What good work can I do?
You can support the arts, enrich education, protect the environment, and provide human services, safeguard health, foster a stronger community and more. Our staff has broad expertise and can target grants to make a difference where they are needed most.
Tell us what is important to you.
When should I include the gift in my estate plan?
Any time you are drafting or changing your will or estate plan, you may want to consider charitable gifts. Your financial or legal advisor can provide guidance related to your personal estate, beneficiaries, income goals, taxes, and other considerations. In addition, you may find it simpler to designate the community foundation as a beneficiary to your 401(k), IRA or life insurance policy. When you notify us of your intentions, you automatically become a member of the Society of 1924. Click here for sample bequest language for your will.
Must I give a large portion of my estate to join the Legacy Society?
No. We realize individual circumstances vary. We value and appreciate all gifts, and believe the best gift is the one that's right for the giver.
How do I plan a legacy gift?
Call your estate advisors, talk to us, or consult with both. We provide confidential philanthropic services to prospective donors and their advisors, without pressure or obligation. Making a legacy gift is easy:
- Make a beneficiary designation or include the Foundation in your estate plan. Our legal name is "Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, Inc.".
- Notify us of your intentions so we can invite you to be a member of the Society of 1924.
- Upon your death, your gift can be added to an existing fund or we can establish a new fund in the name you've chosen; we invest the funds, make grants honoring your charitable intentions, and handle all administrative tasks.
Why do people give to charity through their estate plans?
Planning an estate gift allows you to strategically accomplish both financial and charitable objectives. For some people, a large charitable gift during their lifetime can be financially uncomfortable - since they may be uncertain about their health, wealth and personal commitments. An estate gift may make more sense. You can still fulfill your personal goals of preserving your family name, honoring loved ones, providing for heirs, minimizing tax burdens and supporting the community you call home.
What assets should I give?
Your professional advisors can recommend your most tax-advantaged assets any time you make a charitable gift. Many people choose to give stocks, real estate and other highly appreciated assets during their lifetime and designate 401(k), IRA, and other retirement assets upon their death.