Legacy Society

Giving Through My Estate

Often, caring people remember Michigan Gateway Community Foundation in their will but are not recognized for their gift to their favorite charitable cause until they pass away. The Legacy Society was created to acknowledge people who have made a bequest and give their permission to the Foundation to use their names to encourage others to act charitably during their lifetime.

Our Legacy Society recognizes and honors those donors who have made plans through their estate to give back to the community through the Community Foundation. We are grateful for their foresight, dedication and philanthropic spirit.

Our Legacy Society recognizes and forever honors the names and spirits of our donors. Joining can be as simple as informing the Community Foundation of your intention to make an estate gift. Download and return the Letter of Intent or contact Michael Rowland at 269.695.3521 or info@mgcf.org for more information.

You can support the arts, enrich education, promote community development, and foster a stronger community… tell us what is important to you.

Must I give a large portion of my estate to join the Legacy Society?
No. We value and appreciate all gifts and believe the best gift is the one that’s right for you. To be recognized as a Legacy Society member, you only need to indicate that you have included the Community Foundation as part of your estate plan.

How do I give through my estate?

1. Bequest in your Will

2. Bequest in your Trust

3. Beneficiary designation in your IRA, 401(k) or other employee benefit plan, or life insurance

We provide confidential philanthropic services to prospective donors and their advisors without pressure or obligation.

Planning an estate gift allows you to strategically accomplish financial and charitable objectives. For some people, a large charitable gift during your lifetime can be financially uncomfortable because you may be uncertain about your health, wealth, and personal commitments.

Members of our Legacy Society recognize the importance of making a future gift through the foundation. Your thoughtful planning can encourage others to do so as well. Your planning today will benefit our community for generations to come!

Building on the foresight of our founding members, these people have made endowment gifts totaling more than $10,000 or have notified the Foundation of a planned gift through their estate or via a charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, or similar planned gift vehicle.

Thank you for including Michigan Gateway Community Foundation in your charitable gift plan!

Individual Members (* - deceased)

Steve and Amy Bender
Bruce* and Ila Bigford
Charles Bombardie
Charles Bombardie Estate
Gail and Charles Borland
Nancy O. Butler
Lucille B. Coles
Mrs. Robert Cone
The Coulston Family
Dale and Helen Cropsey
Jane S. Davis
Ann Desenberg
Mrs. B.R. Desenberg
Louis and Catherine Desenberg
Janet Long Brand Diewald
Emily Egan
Chuck and Karin Falkenstein
Thomas Fehlner
Jeanne Griffin
Maurice S. Hahn
Kathryn Hess
Roma Holmes
Gail Hibbard
Charles B. Huizenga
Rudy and Karin Knappe
Ross Linsenmier
Albert and Deana Lillie
Donald and Joan Lyons*
Ted and Marie Majerek
Rex* and Doris McCombs