The Wyoming Community Foundation (WCF) has officially launched a strategic initiative titled “5 to Thrive,” aimed at securing the long-term economic and social health of the state. Salvador Madrigal, the Associate Director of Donor Stewardship for the WCF, recently appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program to shed light on the campaign, which encourages Wyoming residents to incorporate charitable giving into their long-term estate planning. By designating just 5% of their total assets to local community causes, participants can help ensure that their final legacy fosters growth and sustainability for the neighborhoods they called home.
At the core of the “5 to Thrive” initiative is the philosophy of planned giving as a powerful tool for community development. Madrigal emphasized that the goal is not to pressure individuals, but to highlight the cumulative and lasting impact that even a modest percentage of an estate can have when managed as an endowed gift. Rather than vanishing into general tax funds or private holdings, these contributions are designed to be invested carefully, providing a consistent stream of support that can address both the immediate challenges and the evolving future needs of Wyoming’s diverse population.
This initiative is backed by significant economic data, specifically research conducted by the WCF in partnership with Laramie County Community College. The findings reveal a pivotal moment for the state: an estimated $24 billion in wealth is projected to transfer between generations over the next decade. The “5 to Thrive” campaign seeks to capture a small fraction of this massive capital movement—specifically, a 5% commitment—to ensure that a portion of this wealth remains within Wyoming’s borders, bolstering local non-profits and vital community services rather than leaving the state entirely.
The beauty of the program lies in its flexibility, allowing donors to maintain total control over their philanthropic influence. Madrigal explained that participants are not steered toward a monolithic agenda; instead, they have the autonomy to direct their gifts toward causes that align with their personal values and passions. Whether a donor is interested in supporting public education, the arts, youth development programs, health care initiatives, or broader community infrastructure, the WCF provides the necessary framework to turn those intentions into permanent, legally protected funds that honor the donor’s specific legacy.
To manage these complex transitions effectively, the WCF utilizes a regional approach, working closely with donors, professional financial advisors, and localized community boards throughout the Cowboy State. This decentralized strategy ensures that the funds are not only handled with fiduciary excellence but are also directed toward projects that resonate with local needs. By relying on people who are deeply embedded in their respective regions, the foundation ensures that the “5 to Thrive” dollars are serving the right people in the right places, facilitating high-impact development that respects the unique character of Wyoming’s various counties.
Ultimately, the “5 to Thrive” campaign is a call to action for Wyoming residents to think generationally about their community’s future. The Wyoming Community Foundation is actively inviting citizens to learn more about how these endowed funds function and how they can be tailored to individual estate plans. By choosing to allocate a small slice of their estate, donors are ensuring that 5% of their life’s work continues to make a difference in Wyoming long after they are gone, fostering a virtuous cycle of philanthropy that will benefit generations to come.