For Matt and Natalie Rowe, teaching their two daughters (ages 3 and 6) the importance of giving back to people in need is a priority at this season of their life.

“We see these as big impact years,” said Natalie. “We’re creating people that will be the future of this world.”

That’s one of the reasons why the Rowes made the decision to join the Legacy Society by remembering Direct Relief in their will.

“We wanted to start to have a more clearly defined strategy with our philanthropic giving,” said Matt, a financial adviser.

For the Rowes, this meant getting involved more deeply with fewer organizations. They said Direct Relief was a perfect fit because as seasoned travelers (Matt hails from Australia), they wanted to give back to an organization working internationally.

“You can’t travel to other countries and not be changed by what you see,” said Natalie, who added that she was particularly transformed by her time spent in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Having moved to Santa Barbara six years ago when their first daughter was born, the couple recognizes that the beautiful beach town “isn’t the reality that most people get to enjoy every day.”

To ensure their daughters grow up knowing what life is like for many people around the world, they’ve begun to start talking to them about the importance of thinking globally and giving back.

“Direct Relief is the ideal way to have that conversation with them,” said Natalie.

While the Rowes support the mission to improve the health and lives of people in need on an annual basis, they want to make sure that giving continues beyond their time here on earth.

But people like the Rowes are rare. According to nonprofit rating site, GuideStar, nearly 70 percent of Americans make gifts to charity during their lifetime, yet fewer than 10 percent create legacy gifts – though almost everyone has the ability to create one and they help organizations maintain long-term financial stability.

You can join the Rowes in making a lasting impact by remembering Direct Relief in your estate plans. Often referred to as “planned gifts,” these opportunities allow you to create a lasting legacy representing your lifelong values while planning for your own future as well as that of your loved ones.

When you establish any one of the following estate plan gifts and inform us of your intentions, you will qualify for membership in our Legacy Society.