Keep 5 in Kansas: A Simple Way to Leave a Lasting Legacy
When people think about their legacy, they often think first about family, friends, and the people they love most. But many also want to make a lasting difference in the community that helped shape their lives. The Keep 5 in Kansas initiative offers a simple and powerful way to do just that.
Keep 5 in Kansas encourages individuals and families to consider leaving at least 5 percent of their estate to charitable causes that strengthen Kansas communities for generations to come. It's not about choosing between loved ones and philanthropy. Rather, it's about recognizing that even a small percentage of an estate can create meaningful, lasting impact while still allowing families to provide for those they care about most.
For residents of Shawnee County and the surrounding region, the Topeka Community Foundation offers trusted and effective giving options to turn that charitable vision into reality.
“A healthy community doesn't happen by accident; it happens when we invest in it.”
Strong communities are built over time through intentional investment in people, programs, and opportunities. From supporting local nonprofits and educational initiatives to advancing economic development and addressing emerging community needs, charitable giving helps create the foundation for a thriving future.
Legacy or estate gifts are especially powerful because they allow donors to make a transformational impact that extends beyond their lifetime. A planned gift to the Topeka Community Foundation can support causes donors care deeply about while ensuring resources remain dedicated to the community for years to come.
"My husband Ken and I chose to build our legacy with the Topeka Community Foundation, a trusted institution with decades of experience connecting donors with the issues and causes that matter to them, and capitalizing on innovative opportunities such as impact investing. We know that our contributions will be managed responsibly and used effectively to meet essential needs within our community." - Pam Alexander, Board Member
By participating in Keep 5 in Kansas through the Foundation, donors become part of a legacy of local philanthropy that continues to improve quality of life across the region.
Giving That Reflects Your Values
For many families, charitable giving is about more than supporting worthwhile causes. It is also about passing values from one generation to the next.
"We want our kids to grow up seeing generosity as part of who we are, not just something we do occasionally. We chose the Topeka Community Foundation because it gives structure and accountability to that vision. The Foundation understands the local needs better than we ever could on our own, and it helps ensure our giving is thoughtful, strategic, and impactful." - JP Meitner, Board Member
This idea resonates with many donors who want their legacy to reflect not only what they accumulated during their lives, but also what they stood for. Through the Foundation, families can establish enduring charitable funds that help future generations continue a tradition of giving and community engagement.
The beauty of Keep 5 in Kansas is its simplicity. A commitment of 5 percent can often represent a relatively modest portion of an estate while creating extraordinary opportunities for charitable impact. Individuals and families can create a lasting impact that reflects their values, supports causes they care about, and strengthens the community they call home.
A gift of 5 percent may seem small today, but its impact can be felt for generations. By investing in the future of our community through the Topeka Community Foundation, you can help ensure that Topeka and Kansas remain places where opportunity, generosity, and community continue to thrive.