Join a group of visionary philanthropists by becoming a member of the Future Society.
This group of extraordinary people is creating lasting change by making a bequest or beneficiary designation to Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, or by establishing a charitable trust.
The Future Society
Bringing together like-minded philanthropists to shape a brighter future for coming generations:
“Planned gifts are a powerful way to support our community in perpetuity while meeting personal, financial and philanthropic goals. If you too share our dream of Fairfield County as a place where every one of our citizens has the opportunity to thrive – today, tomorrow and forever – we warmly invite you to join us in becoming a member of the Future Society.”
Charlotte & John Suhler
Co-Chairs, Future Society
As a Future Society member, you will:
Discover ways to make an impact.
Deeply engage with our staff and partners to explore important trends, policies and developments impacting Fairfield County’s communities.
Inspire others with your story.
By being recognized for your planned gift, you can inspire others to follow in your footsteps. With your permission, we will share your name in our annual report and other materials.
Be our special guest at events.
As a member of the Future Society, you will receive invitations to exclusive philanthropic events with fellow donors who share your vision, compassion and interests.
Achieve your philanthropic goals.
Through a close relationship with you and our network of experienced professional advisors, we can help to ensure that your financial planning meets your philanthropic vision and goals.
What are your philanthropic goals?
Explore your goals with our downloadable Charitable Giving Worksheet then work with our team to direct your planned gift to match your goals.

Direct your gift where the need is greatest.
Make an unrestricted gift to our endowment, fueling powerful solutions to our community’s most pressing challenges.

Support a cause you’re passionate about.
Make a gift from your estate to a fund you’ve already created, leveraging its impact.

Create your own lasting legacy.
Establish and name your own fund with a gift from your estate to support work that carries on your values.
What type of planned gift is right for you?
Make a bequest.
Leave a gift of cash, securities or other assets such as real property by making a bequest in your will or trust. This allows you to make a generous gift, which will not compromise your lifestyle.
Name us as a beneficiary.
Name Fairfield County’s Community Foundation as a beneficiary of your life insurance or retirement plan. It’s easy – and can minimize the impact of estate and income taxes.
Establish a charitable trust.
Create a charitable trust that names Fairfield County’s Community Foundation as beneficiary during your life, or in the future. Talk with your financial and legal advisors to learn more about potential tax advantages.
Fact Sheets About Planned Gifts
Make a lasting difference for the causes you care about.
Frances & Philip Ramer
Norwalk schoolteachers Frances and Philip Ramer found deep joy in inspiring students to push the limits of their academic abilities. To show their abiding love for young people and their community, the Ramers made a $611,000 bequest to Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. Since 1995, the Ramer Fund has awarded 68 grants, totalling $660,985, to support children’s education in Norwalk – and today, the fund’s balance exceeds $1 million. Through their gift, Frances and Philip will teach Norwalk’s children forever.
Through a charitable bequest, you can make a lasting impact.
Like the visionary donors below, your planned gift will directly impact the lives of future generations and continue to fuel grants forever.

We would be honored to talk with you and your financial and legal advisors about easy, proven ways you can make an enduring impact through a planned gift.

Contact us for more information:
Joseph Collin
Vice President, Philanthropy
(203) 750-3200
Jcollin@fccfoundation.org