Planned giving is a form of philanthropy that involves making a charitable gift as part of your overall financial or estate planning, often through tools such as a will or trust, beneficiary designation, or other long-term arrangements. Rather than an immediate donation, planned gifts are typically made from assets accumulated over a lifetime and may take effect in the future, allowing donors to support causes they care about while also meeting personal and family goals. Planned giving is an important philanthropic tool because it enables individuals to create a lasting legacy, often make a larger impact than might be possible during their lifetime, and helps nonprofit organizations build long-term stability and sustainability.