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Leaving a legacy. Building a future.

Heritage Society

The Heritage Society honors individuals and businesses whose lifetime or legacy giving sustains a vibrant, resilient Battle Creek.

Why Join?

  • Inspire others as a philanthropic role model
  • Belong to a community of like-minded givers
  • Leave a legacy that endures for generations

About the Heritage Society

The Heritage Society brings together people and businesses who believe their lifetime or legacy gifts will make a lasting impact on our community. Members are recognized as philanthropic role models and welcomed into an intimate circle that fosters deeper relationships with fellow members and the Community Foundation.

Membership Eligibility
Individuals & Households: Planned gift (will/trust/beneficiary) or cumulative lifetime giving of $10,000+.
Businesses: Planned/legacy gift or cumulative giving of $25,000+.

Will or Trust Bequest

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Name BCCF for a specific amount, percentage, or residue.

Beneficiary Designation

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Add BCCF to retirement accounts, life insurance, bank and money market accounts or DAFs.

Charitable Trusts & Gift Annuities

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Potential income + tax advantages while supporting community.

Business Legacy Gifts

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Align corporate values with long-term community impact.

Sample Bequest Language

General Bequest (Unrestricted)
I give, devise, and bequeath to Battle Creek Community Foundation, a Michigan nonprofit corporation (Tax ID 38-2298611), the sum of $____ (or ____% of my estate, or the residue of my estate) to be used for its general charitable purposes.

Designated Purpose Bequest
I give, devise, and bequeath to Battle Creek Community Foundation (Tax ID 38-2298611) the sum of $____ (or ____% / residue) to establish or add to a fund to support [describe field of interest/program]. If, in the judgment of the Board, the purpose becomes unnecessary or impracticable, the Board may use the gift consistent with the Foundation’s mission and variance power.

Scholarship Support (Cost of Attendance)
I give, devise, and bequeath to Battle Creek Community Foundation (Tax ID 38-2298611) $____ (or ____%) for scholarships that may include tuition and non-tuition costs of attendance, with preferences expressed in non-binding guidelines on file with the Foundation.

Beneficiary Designation (for accounts/policies)
Beneficiary: Battle Creek Community Foundation (Tax ID 38-2298611). Suggested designation: ‘Heritage Society gift to support community needs through the Fund for Battle Creek’ or another purpose discussed with Foundation staff.

This information is educational and not legal advice. Please consult your attorney or advisor.

Donor Spotlight

“After Melvin passed away in 1996, Fovette continued making annual grants from the fund to more than 20 Battle Creek organizations to help others in the community and leave a legacy for her family.”

— The Dush Family, Heritage Society Members

Donor Spotlight

“My dad used to say not everyone is made to be a doctor or a lawyer. If you’re trying to hold down a job, do it honorably. It’s important that you’re dependable and you do the job with integrity.”
— Howard Westrick, Heritage Society Member

Donor Spotlight

“I’ve always been touched by the number of clients I’ve had who, despite having very little money for themselves, wish to help others by giving to BCCF. And BCCF has always made it very easy for people to do.”
— Betsy Briere, Heritage Society Member

Donor Spotlight

“I felt like just a poor little working person with a little money saved trying to do some good in the community, but my employer was able to more than match my donation. It goes to show: where there’s a will there’s a way.”
— Roberta Cribbs, Heritage Society Member
Heritage Members

Beneficiary Designations

  • Retirement plans (IRA, 401(k), 403(b))
  • Life insurance policies
  • Donor-advised funds (final or contingent)
  • Bank/Investment accounts (POD/TOD)

Suggested designation: “Battle Creek Community Foundation (Tax ID 38-2298611)” with purpose language discussed with BCCF staff.

If you are interested in supporting the long-term growth of the community as a member of the Heritage Society,

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Interested in Learning More?

Let’s talk about your goals and the best way BCCF can help.

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