By including the Community Foundation in your will or estate plan, you become a member of a very special group of caring people – our Legacy Society.

There are a range of charitable giving options available through the Community Foundation.

Each can provide lasting benefits to the region’s residents long after your lifetime… forever, in fact! Your gift can be unrestricted or used to benefit a specific organization or community need.

You choose the issues you care most about. Healthy activities for children. Advocacy for cleaner air and water. Better health care access. Affordable higher education. Safer spaces. More inclusive communities.

Our experienced staff is here to help you decide how best to put your giving plan into action.

You can add your legacy gift to an existing fund, set up a new fund, specify a purpose, or leave it unrestricted to allow the Community Foundation to place your gift where the community need is greatest.

After your lifetime, we put your gift to work through grants to local organizations that are effectively tackling the issues that are important to you.

• Flexible giving options to meet your unique financial situation.
• Administrative ease. We make it easy for you to give how and when you want.
• Helpful collaboration with your financial advisor. We will work together to meet your philanthropic goals.
• Access to our staff’s deep knowledge of the region’s assets and challenges and the nonprofits that serve our communities.
• Wise investment strategies, so your gifts are thoughtfully stewarded for the greatest impact over time.
• Trust – that we will always be here, directing your gifts to the issues you specify.

We recommend you consult with your professional advisor to determine which of your assets are best given to charity and which are best given to heirs; as well as which fund type best meets your personal financial needs.

Read more about Gifts We Accept and Types of Funds.

For more details on planned giving through the Community Foundation and to read several inspirational stories from our Legacy Society members, click below:

Additional Philanthropic Guide documents:

Provide us with information on your Planned Gift Intentions
Meet Your Legacy Planning Partner
Legacy Society member Nelly Murstein’s Story

Estate and Tax Planning Council of Eastern Connecticut, a planned giving partner of the Community Foundation, is pleased to offer a three-part series (one hour each) as a public service to the community. Click below to view these on-demand video talks given by local professional advisors in your area.

Demystifying Wills and Probate