Philanthropy is not only for the very wealthy. Anyone can become a philanthropist within their own community through things like planned giving and bequests to local nonprofits and foundations.

The Richland County Community Foundation is a vehicle for residents to give back to their community. Giving locally, in any form, is a wonderful way to leave behind a legacy in your community.

Bequests are one way the Richland County Community Foundation can help you make a lasting impact in this area. Bequests to the foundation can be made as specific or general as you want. To leave a portion of your will aside to stimulate your community will benefit your children, grandchildren and so on for generations to come. You can even specify which local organization you want your funds to go to. From organizations that benefit the youth of Richland County, to its elderly population, to its natural and historical treasures, all of these things, and more, are valuable and worth giving to.

Today, it is estimated that only 40 percent of all adults and only 70 percent of adults over the age of 55 have wills, and that’s nationally. In Montana, seven out of 10 Montanans die without having a will. Do you have a will? By making a will and leaving a small portion, even 5 percent, of your estate to charity, you also make sure the bulk of your estate goes to your family or whoever else you desire.

Keeping wealth in Richland County is important for future generations. Right now, the wealth leaving our community is much higher than the wealth staying. Leaving a bequest in your will that specifies its use within this community is a way to counteract the increasing transfer of wealth to other states and communities, which happens when younger people move to areas outside Richland County to take jobs and start families.

Through giving to our community, you help ensure that a portion of your money stays here, where you’ve lived worked and raised your family, creating those same opportunities for other younger families, including yours, to stay here, too.

The Richland County Community Foundation is in a great position to help you set aside money for Richland County because it is under the umbrella of the Montana Community Foundation. This way, you can be sure that any money you choose to give or bequest to the RCCF is professionally managed.

If you have any questions about bequests, planned giving or any type of giving, please contact Ray Trumpower at trumpwer@midrivers.com. Also, be sure to come to the RCCF Membership Kickoff Event Oct. 8 at the MonDak Heritage Center. Watch for more details.