Shape the future you imagine for the communities you love
By including the Community Foundation in your estate plan, you make a planned gift that affirms your enduring dedication to the well-being of your community and automatically become a member of The Future Society. You choose the issues to address with your gifts, and we promise to always turn your gifts into grants to nonprofits working to boldly create solutions in the communities you love for generations to come. Partner with us to design a planned giving strategy that addresses your specific goals—both philanthropic and financial—well into the future.
Download a guide to start exploring your options
Common Ways to Make a Planned Gift
No matter your age or your income, you have options to give a forever gift to your community.
Bequest
By naming the Community Foundation as a beneficiary, you gift us your assets (cash, stocks, appreciated securities, or personal property) after your lifetime—in any amount or a percentage of your estate.
Life Insurance
When the original purpose for a life insurance policy no longer applies, you can name the Community Foundation as a beneficiary of the policy as a meaningful way to support your community.
Retirement Assets
When retirement assets pass to your heirs, they can be subject to estate and income taxes. As a result, many donors choose to fund their charitable giving by designating the Community Foundation as the beneficiary of their retirement accounts.
Real Estate
Giving real estate as a charitable contribution can create an enduring legacy, while unlocking several tax, income, and estate planning benefits.
Charitable Lead Trust
You transfer assets into a trust that makes payouts to the Community Foundation for a fixed number of years—while you receive tax benefits. At the end of the trust term, your designated beneficiaries receive the remainder of the trust with substantial tax savings.
Charitable Remainder Trust
You and/or others you designate receive annual income for life or for a fixed term, while you receive the tax benefits. Then, at the end of the income period, the trust’s remaining assets pass into a permanent fund at the Community Foundation.
The Future Society
When you include the Community Foundation in your estate plan, you automatically become a member of The Future Society.
While every donor has the power to create positive change in their communities, some go even further. They see the possibility to sow seeds of lasting progress beyond the boundaries of their lifetimes. These visionary partners are at the heart of The Future Society at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.
“I’ve always been impressed with the Community Foundation’s research on the needs of women and girls. I have faith that my money is going to effective nonprofits and is addressing some of poverty’s root causes.”
Kaye Barker
Future Society Member
Common Misconceptions About Planned Giving
Many ways to leave a legacy are surprisingly simple. Explore options like a gift in your will or trust.
Absolutely not! Planned giving is open to everyone. Even if your estate isn’t vast, you can still make a significant impact through planned giving strategies. Planned gifts often unlock ways to give more generously than you might realize.
Estate planning isn’t just for seniors. It’s a crucial step for anyone who wants to ensure their wishes are respected and their loved ones are cared for in the future. Whether you’re young and starting a family, building a career, or simply want peace of mind, an estate plan, including a will, provides clear instructions and avoids potential confusion or conflict for those you leave behind.
“I rely on the Community Foundation’s deep local expertise to make grant decisions. A charitable remainder trust will allow me to provide enduring support for local youth education.”
Bill Knobloch
Future Society Member
The future power of your generosity is limitless
Your planned gift can make an impact that is far greater and more lasting than you might realize. Explore how planned gifts made by remembered Future Society members continue to grow and fuel grants that make a difference across generations.
Ready to start the conversation?
Let’s talk about how you can plan a gift that transcends time. Contact Sara DeRose, Director of Development & Philanthropic Services, at (203) 750-3210 or SDeRose@FCCFoundation.org.
