A legacy of giving.
Including a charitable bequest in your will is a simple way to make a lasting gift to your community. When you make this gift with your community foundation, we establish a special fund that benefits the community forever, and becomes your personal legacy of giving. You can decide to do it at any age by adding to an existing will or drafting a new one. In doing so you leave a legacy to your community, while enjoying the assets you need to maintain your current lifestyle. Plus, you can distribute some or all of your assets, tax free.
You can give cash, appreciated stocks, or other assets. Some of the most tax-efficient asset types to give through your will are those from retirement plan accounts, since heirs would be taxed on the income in respect of the descendent (IRD). You can choose to give a stated dollar amount, a specific property, a percentage of your estate, the remainder after distributions to other beneficiaries, or you can make your gift contingent on certain events. It's up to you!
Example Donor Story
The gift of a lifetime to support education.
Following his graduation from Pennsboro High School in 1950, Herschel Pifer served his country in the U.S. Air Force for twelve years. Upon returning home to Ritchie County, he became an active citizen and an entrepreneur, as owner of the Ellenboro Dairyette. Many stories are told of Herschel's concern for education as he took an active interest in the high school students who were his employees, helping them with their homework and encouraging their studies. He played piano at his church, the Highland Community Church. When Herschel passed away, his core values were obvious - in his will, he had made gifts to his family and his church, as well as to the young people of his community, by establishing a permanent scholarship for RItchie County High School students.
There is so much more we’d like you to know. For more information and ideas on ways to integrate your financial planning with charitable giving, we suggest that you consult your personal professional financial advisor or contact our Executive Director at director@pacfwv.com or 304.428.4438 (toll free 1.866.428.4438).