A $100,000 bequest from the estate of Myrtle E. Offi of Meadville has been used to establish a charitable endowment with the Crawford Heritage Foundation. The Myrtle E. Offi Fund will pay an annual benefit to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Center for Family Services, Inc., Crawford County Humane Society, First Church of God (Meadville, PA), Hospice of Crawford County, Inc. and Salvation Army.
“Our community will benefit greatly from Mrs. Offi’s generous gift. The Crawford Heritage Foundation helps people leave a lasting legacy through funds to benefit the charitable organizations they care most about. Many people choose to make their largest charitable gifts through provisions in their will for a time when they no longer need the money. We encourage everyone to consider making a charitable gift with a portion of their estate,” says Christian Maher, Executive Director.
The Foundation now manages 84 funds for the benefit of 91 different organizations, scholarships and charitable purposes. Bequests can either be added to one or more of those existing funds or used to create a new fund. People who have planned gifts are encouraged to notify the Foundation of their intentions. In appreciation for their philanthropy they may join the Foundation’s Legacy Society.
The nonprofit community is continuing to lobby for additional changes to the rules regarding charitable gifts using retirement assets. In the future, we hope that this legislation will be made permanent and that it will be expanded to other types of retirement assets. Please contact your federal legislators to voice your support for these efforts. And, if you’re eligible, discuss using IRA assets for charitable giving with your financial advisor. Or, contact the Crawford Heritage Foundation for more ways to make the most of your philanthropy.
