Your Planned Giving Partner: 5 Ways KCF Can Help Your Nonprofit

As our region’s home for charitable giving, Kitsap Community Foundation works side-by-side with hundreds of families, individuals, businesses, and civic leaders. Our mission is simple but powerful: we’re here to grow philanthropy, connect donors to the causes they’re passionate about, and lead the charge on critical issues facing our community. At the heart of everything we do are the incredible nonprofit organizations, like yours, that meet the needs of thousands of neighbors every single day.

If you’re a nonprofit professional in Kitsap County, you and your team are likely already familiar with how to apply for a grant through our competitive cycles. We are constantly inspired by the generosity of the donors who make these programs possible. You might also know us through our work managing agency funds and endowment funds for local organizations. It is truly our honor to steward these resources to ensure your mission stays funded for the long haul.

What you might not realize, however, is that we want to be more than just a place to hold funds or a source of annual grants. We want to be your strategic partner in planned giving. We know that as a nonprofit leader, you’re often wearing five different hats. Finding the time to master the nuances of tax law or complex gift structures can feel like a tall order.

That’s where we come in. Here are five ways Kitsap Community Foundation can help bolster your efforts to secure legacy gifts and ensure your organization thrives for generations to come.

1. We keep you updated on charitable giving trends

The world of philanthropy moves fast. Between shifting economic climates and charitable tax law changes for 2026, it’s hard to keep a finger on the pulse of every development.

At Kitsap Community Foundation, we make it our business to stay in the know so you don’t have to. Our team keeps a close eye on tax legislation, donor motivations, and complex giving trends. We curate the most important highlights and pass them along to you so you can make sure to have the insights you need to talk confidently with your supporters.

If a donor asks you how recent tax shifts might affect their year-end giving, you don’t have to guess. You can lean on us for the data and context that make those conversations easier.

2. Professional messaging for your marketing assets

We know that "asking" for a legacy gift can feel intimidating. How do you bring up a bequest without sounding too clinical? How do you explain the benefits of an endowment to someone who has only ever given small monthly donations?

We’re happy to provide sample language nonprofits can use in your brochures, website, or newsletters. We can help you describe exactly how a donor can make a gift that lasts forever. From specific bequest language to reminders about the benefits of donating appreciated stock, we equip you with the fundamental tools to position your fund for growth.

By using proven, professional messaging, you can spend less time staring at a blank cursor and more time building relationships with your donors.

3. Expertise in handling complex gifts

Most donors give cash or check, but some of the most transformative gifts come in the form of "non-cash" assets. We’re talking about real estate, closely-held business interests, or even charitable remainder trusts. These types of gifts are incredible opportunities, but they can also be administrative nightmares for a small or mid-sized nonprofit.

The Kitsap Community Foundation team works with complex charitable gifts on a regular basis. We can help evaluate these opportunities in collaboration with a donor’s legal and tax advisors. In many cases, we can serve as the vehicle for receiving and administering these hard-to-value assets. We handle the "heavy lifting" of the transaction so that the eventual proceeds can support your mission.

If you encounter a donor who wants to gift a piece of property or a portion of their business, don't say "no" because it seems too complicated. Call us first. We can help you navigate the "if/then" scenarios to see if we can make that gift a reality for your organization.

4. Education for your Board of Directors

Planned giving becomes much more manageable when everyone on your team, especially your board, shares a basic understanding of the terminology. We understand that your board members are experts in many things, but they might not work in the world of philanthropy every day. Terms like "quasi-endowment" or "designated fund" might sound like another language to them.

We love visiting our nonprofit partners! We are happy to make a brief, engaging presentation during one of your regular board meetings. Our goal is to reinforce why planned giving is a vital part of your overall fundraising strategy. We’ll clarify how we work with families and individuals in Kitsap to facilitate these gifts, and we’ll answer any "tough questions" your board might have.

When your board feels empowered and educated, they become much better ambassadors for your long-term sustainability.

5. Flexible and alternative gift structures

Sometimes, you’ll meet a donor who loves your work but isn't ready to make an outright, unrestricted gift right now. They might want to ensure their support is used for a very specific program, or they might want to set aside assets that benefit you over a long period.

We offer designated funds that allow a donor to do exactly that. We act as the steward of their intent, ensuring the dollars are managed wisely and distributed according to the donor’s wishes to support your mission over the long term. This provides the donor with peace of mind and provides your organization with a predictable, lasting stream of support.

Whether a donor is looking at a community vs. private foundation model or exploring interactive donor tools, we can help them find the structure that feels right for their family and their legacy.

We are in this together

At the end of the day, Kitsap Community Foundation succeeds when our local nonprofits succeed. We aren't just a foundation; we are a resource hub designed to make your work easier and more impactful. From the Kitsap Great Give to our year-round fund management, everything we do is built on the idea that we are stronger together.

If you’re wondering how to start a conversation about a legacy gift, or if you want to learn more about setting up an agency fund to protect your nonprofit’s future, please reach out. We would love to grab a coffee (or jump on a Zoom call) to hear about your goals for the coming year.

Thank you for everything you do for the people of Kitsap County. Your hard work is what makes this a place we are all proud to call home. We look forward to our next conversation!

Want to learn more?

• Read about year-end dynamics and community needs to stay ahead of the curve.

• Contact our team anytime to discuss how we can support your specific goals.