Legacy Roadmap
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Legacy Roadmap?
A Legacy Roadmap is a structured plan that defines how your philanthropic assets will be used after your lifetime. It can be as simple as outlining your values and priorities, or as detailed as specifying organizations, causes, and funding strategies. Think of it as a healthcare directive—only for your giving.
Who needs a Legacy Roadmap?
Anyone planning to leave behind significant philanthropic resources—whether through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), private foundation, trust, or estate—benefits from a Legacy Roadmap. Without one, decisions about your giving may be left to administrators who never had a conversation with you about your intent.
Why is this important now?
DAFs and other charitable vehicles are growing faster than any other philanthropic structure. As of right now, there are hundreds of billions of dollars in DAFs awaiting direction. A Legacy Roadmap ensures those funds are deployed with purpose, instead of drifting into default or generic distributions.
How does a Legacy Roadmap work?
Our process begins with a guided conversation with you, your family, and your advisors. Together, we:
Identify your values and cause areas
Clarify roles for heirs, advisors, and trustees
Define funding strategies and distribution schedules
Establish accountability layers to safeguard your intent
What makes Legacy Roadmap different from a will or trust?
A will or trust can define where your money goes. A Legacy Roadmap goes further—it defines how your philanthropic resources should be used to solve problems, adapt to new opportunities, and create impact long into the future.
What if my values or priorities change over time?
Your Legacy Roadmap is a living document. It can be updated as your values evolve, your philanthropic goals expand, or as family members take on new roles.
Who oversees the Legacy Roadmap once I’m gone?
Legacy Roadmap is built on three layers of accountability:
Charitable Distribution Trustee – ensures grants are aligned with donor intent
Partner Nonprofit – provides legal oversight and auditing
Corporate Trustee or DAF Sponsor – ensures adherence to bylaws and best practices
Together, these layers protect your vision in perpetuity.
How do I start the process?
You can begin in three ways:
Create Your Own – draft your roadmap with family and advisors
Work With Our Partners – collaborate with one of our trusted financial firms
Work With Us Directly – leverage our 20+ years of experience designing and implementing philanthropic strategies
Can this be used with my existing Donor Advised Fund or foundation?
Yes. A Legacy Roadmap complements existing charitable vehicles and provides direction on how they should be used after your lifetime.
Will my giving remain anonymous?
That’s up to you. Some donors prefer to attribute grants to their family name, while others prefer anonymity. Your preferences will be clearly captured in your Roadmap.