A thoughtful estate gift can support the causes you love forever. Whether you leave a gift in your will, name BCCF as a beneficiary, or establish a named fund, we’ll help you craft a plan that reflects your values and strengthens Greater Battle Creek for generations.
We’ll help you get it right.
Share your draft language or beneficiary form. We’ll confirm legal name, EIN, and fund details and coordinate with your advisors.
Already included BCCF?
Let us celebrate and steward your intentions (or remain anonymous). Ask about our Legacy recognition and simple Letter of Intent.
Simple & flexible
Leave a Gift in Your Will or Trust
Add a sentence to your estate plan to create or add to a charitable fund, no cost today, big impact tomorrow.
Tax-smart
Beneficiary Designations
Designate BCCF on retirement accounts (IRA/401(k)), life insurance, or brokerage accounts, often the easiest way to give.
Your legacy, your way
Name a Fund or Support an Existing One
Establish a named endowment or add to community funds that fuel grants and scholarships each year.
Ways to Plan Your Legacy
Wills & Living Trusts (Bequests)
Give a specific amount, percentage, or the remainder of your estate.
Create a named fund to support areas you care about, or give to BCCF for broad community needs.
Changeable any time while your plans evolve.
Work with your attorney to include the sample language below and to ensure it aligns with your goals.
Beneficiary Designations
Retirement assets (IRA, 401(k), 403(b)) are often the most tax-efficient asset to leave to charity.
Life insurance
Name BCCF as full or partial beneficiary, or gift a policy.
Transfer-on-death (TOD) for brokerage/bank accounts
Update these forms directly with your financial institution. No attorney visit needed.
Other Legacy Options
Real estate or closely held business interests (subject to due diligence and acceptance).
Charitable remainder or lead trusts with BCCF as a charitable beneficiary.
Gifts from donor-advised funds or private foundations at estate settlement (where permitted).All gifts are subject to BCCF’s Gift
Acceptance Policy and applicable laws. Our team collaborates with your advisors to evaluate complex assets.
Documents & Resources
Compliance note.
All gifts are irrevocable when received and become assets of BCCF, a 501(c)(3) public charity. BCCF’s Board retains variance power and final authority over funds to ensure charitable use consistent with law and policy.
Sample Language (Share with Your Attorney)
Unrestricted:
"This gift is unrestricted, and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees shall determine the use of the funds."
Add to an Existing Fund:
"This gift shall be added to the at Battle Creek Community Foundation."
Create a Named Fund:
"This gift shall establish the Fund to support . The Fund will be governed by BCCF’s policies."
Tip: If you prefer flexibility, reference “as the Foundation’s Board determines,” ensuring your legacy continues meeting community needs over time.
Primary or contingent beneficiary:
"Battle Creek Community Foundation (EIN 38-2045459), 32 West Michigan Avenue, Suite 1, Battle Creek, MI 49017."
To support an existing or future named fund, add:
"for the benefit of the (or to establish the ). If such fund does not exist at distribution, the gift is unrestricted."
Your custodian’s form will usually include fields for percentages and contingents. Keep copies with your records and share with your advisor and BCCF.