Charity
Small Hometown is Big Beneficiary of Quiet Community Member
The memory of John Criss, who loved his hometown, serves as a shining example of how a legacy is created through a properly executed will and the spirit of philanthropy. John Criss lived with his parents, owned a small business and spent his entire life in the small Iowa town of Sac City. When he…
Read MorePhilanthropist and Wife to Amway Co-Founder Dies
If the name Helen DeVos sounds is familiar, that may be because the late DeVos was mother-in-law to Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education. Helen DeVos was a beloved philanthropist who supported many causes, but her first love was her family. Helen DeVos was loved by her family and the people of Grand Rapids, Michigan and…
Read MoreHere’s a World-Famous Artist with a Planned Approach to Creating a Legacy
Not all creative souls chose to ignore the details of their eventual passing. Famed painter Jasper Johns has created a plan that will foster creativity and continue his support for the arts in the future. A recent article in US News, “Jasper Johns to Leave Connecticut Estate for Artists Retreat,” reports that Jasper Johns, one…
Read MoreComedian Lewis Isn’t the Only One Disinheriting His Kids
Maybe it’s a trend—a number of high profile people have chosen not to leave their kids an inheritance. For legendary comedian Jerry Lewis, six kids from his first marriage won’t see a dime. Because his estate used a will, which became a public document, we know that Jerry Lewis very deliberately excluded all of the…
Read MoreMaking Philanthropy Part of the Family Tradition
The numbers are staggering—an estimated $30 trillion is expected to transfer from baby boomers to their heirs in the coming decades. How can your family ensure that this happens in a meaningful way? The adage is well known: “The first generation earns it, the second generation maintains it and the third generation loses it.” But…
Read MoreIt’s been a Great Year for Charitable Giving at Kansas State University
Any college development office would love to have the kind of year that Kansas State University Foundation reported at the end of their fiscal year (ending June 30, 2017). Gifts and commitments to the foundation reached $152 million. Fiscal year 2017 was the second most successful year in the university’s fundraising history, according to an…
Read MoreYes, Even You Need to Have a Will
Most of us are hard-wired to avoid situations that might lead to our death. While some thrive on sky diving or swimming with sharks, death is something most of us prefer to avoid. Unfortunately, trying to ignore our own mortality can wreak havoc for our loved ones. That is, if we don’t take the time…
Read MoreGive Your Charitable Giving More Impact
Americans are truly generous, supporting causes and organizations and giving in the form of money, time and taking leadership roles. Charity Navigator reports that about 2% of the U.S. gross domestic product—approximately $400 billion—was donated by philanthropically-minded Americans to non-profits last year. Some give checks, others volunteer in programs or as leaders, while others are…
Read MoreHow to Make Gift Tax Part of Your Tax Planning
Did you know that the donor is responsible for paying any gift taxes, not the recipient? When you think of tax planning, most people think about minimizing the amount of taxes we pay every spring when we file taxes. But there are provisions in the tax law that focus on gifts, and if gifting is…
Read MoreProceeds from Auction of Famed Playwright’s Collection to Benefit His Foundation
One of America’s legendary playwrights was also an avid art collector, who amassed an extraordinary art collection. Unlike many collectors, he lived with his art, and it filled his downtown New York City loft. The Edward Albee Foundation will be the beneficiary of proceeds from the sale of playwright Edward Albee’s museum-quality art collection, which…
Read More