Philanthropy has the power to influence lasting community change. When an organization receives someone's long-term support, a 'ripple effect' occurs. Many lives are touched, potentially for generations. One such local charitable clearinghouse organization, Johnson County Community Foundation based in Franklin, assists in these types of initiatives through the nonprofit's Legacy Society.
Stephanie Marten, vice president of development, says that she and the staff connect donors to worthy causes that truly matter, ones that are tailored to each person's interests and preferences. "We accept a wide range of assets and invest your gift no matter the amount," she explains. "We protect the integrity of donors' investments and their wishes."
In 1991, a group of Johnson County residents shared the vision of wanting to address challenges and opportunities in the local region, so they invited their circle of friends to create an organization that would encourage charitable giving. They were the founders of what now is the JCCF.
Stephanie outlines various ways to become a JCCF Legacy Patron:
- Bequests/Wills
- Charitable Lead Trusts
- Charitable Gift Annuities
- Life Insurance
- Retirement Funds
- Real Estate Property
- Charitable Reminder Trust
- Grain
"Giving presently, while alive, has an immediate impact and lets you help those who may need it most now. Giving over time offers more flexibility, although it requires important longer-term decisions, such as how your assets are held until the gift is distributed. And, the last way to give is through an estate, will, trust, beneficiary or bequest, after you pass on," states Stephanie.
She says she believes planned giving with the JCCF team or a financial advisor is the best approach to becoming a Legacy Patron. Benefits of planning giving include: having a way of making a charitable gift during one's life or death that's part of the overall financial or estate plan; gifting from assets rather than cash flow; gifting doesn't affect one's current financial security; making an enduring impact on a cause about which each person is passionate; and leaving a permanent statement of one's values.
Key causes are grouped by JCCF, according to special projects done in collaboration with community leaders, and those categories are:
Circle of Friends: to develop and provide operational capacity funding for community projects, nonprofit training and leadership initiatives.
Agriculture: to sustain the spirit and rich history of the local agricultural heritage.
Arts and Culture: to strengthen and enrich the performing, visual and oratorical arts.
Civic and Community Development: to support initiatives and projects that enhance the desire to live, work and play in Johnson County.
Education: to ensure the community’s prosperity by preparing children to learn.
Enrichment: to address any aspect of Johnson County’s well-being.
Health and Human Services: to support and promote physical and mental health.
Scholarship: to provide higher education opportunities.
One example of a supportive JCCF donor is Thelma Slisher, who shares she was excited when she learned about JCCF. "A light bulb went off in my head that this was my opportunity to continue to give back to my community after I am gone."
Thelma made plans for a Legacy Fund that will carry out her wishes, choosing the name for her future fund: The Kids Can Do Fund, which gives her the flexibility to revise at any time. She also started a basketball program to give kids with disabilities an opportunity to play.
“My desire is to give kids of all abilities a chance. Like my mom did for me, I want to provide opportunities to those who may not have the resources to meet their needs,” Thelma adds.
"Sometimes, donors want to honor a loved one or a person who made a significant difference in their lives. In other cases, donors want to ensure a great cause is supported for many years to come. They want to leave a legacy. Each fund is established with a simple agreement between the donor and JCCF," Stephanie assures.
"Whatever motivates someone's decision-making, JCCF understands there are many reasons to give, and is ready to help you accomplish your goals."
Stephanie Marten, Johnson County Community Foundation vice president of development, says, "Our JCCF manages more than 300 funds established by people with philanthropic passions. Many of our donors contribute to one or more of these existing funds, while others set up their own. There's no right or wrong way to give. What’s important is giving in a way that helps you accomplish your philanthropic goals and JCCF is here to help."
317.738.2213
JCCF.org/Share-Your-Legacy