INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Bruce Reeder looks at his expansive 750-acre corn and soybean farm in Nebraska and envisions agriculture students practicing tried-and-true traditional farming methods along with innovative new technologies.

 

Reeder, 58, may have several decades left to farm, but his estate plan is securely in place. He is setting aside 500 acres for the National FFA Foundation’s Planned Giving Program.

He hopes the gift will someday benefit students who are exploring their options in an ag-related career or building on their own farming skills. Ironically, Reeder’s three older brothers were FFA members, but their school closed its chapter before he could join.

That did not stop him from seeing the impact it had in the lives of his brothers, nor from seeing the good he could do by making a donation.

“It is his desire that he can hold onto the property while he is living, and then help the local chapters,” said Matt Treadwell, planned giving coordinator for the National FFA Foundation. “We can help him with that.”

Reeder’s story is just one of hundreds in which FFA devotees have given to their beloved organization. He joins others in the Forever Blue Circle who make a positive difference with an investment in the future through a planned gift as part of their overall estate or financial plans.

Treadwell said though many people have designated FFA in their wills, planned giving dates back to 1979 when the first recorded gift was made by Lawrence L. Augenstein – and how appropriate it was that he was a member of the first National FFA officer team.

Augenstein listed FFA as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy, and made the gift in memory of his son. Since then, many in the Forever Blue Circle have chosen to honor or remember those close to them through planned giving.

Corey Rosenbush proves that age is no barrier when thinking ahead to estate planning. At 35, he is married with three small daughters and has yet to accumulate substantial wealth. But that didn’t stop the former FFA national president from making a planned gift.

He currently serves as chair of the FFA Individual Giving Council, and says that started him thinking about estate planning. As president of the Global Cold Chain Alliance, a group of trade associations for companies transporting and storing refrigerated food, he and his wife travel a great deal. “I wanted to make sure we provided for our children if something should happen to us,” he said. “I discovered a planned gift can be something as simple as a percentage of my life insurance policy. “For someone my age, looking into planned giving can educate you immensely on personal finance and ways to take care of your family and FFA.”

The National FFA Foundation makes it easy to explore options online at www.ffa.giftplans.org – included are types of planned gifts, the Life Stage Gift Planner, Gift Strategy Chart, bequest language and calculators, as well as personal giving stories.

Treadwell said there are other options to give, such as an employer gift match that could double the donation. Individuals should check with their employers to see if it is available.

Also, the National FFA’s Text 2 Give program that started in February during National FFA Week has been extended and is available all year. Simply text “GROW” to 27722 to authorize a $10 donation.