For many Vermonters, a planned gift is the largest charitable contribution they will ever make. Legacy gifts are helping Vermonters leave a lasting mark on the causes and communities they care about, and the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) is making it easier than ever before. Emilye Pelow Corbett, who has been part of VCF’s philanthropy team for over a decade, has been named the Foundation’s Planned Giving Program Director, leading efforts to support Vermonters in creating meaningful, long-term impact.

Planned giving, sometimes called legacy giving, refers to charitable gifts arranged as part of financial or estate plans, most often through a will, trust, retirement account, or life insurance policy. Through her new role, Emilye will provide guidance, tools, and resources designed to make planned giving simpler, more effective, and deeply connected to community needs. Initiatives include a newly launched planned giving website, updated resources for professional advisors, and educational sessions to strengthen partnerships that expand philanthropic impact statewide.

“Planned giving can take many forms, from making a charitable gift through an IRA to including a nonprofit in a will or trust,” said Emilye Pelow Corbett. “I work with people in many different circumstances, including those without family members to leave assets to, as well as those involving their children in the conversation. What connects them is a desire to carry their values forward and have a lasting impact. These are not always easy conversations, but they are grounded in something most people share, a desire to leave the world a little better than they found it.”

The Vermont Community Foundation works with individuals and families across the state to help them shape the future of the communities they care about. Planned gifts, an increasingly popular option in Vermont and nationally, offer a meaningful way to ensure that charitable giving continues to support local nonprofits, community life, and future generations. Stories like that of Mary Hoffman, whose thoughtfully planned gifts continue to support organizations across the state, offer one example of how legacy giving can create a lasting and personal impact. Learn more about Mary’s impact here.

Emilye is available to meet with individuals and professional advisors to explore planned giving opportunities and to host Lunch and Learn sessions for teams interested in learning more. Interested parties may contact her directly at epelowcorbett@vermontcf.org.

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The Vermont Community Foundation was established in 1994 as an enduring source of philanthropic support for Vermont communities. A family of more than 1,000 funds, foundations, and supporting organizations, VCF works together with its fundholders and partners to put nearly $80 million annually to work in Vermont and beyond. Drawing on deep community knowledge and relationships across the state, VCF helps donors understand where their giving can make a difference and connects resources with opportunities to strengthen community vitality, respond to urgent needs, and create lasting impact. At the heart of VCF’s work is closing the opportunity gap so that everyone in Vermont has the chance to build a bright, secure future. Visit vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355 for more information. Give where your heart lives.