What Lasting Difference Will You Make?

Written by Mala Thao, Vice President of Philanthropy

A child receives the support they need during the critical first years of life. A student receives a scholarship that helps make college possible. A local nonprofit expands services for families facing mental health challenges. A community park, trail, library, or gathering place becomes a resource for generations to come.

Every day across the St. Croix Valley, people benefit from acts of generosity made by donors who wanted to make a lasting difference.

Some of those gifts were made recently. Others were made years—or even decades—ago. But all share something in common: they continue creating opportunities and strengthening communities long after the original gift was made.

That is the power of legacy.

Legacy is More Than What You Leave Behind

At the St. Croix Valley Foundation, we believe a legacy is more than what you leave behind. It's the difference your generosity continues to make in the people, places, and causes you care about most.

While many people associate legacy giving with estate planning, it can take many forms. Some donors choose to create impact during their lifetime. Others include charitable gifts in their estate plans. Many do both.

What they share is a desire to make a difference that lasts beyond today.

That's what legacy giving is all about—creating meaningful change for the people, places, and causes you care about most.

One of my favorite parts of my work is helping people think about the difference they want their generosity to make—not just today, but for years and generations to come.

Start With What Matters Most

Legacy giving invites us to consider a simple but powerful question: What difference do I hope to make for future generations?

"That's what legacy giving is all about—creating meaningful change for the people, places, and causes you care about most."

For some, the answer is creating a permanent source of support for a favorite nonprofit. For others, it's helping strengthen the community they call home, involving family members in giving, or ensuring the causes they care about continue to thrive long into the future.

It starts with taking time to think about the difference you hope your generosity will make.

What causes have shaped your life? What values do you hope to pass on? What opportunities do you want future generations to have? What story do you want your generosity to tell?

Why Work with a Community Foundation?

The answer is simple: because giving is personal. And we get that. 

Every donor's story, values, and goals are different. 

That's why, at the St. Croix Valley Foundation, we start by listening. Before we talk about giving options, we take time to understand what matters most to you and the difference you hope to make.

And because we know the St. Croix Valley so well, we understand the communities, nonprofits, and opportunities that make this region special. That local perspective helps us connect your generosity with the people, places, and causes that align with what matters most to you.

Whether you're interested in supporting a favorite nonprofit, creating a permanent source of support for a community or cause, involving future generations in your giving, or including a charitable gift in your estate plans, we can help you explore options that fit your goals and values. 

Most importantly, we're here for the long term. As your life, family, and priorities evolve, your giving can evolve, too. We’ve got you. 

Let's Start a Conversation

Whether you're just beginning to explore these ideas or already have charitable plans in place, I'd be happy to talk.

Because every charitable legacy starts with a simple question: What do you hope your generosity will make possible?

— Mala Thao, Vice President of Philanthropy