[Archived from March 20, 2009]
Sometimes one word can mean different things. For example, think of the use we give to the term “trunk.” It can mean an elephant’s snout, a vehicle luggage compartment, a container for storage or shipping, a swimsuit, or even the main body of a tree. All of these uses can be downright confusing unless we know the context of the message. And even then it can be over whelming to someone who is just getting acquainted with the English language.
Double meanings can also confuse those who are learning about planned giving. For example, we use the term “trust” to mean both a gift vehicle and an attitude of personal confidence. We seek to engender trust with our friends to make it easier for them to entrust some of their assets in a charitable trust for the benefit of the Jewish Community Federation’s Foundation for Planned Giving.
Here is another set of terms: appreciation and appreciation. We talk about the appreciation of assets and possible capital gains tax. We also seek to express our appreciation to those who indicate they have remembered the Foundation in their wills.
And speaking of wills, how about the person who just doesn’t seem to have the will to get his or her will done?
And finally, consider the term, fund. We invite donors to fund an endowment fund with a planned gift.
There are other double-meaning words as well, and we are eager to communicate clearly so there will be no confusion about the wonderful opportunities for you to make a planned gift to the Foundation. One way we can help is to provide you with basic, informative literature that keeps things simple and clear, which you will appreciate, especially if you are new to these methods of charitable giving.
In addition to the printed material, you can talk with Foundation Director Alan Engel, who is skilled at communicating the features of planned giving in a personal, understandable manner. He is available to talk with you in person at 451-8840 or via email at aengel@iglou.com.