Planned Giving

If you feel strongly about a cause or an organization that has touched your life or the lives of loved ones, you may wish to consider making a planned gift. You can help shape our community’s future, create a legacy and set an example that inspires others to give.  Learn about The Legacy Society.


For as many motivations as there are to give, there are ways of planned giving. With thoughtful consideration and guidance that include your charitable priorities, financial goals, and personal preferences, you can accomplish your charitable goals. Information on this page will help you explore the opportunities of planned giving and find the best fit for you. Please free to contact the foundation with questions and assistance.


Below are the most frequently used methods of planned giving. All of these can be set up through the Community Foundation to benefit a charitable cause for years to come.

  • Wills & Bequests

    A gift of a bequest is made through a will or living trust. It is easy to establish and revocable. As the donor, you retain lifetime use and control of the property intended as a bequest. Sample bequest language can be found here.


    Request an e-booklet on this subject here.

  • Retirement and Personal Planning

    Retirement assets make excellent charitable gifts because they are so highly taxed when left to individuals. It typically takes a simple form from your account provider to add the Foundation as a beneficiary. This may have estate planning benefits, because income in respect of a decedent is taxable to heirs but not to charities. 


    Request an e-booklet on this subject here.

  • Gift Annuities

    A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is a contract between a charity and a donor. In return for a donation of cash or other assets, the charity agrees to pay the donor and/or someone designated by donor a fixed payment for life. The donor can claim an immediate charitable tax deduction for the amount of transfer above the value of the annuity purchase. Donors may choose to establish a deferred charitable gift annuity and defer receiving income from the gift annuity for a period of years.


    Request an e-booklet on this subject here. 

  • Life Insurance

    You may give a gift of a life insurance policy, designate the Community Foundation as beneficiary of the policy, or use a policy as a wealth replacement tool in tandem with a CRAT or CRUT (Charitable Remainder Trust). You can also earn a possible income tax charitable deduction for the donated policy. 


    Request an e-booklet on this subject here.

  • Charitable REmainder Trusts

    As a donor, you may transfer assets to a charitable remainder trust that provides a specified distribution percentage to one or more (income) beneficiaries for life, or a term of years, with the remainder interest paid to charity. These types of trusts can be established through the assistance of an attorney and/or trust department at a financial institution. 


    Request an e-booklet on this subject here.

Leave a Legacy

For more detailed information, call for an appointment or send us an email.  Do you want detailed information on a specific type of planned gift?  We will send you an e-booklet with information on the particular topic.