A Legacy That Lives On: The Transformative Power of Estate Giving
What does it mean to make a difference that lasts beyond your lifetime?
For many of our supporters, the answer lies in estate giving—a powerful, deeply personal way to ensure that the causes you care about continue to thrive for generations to come. At United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties, we’ve seen firsthand how these gifts don’t just sustain our work—they transform it.
Estate gifts are more than financial contributions. They are statements of belief. They say: this community matters, and its future is worth investing in.
Stories of Lasting Impact
Behind every estate gift is a story—of values, of commitment, and of a desire to leave the world better than it was found.
Take Delbert Disselhorst, whose legacy reflects a deep, enduring belief in the power of community. Delbert’s estate gift was not just a final act of generosity—it was the continuation of a lifetime of thoughtful giving. By including United Way in his plans, he ensured that the work he cared about would carry forward by creating stability for United Way’s long-term financial sustainability. His gift helped provide the kind of long-term investment that allows United Way purchase and renovate our new home in the heart of the South District.
Mary Hacker expressed her generosity in a way that reflected both humility and deep care for her community. In lieu of flowers, Mary's family requested that memorials be directed to United Way of Johnson & Washington Counties—turning a moment of remembrance into an opportunity to uplift others. Her legacy continues to support critical services, from early childhood education to meeting basic needs, touching lives in ways that ripple far beyond what any one of us can see.
More Than a Gift—A Strategy for Impact
Estate and memorial giving are often among the most meaningful contributions a person will ever make. They allow individuals and families to:
- Honor a life and legacy in a way that reflects deeply held values
- Support the causes they care about without impacting current financial security
- Create a lasting community impact that extends far beyond a single moment
For organizations like United Way, these gifts provide both stability and vision. They allow us to plan ahead and invest in long-term solution..
A Future Built on Generosity
As we look ahead, the importance of estate and memorial giving continues to grow. These gifts help ensure that we can remain a steady, reliable force for good—advancing youth opportunity, strengthening community health, building resilience, and supporting financial stability across our region.
If you’ve ever thought about how you want to be remembered, this type of giving offers a meaningful path forward. It’s not just about what you leave behind—it’s about what you set in motion.
Learn More
If you’re interested in exploring how planned or estate giving could fit into your financial and philanthropic goals, we invite you to learn more on our website. There, you’ll find resources, examples, and guidance to help you take the next step—on your terms, and in a way that reflects what matters most to you.