The M&M Area Community Foundation’s Standing Legacy Society honors individuals or families who have committed to supporting the community through a gift from their estate.
The Foundation will recognize October as Standing Legacy Society month.
Planning an estate gift allows donors to strategically accomplish both financial and charitable objectives. For many, these include preserving the family name, honoring loved ones, providing for heirs, minimizing tax burdens and supporting the community they call home.
“The Standing Legacy Society is our way of acknowledging a donor’s commitment to the future,” said Paula Gruszynski. “Making a legacy gift reflects the ongoing commitment to the community and the causes valued most by the donor. It enables a person to act on their convictions and make a difference for years to come. We find this is a very important option for individuals since often, these meaningful gifts go unrecognized because they come at the end of a donor’s life.”
Many people give assets including IRAs, securities, real estate, insurance benefits and cash. Donors may enrich education, protect the environment, provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need, safeguard health and more. The Foundation is knowledgeable about local needs, critical programs and projects, and can help craft a plan to support causes throughout Marinette and Menominee Counties.
“We established a scholarship fund several years ago to honor our son’s memory because we know kids need a boost to afford college. After seeing the good that the M&M Area Community Foundation was doing, we decided to include them in our will. The work they are doing impacts so many lives throughout Marinette and Menominee Counties. We have left money for our two daughters and were happy to find a way to recognize our son in our estate plans by helping the people in the area we call home,” stated Grace Mundt, Standing Legacy Society member.
Financial or legal advisors can provide professional guidance related to specific estate, beneficiaries, income goals, taxes and other considerations. Bequests to the Community Foundation are exempt from estate taxes.
When the individual notifies the Foundation of the gift, the donor is automatically eligible to become a member of the Standing Legacy Society. The Foundation provides confidential philanthropic services to prospective donors and their professional advisors, without pressure or obligation. Giving a legacy gift is a simple way to make a difference. For more information, call the Community Foundation at 906-864-3599.
