The Power of Planned Giving
In small towns and rural communities, the local hospital is more than just a building — it’s a beacon of care, a place where neighbors support neighbors, and where generations are welcomed into the world or given comfort at life’s end. Ensuring the strength and sustainability of this essential institution is a responsibility we all share. One of the most meaningful ways to do that is through planned giving.
What Is Planned Giving?
Planned giving refers to charitable donations that are arranged in the present but allocated at a future date — commonly through a will or estate plan. These gifts are typically made from assets rather than income and can include bequests, life insurance policies, retirement plans, donor advised funds, charitable trusts and real estate.
Unlike annual donations, which support immediate needs, planned gifts provide long-term financial support for Adventist Health Tillamook. They help our hospital build endowments and invest in vital services, equipment and staff that sustain and expand healthcare in our community.
Why Planned Giving Matters For Rural Healthcare
Rural hospitals face unique challenges. Our needs often outpace our resources. Planned giving creates a lifeline — a way for community members to ensure the hospital continues to serve future generations.
For example, a planned gift might:
- Support critical equipment upgrades.
- Fund scholarships for local students pursuing healthcare careers.
- Expand programs for seniors, veterans or underserved patients. Establish endowments that generate ongoing revenue.
Even a modest gift can make a profound difference when pooled with others in a long-term plan.
How You Can Give
There are several ways to set up a planned gift:
- Bequest in a Will: This is the simplest form of a planned gift. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate or a remainder after other gifts are made.
- Beneficiary Designations: You can name the hospital as a beneficiary of your life insurance, IRA and other retirement accounts.
- Donor Advised Funds: Donations made today receive current tax deductions but allow for determining use at a later date.
- Charitable Trusts: These can provide income during your lifetime with the remaining balance benefiting the hospital.
- Real Estate or Property: Donating land or assets can reduce estate taxes and offer long-term benefits to the hospital.
We strongly encourage you to speak with your attorney or financial advisor to determine the best option for your circumstances.
Your Legacy of Care
Planned giving is not just a financial decision — it’s a legacy. It’s a way to express what matters most to you and ensure that quality, compassionate healthcare remains available in our community for generations to come. If you’d like to learn more about planned giving options or how your gift could be used, I invite you to reach out to, Jack Ryser, Manager of Philanthropy, by email or at 385-261-4902. Together we can build a healthier future.
