Legacy Society 
Enrollment Form
Create a Legacy Brochure
Legacy Society FAQ

Samuel C. Alessi
Anonymous
Gretta Archer
David "Skip" & Joyce Axelson
David M. & Christine Bartkowiak
Lyman A. Buck III &  Janette L. Buck
Gordon F. &  Jeanette Carlson
Edwin L. Danielson
Russell E. & June C. Diethrick
Jake Ensign
Allen R. & Margaret H. Findlay
Cristie L. Herbst
Mary Ann Green Olson 
Robert A. Hagstrom
Frances P. Marra
Joanne E. Nelson
Albert C. Nottage
Mary Ann Green Olson 
Gladys E. Peterson
Gregory L. & Cynthia H. Peterson 
Priscilla H. Robbins
Jacob S. & Nora C. Schrantz
Kenneth W. & Lois Strickler
Roland A. &  Doris M. Swanson
Randall J. Sweeney
Janet M. Wahlberg

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation Legacy Society honors and recognizes the philanthropic leadership and vision of individuals who have chosen to leave a gift to the Foundation through an estate planning vehicle.  Enrollment in this honorary society is simply a matter of advising the Foundation of the creation of a bequest.  

You have lived your life of giving of your time, your talents, and your money because you know that giving matters.  A permanent legacy is established when a donor leaves a gift to benefit the Foundation, sets up an endowment fund for the purpose of an area non-profit organization or a scholarship fund.

Those who remember the Foundation through a planned gift are invited to join in the Community Foundation’s Legacy Society. Too often, these gifts are unrecognized because they come at the end of the donors’ lives. The Legacy Society provides a way to recognize and thank donors during their lifetimes.

Legacy giving does not require a large income or vast estate.  Legacy giving only requires a thoughtful intention to make a difference by identifying a charitable organization in your will or estate plan.

As a member of the Legacy Society, you can expect:

• A relationship with the Foundation during your lifetime.
• Special recognition in newsletters and annual reports, unless anonymity is desired.
• Invitations to special events.
• A role in determining how your legacy gift will be used.
• Satisfaction in knowing your legacy will make a difference for your community.

Gifts made through a bequest in a will or trust are not the only means of becoming a member of the Legacy Society.  Other ways in which donors can apply personal resources toward the betterment of their community through the Legacy Society include:

• Estates
• Bequest in a Will or Living Trust
• Gifts of Life Insurance
• Charitable Remainder Trusts
• Beneficiary Designation of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401K, 403B)

Your planned gift puts you in good company today.  Tomorrow, your endowed fund will be multiplied with the gifts from other caring individuals and families for the betterment of our community for generations to come.

Legacy giving is easy.  It only takes a plan.

If you have already included the Community Foundation in your estate plan or as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, trust, or will, and would like to be included in the Legacy Society, please let us know.  We want to be sure we have your wishes on record to properly carry them out after your lifetime.  Some members of the Legacy Society notify the Community Foundation but otherwise choose to keep their decision confidential.

For more information about the Legacy Society and leaving your own legacy, please contact the Foundation at (716) 661-3390 or e-mail rsweeney@crcfonline.org.  All requests for information regarding the Legacy Society will be held in strict confidence.