximize her impact and reduce the tax burden on her family.

It was a wise and generous decision. IRA assets left to individuals must be withdrawn within ten years and are taxed as ordinary income to the recipient, often resulting in higher taxes and reduced inheritances. By directing her IRA to charity instead, she ensured those funds would go farther while shielding her loved ones from unnecessary tax liability.

With this thoughtful plan, she gave more to the causes she believed in, passed more to her family, who paid less in taxes. 

It was a win-win, made possible by heart, foresight, and a little financial wisdom.

We’re honored to be part of that legacy.