Build a Legacy

What difference do you want to make in your community — not just today, but years, decades, generations from now? What changes or progress do you dream of? How do you want to be remembered?

Through Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, you can support the causes you care about most for generations to come. Whether it’s an unrestricted fund that will help address the changing needs of the northern Chautauqua community; a field of interest fund that reflects your passion for education, the arts, the environment, health or another issue that moves you; a scholarship fund that makes dreams possible for local students; or some other philanthropic purpose you have in mind, the Northern Chautauqua Community foundation offers a home for your philanthropic legacy.

You can establish your fund through your estate plan by providing for a bequest in your will or trust, a gift of retirement assets, or a variety of gifts that may provide income for life to you or others. Donors who tell us they have included the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation in their estate plans become members of our Bequest Society.

We invite you to:

• Learn about the types of funds you can create

• Explore the types of estate gifts you might make

• Read about other donors and the legacies they have created

• Explore hundreds of funds created by our generous donors

• Learn about our services and experience

We will be glad to work with you or your professional advisors as you consider the philanthropic legacy you’d like to leave.

Sample Language for a Bequest
to establish or contribute to an Endowment Fund

Change the numbers or percentages to fit your estate.

1. Bequest of cash
"I bequeath the sum of $10,000 to the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive, Dunkirk, NY 14048."

2. Bequest of a percent of the estate
"I devise and bequeath 20% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive, Dunkirk, NY 14048."

3. Contingent Bequest
"If my brother John Doe survives me, I devise and bequeath 20% of the remainder and residue of property owned at my death, whether real or personal, and wherever located to John Doe. If John Doe does not survive me, then I devise and bequeath 20% of my residuary estate, whether real or personal property and wherever located to Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, 212 Lake Shore Drive, Dunkirk, NY 14048."

Bequest by will:  Including a charitable bequest in your will is a simple way to make a lasting gift to your community. When you make this gift through your community foundation,we establish a special fund that benefits the community forever and becomes your personal legacy of giving.