Why and How to Include a Planned Gift in Your Estate for the Lenawee Community Foundation.
When you begin a family charitable endowment with your estate gift, chosen heirs will have the privilege of expressing your family values by recommending grants. This priceless experience will change not only their lives but also the lives of local residents. Your legacy of caring will live on.
When individuals leave a planned gift to the Lenawee Community Foundation in their estate plans, they make a profound and lasting impact on our community, leaving behind a legacy of support for the causes they care about enabling our community to thrive for generations to come.
What is a Planned Gift?
A planned gift, also known as a legacy gift or a gift in your will, is a carefully considered charitable contribution that you arrange to benefit the Lenawee Community Foundation as part of your overall financial and estate planning. These gifts can take various forms, such as bequests, charitable remainder trusts, life insurance policies, and more.
Why Should You Consider a Planned Gift to the Lenawee Community Foundation?
A planned gift allows you to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the causes and organizations you are passionate about, ensuring that your values live on.
Impact Future Generations: Your gift can have a meaningful and long-lasting impact on our community. By contributing to the Lenawee Community Foundation, you’re helping address critical needs, support local nonprofits, and improve the quality of life for future generations.
Tax Benefits: Depending on your financial situation and the type of planned gift, you may be eligible for certain tax benefits, including reduced estate taxes and potential income tax deductions.
Flexibility: You can customize your planned gift to align with your personal and philanthropic goals. Whether you want to establish a named fund, support a specific program, or provide for the general needs of our community, the Lenawee Community Foundation can work with you to create a plan that fits your vision.
Recognition: We honor and celebrate those who choose to include the Lenawee Community Foundation in their estate plans through our Legacy Society. Your generosity will inspire others to follow in your footsteps.
We express our heartfelt appreciation to the members of The Legacy Society of the Lenawee Community Foundation.
Together, we build a better future for our community. Now and forever.
Donor Stories
We are appreciative of the following persons who have left a bequest to the Lenawee Community Foundation.
 Dick Family |
 Duncan Family |
 Knight Family |
 McNeil Family |
 Thompson Family |
Sample Language for Your Will or Trust
As your advisor and you draft your estate plan or will, please remember the Lenawee Community Foundation – no matter how large or small your bequest. Following are some statements that can be used.
General or Specific Bequest – “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Lenawee Community Foundation the sum of $___ (or ___ %) from my estate.
Remainder of Estate – “After all specified bequests have been made I give, devise, and bequeath to the Lenawee Community Foundation all (or ___ %) of the remainder of my estate.
Contingent Bequest – “I give the residue of my estate to ______ family member. If that person does not survive me, I give the residue of my estate to the Lenawee Community Foundation.”
How Can You Leave a Planned Gift to the Lenawee Community Foundation?
Consult with Professionals: We recommend consulting with legal and financial professionals who can help you create a plan that aligns with your wishes and financial goals.
Contact the Lenawee Community Foundation: We are here to assist you throughout the process. Please get in touch with us for information, guidance, and support in creating your legacy gift.
Specify Your Wishes: Clearly outline your intentions in your will, trust, or other estate planning documents. Be sure to include the Lenawee Community Foundation as the beneficiary and specify how you would like your gift to be used.
Review and Update: Periodically review your estate plan to ensure it reflects your current wishes and financial situation.
Together, we can build a stronger and more vibrant community. By leaving a planned gift to the Lenawee Community Foundation, you are taking a significant step toward making a positive impact that will endure for generations to come.
For more information on planned giving opportunities or to discuss how you can leave a legacy with the Lenawee Community Foundation, please contact Cynthia Heady at 517.263.4696 or cynthia@lenaweecf.com
