Planning Ahead. Giving Back. Making a Difference.
Hello friends,
I hope this finds you well! I wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts about planning for the future—both for yourself and for the Outer Banks community we all love. Whether you’ve been thinking about updating your will, creating a charitable fund, or simply figuring out how to support the causes that matter most to you, we’re here to help.
At some point in your adult life, you’ve probably thought: I really should get my will, power of attorney, and retirement plan figured out. Maybe you’ve already done it (go you!), or maybe it’s still on the to-do list. If you’re like a lot of folks we work with, you might also be thinking about how charitable giving fits into those long-term plans—how you can take care of your family and give back to the community you love.
If you haven’t included charitable giving in your will, trust, or financial plans just yet, no worries. It’s never too early—or too late—to start. At the Outer Banks Community Foundation, we’d be honored to work alongside you (and your attorney, tax advisor, or financial planner) to create a giving plan that reflects your values and goals. We can help you support the causes you care about and make sure your giving complements your bigger financial picture.
Putting a plan in place for your giving can be incredibly meaningful. It’s a way to make sure your love for the Outer Banks and the causes close to your heart continues on—long after you’re gone.
Even during your lifetime, there are smart ways to give that can stretch your dollars further. For instance, you might be able to reduce your taxable income with a charitable deduction, or avoid capital gains taxes by donating appreciated stock. And when the time comes, leaving a charitable gift in your estate plan can lower estate taxes for your heirs. It’s a win-win.
If you’re ready to start building your philanthropy plan—or just thinking about it—we’d love to talk. Here are three simple things to keep in mind as you start planning, and we can help with each one:
Give to what you know.
You’ll get the most joy from giving to causes you’re already connected to. Maybe you’ve volunteered with a youth program or helped out with hurricane recovery efforts. That first-hand experience helps you understand how your gift is making a difference. And if you want to learn more about local nonprofits doing great work, we can connect you—we stay in close touch with what’s happening here on the beach and beyond.
Give where you are.
Sure, there are global issues worth supporting—but don’t overlook the needs right here at home. From affordable housing to food security to arts and education, our community has real challenges and real opportunities. We can help you learn about trusted local nonprofits that are doing the work—and doing it well.
Give to what you love.
The most powerful giving is personal. When your donations line up with your values and passions, you’re more likely to stay involved and keep giving. That kind of consistency builds real change. Whether it’s environmental conservation, animal rescue, or helping local students succeed, we’re here to help turn your inspiration into impact.
If you’ve already started a fund at the Outer Banks Community Foundation—or if you’re thinking about it this year—know that we’re here for you. We’re proud to be your partner in philanthropy, and we’d love to hear about what matters most to you. If you’re interested in talking about next steps, feel free to give me a call at 252-423-3003.
Let’s build something meaningful together.
Warm regards,
Chris Sawin
President & CEO
Outer Banks Community Foundation
