While the IFOPA counts on annual giving to support the mission-critical work of raising awareness, finding treatments and a cure for FOP, and providing education and support for those living with FOP and their families, planned gifts provide another meaningful way for donors to make a significant philanthropic impact.  

For example, naming a charity as a beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy or retirement account is an easy way to make a substantial financial impact beyond your lifetime.  

That was the case with Marilyn Hair and her husband, Richard Steele, who joined the Jeannie L. Peeper Heritage Roll of Honor by including the IFOPA as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.

“The IFOPA has been tremendously supportive of our family during our lifetime, so we wanted to make a gift that would extend beyond our lifetime so the IFOPA can support other families in the future.” 

• • Marilyn Hair,
    Bereaved mom of Sarah Steele
    2014-15 IFOPA Board Chair
    2016 Jeannie Peeper President’s Lifetime Achievement Award
    2025 Jeannie Peeper Outstanding Community Service Award
    

Adding the IFOPA as a beneficiary to a new or existing policy (or retirement account) is also attractive to many donors because of the easy process. You can do this by completing a beneficiary update form with your policy/plan administrator. Reflecting on the process, Marilyn said,

“Honestly, beneficiary designations are one of the easiest ways to make a future gift. They also allow you to provide percentage allocations, making it easy for people to give to their loved ones and the causes about which they care deeply.”    

For most donors, a gift through a beneficiary designation is done in addition to their annual giving. It represents an easy way for a donor to continue having an impact for a cause they care deeply about far beyond their lifetime.  

If you have questions or would like more information about how to make a planned gift in support of the IFOPA, please contact Charles Hunsaker, Philanthropy Manager, at [email protected] or by phone at (816) 200-0082. Additional information about planned gifts and membership in the Jeannie L. Peeper Heritage Roll of Honor is also available at ifopa.org/planned_giving. 

This information is not intended as legal or tax advice, and the IFOPA advises donors to consult with their own attorney and/or tax advisors regarding their estate planning.