Myth 3: "Only Large Estate Gifts Make an Impact"
It’s a common misconception that estate gifts must be large to make a difference. Many people think charitable giving through estate planning is only for those with substantial wealth to leave behind. But the reality is that every gift, no matter the size, can create lasting change—especially when combined with the generosity of others. In fact, modest contributions can grow into something powerful through the Huron County Community Foundation’s permanent endowment funds.
The Power of Pooled Gifts Through HCCF’s permanent endowment funds, small gifts from many individuals are combined and invested. Only a portion of the interest is used each year, allowing the principal to grow over time and provide a steady source of funding for the community. This means that even a small contribution to an endowment fund will continue to benefit Huron County’s organizations and initiatives year after year, in perpetuity.
With pooled resources, individual contributions add up to make a major impact. Imagine, for example, how many community projects could be supported if a portion of each local estate included a small gift to HCCF. Together, these contributions could help provide grants to local schools, fund programs for the elderly, or protect local natural resources.
Building a Legacy That Lasts Forever When you make a gift to a permanent endowment fund, you’re building a legacy that lives on long after you’re gone. At HCCF, we offer a range of endowment funds that allow you to support causes that matter to you, from education and health to conservation and the arts. By designating a portion of your estate to one of these funds, you’re ensuring that Huron County organizations have the resources they need to thrive for generations.
HCCF started with a $1,000 contribution to an endowment in 1996. Since that time, through many modest contributions, we have grown to over $8 million in permanent assets to support Huron County. Over $2.88 million has been awarded to Huron County causes and students since 1994. This incredible impact is supported by our collective community’s generosity.
Endowment Funds for Every Passion HCCF manages a variety of endowment funds tailored to different areas of interest. Here are a few ways that endowment funds benefit Huron County:
Supporting Local Nonprofits: Contributions to endowment funds for specific nonprofits can support organizations’ greatest needs each year. If you’ve made a modest gift to a nonprofit annually, consider giving to or establishing an endowment fund for that organization through your estate to continue your “annual gift” forever.
Meeting Community Needs: Community Impact Funds provide the flexibility to meet the changing needs and opportunities in Huron County. These dollars help organizations navigate through challenging times, address changes in our local community, and respond to strategic priorities.
Funding a Specific Interest Area: Whether it's the arts, education, or another interest area. Field of Interest funds give grants to projects that impact a designated interest area. These funds are a great way to ensure that your values are reflected in your legacy. With HCCF’s support, you can create a personal or family fund in your name, or contribute to an existing fund that aligns with your passions.
The Simplicity of Giving Through HCCF HCCF makes it easy to incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan. We work closely with professional advisors in the Huron County area to ensure your charitable intentions are fulfilled in a way that aligns with your financial and personal goals. Whether you wish to set up a new endowment or contribute to an existing one, we’re here to guide you through the process and make giving as simple as possible.
Your Gift Matters—Today, Tomorrow, and Forever Remember, you don’t need a large estate to leave a lasting impact. By designating even a small portion of your assets to HCCF, you can join forces with others in your community to support causes that will benefit Huron County for generations to come. Reach out to us at HCCF to discuss how you can make a difference, regardless of the size of your gift, and help build a legacy that will endure.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.