Giving > Leave a Legacy

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When you plant a tree you provide shade and beauty now and in the future. In the same way, life takes on special meaning when you choose to leave a gift to benefit present and future generations.

You are invited to join a tradition of extraordinary generosity by adding your legacy to others who realize the importance of supporting our community. Legacy Society membership is honorary; there is no cost to join. Your membership is a priceless gift that will last well into the future.

Accepting our offer to join the Legacy Society allows us to honor your future gift and helps us encourage others to consider how they too, may make a difference. When you join the Legacy Society, you create hope for us now and for those in the generations to come.

A Legacy Gift

The simplest form of a legacy gift is a bequest to the Athens County Foundation in your estate plan, such as; cash, stock, IRA or retirement plan, insurance policy, Saving’s Bonds, real or personal property or unique interests – like timber or oil/gas mineral rights. Legacy Society members can also make planned gifts including:

  • Charitable Remainder Trust-The donor contributes assets to create a fund at the Athens Foundation in the future while keeping the income generated by the gift during his/her lifetime.
  • Charitable Lead Trust-A trust created by the donor makes an annual distribution to the Athens Foundation during their life. When the trust terminates, assets remaining can pass to the donors’ heirs.
  • Life Insurance- The donor names the Athens County Foundation as irrevocable owner and beneficiary of a new or existing policy.

The Athens County Foundation is flexible, efficient, and permanent. Gifts are for the community’s greatest needs; are added to existing charitable funds for a specific organization or causes; or form new funds. An agreement prior to receipt of funds will guide funds with purpose restrictions.

Talk with your professional advisor to determine which type of planned gift is best for you. Arrange your estate plan to create a personal legacy with a bequest or a planned gift to the Athens County Foundation. We welcome the opportunity to work with you and/or your advisor at any time.

Let us know of your gift by indicating your wishes on the Statement of Intent and return it to the Foundation, accepting our offer of membership in the Legacy Society.