The charitable nature of citizens within Chautauqua County is overwhelming. The Community Foundation sees it day in and day out from donors starting new funds, making simple gifts, or memorializing those who have passed on. Sometimes there are too few causes for the charity local individuals are willing to provide. Aside from the daily donors, there are also those who look to the future when thinking charitably. These individuals establish planned gifts with CRCF and even name the Foundation in their wills. For those individuals who have chosen this course of action, the Community Foundation is offering a new program to honor this foresight and commitment to the future of the Chautuaqua region. 

 

The new program is the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation’s Legacy Society. It has been established to recognize donor’s now for gifts they will make in the future. Oftentimes, gifts made in a person’s will go unrecognized until that person has passed on. The Legacy Society provides a way for CRCF to thank these donors during their lifetimes and for others to see the charity these individuals are providing for Chautauqua County. In many cases, individuals do not want to be recognized and wish to remain anonymous, which is completely understandable. But, for those who wish to serve as a positive example for others who might wish to take the same course of action, the Legacy Society can provide this exposure. 

 

There are a few ways to become eligible for CRCF’s Legacy Society. If you have made a planned gift to CRCF or have named the Foundation in your will, you are already eligible. If not, then simply making a planned gift now or in the future fulfills the requirements for membership. You need only let the Foundation staff know of your gift and give permission to promote the gift. 

 

There are many types of planned gifts that qualify for the Legacy Society. Examples of some of these gifts include: Bequest in will or living trust; charitable gift annuity; charitable lead trust; pooled income fund gift; bank account; gift of real estate; beneficiary of an IRA or pension; beneficiary of a life insurance policy. If you have a planned giving scenario not listed, please contact the Foundation staff to discuss your situation. There are many other scenarios that might fit into this program.

 

Once you have become a member of the Legacy Society, there are special benefits that are offered. These benefits range from invitation to special Legacy Society events, to an initiation gift, to recognition within publications and at CRCF special events (all with your permission). Beyond these more tangible benefits, you can be assured that you are creating a permanent “legacy” that will serve to benefit that Chautauqua Region forever. 

 

The Legacy Society may not be for everyone. However, if you have questions regarding this new CRCF program, call 661-3390. This program is simply an additional way to recognize those who are working through the CRCF to offer a brighter tomorrow for the community. Every charitable gift received by the Foundation makes a difference, and especially those gifts that are made with the future of the Chautauqua region in mind.