A LEGACY WITH PURPOSE: JANET MCKINLEY’S TAX-WISE GIFT WILL RESPOND TO COMMUNITY NEEDS IN PERPETUITY

Janet McKinley, a longtime philanthropist and retired AT&T executive, has always believed in using her resources to make the world a better place. Her lifelong advocacy for women and girls, animal welfare, and social justice reflects her deep commitment to building a more equitable world. Now, with a gift that will extend beyond her lifetime, she has named the East Tennessee Foundation as the beneficiary of her retirement plan—a strategic and tax-wise way to give that ensures her legacy will live on.

“Retirement assets are some of the most tax-burdened to pass on to heirs,” Janet explains. “By designating the East Tennessee Foundation as the beneficiary, I can avoid those taxes entirely and make a much greater impact.”

Her planned gift will establish a field-of-interest fund focused on those three areas closest to her heart. “I wanted to support the causes I care about in a way that will continue to evolve and respond to the needs of the community,” she says. “This gift allows me to make a lasting impact long after I’m gone.”

Janet’s thoughtful planning demonstrates how powerful and flexible legacy giving can be. By leveraging the tax benefits of donating retirement assets, she’s created a fund that will support transformative work for generations to come.

“My hope,” Janet shares, “is that this gift will not only create opportunities but also inspire others to consider how they, too, can leave a legacy with a purpose.”