Leave a Legacy

Supporting Your Community

The Legacy Society recognizes individuals and couples who have named the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation as the beneficiary of any type of planned or deferred gift. The purpose is to acknowledge and thank those who have planned for these gifts and to inspire other individuals to do the same.

Members of our Legacy Society are recognized in our Annual Report and invited to our annual Legacy Society Event.

Joining the Legacy Society requires two steps:

  • Arrange for a planned gift in favor of the GHACF.
  • Inform the GHACF by returning a completed, signed, and dated Legacy Society form.

While we won’t ask how much is being left to the Foundation, we do encourage you to discuss your future gifts with your loved ones and your professional advisors. We also encourage you to share your intentions with us to ensure that we can comply with your wishes. You choose the name of your fund and the charitable intent, then we’ll file this information confidentially to ensure that your plans will be followed according to your wishes. Your instructions can be changed at any time with a simple phone call to the office, but your gift will be endowed and grants will be made from it forever.

Bequests from a will are one of the most common and powerful ways to leave a gift to the GHACF—however, there are many ways to turn a specific asset into a legacy. Some have made the Foundation the beneficiary of 401K/IRA plans or insurance policies, while others have established a Charitable Gift Annuity or a Charitable Remainder Trust in favor of the Foundation.

The Legacy Society is our way to recognize the people who are planning today for gifts that will provide significant benefits to our community in the future. Because of the generosity of people like you, the lakeshore region of West Michigan will continue to be a wonderful place to call home now and for generations to come!

Chris Riker

The Legacy Society provides a wonderful opportunity for you to leave your lasting mark on our community. If you are ready to join or if you would just like more information, please contact Chris Riker by email or at 616-842-6378

From all of us at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, thank you! It’s our donors who ensure the community gets the care it needs. We appreciate each and every one of you!

Latest Blog Posts

Learn from the top thought leaders in the industry.

An Act of Love: Making a Memorial Gift to the Community Foundation 
An Act of Love: Making a Memorial Gift to the Community Foundation 

Our Community Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life for all by working together to collectively address challenges and opportunities throughout West Michigan. This caring impact draws community members to make a variety of contributions, including gifts in memory of loved ones. 

read more
Why I Give: The Reinecke Family
Why I Give: The Reinecke Family

The Reinecke family has made a tradition of giving back. “Our grandmother, Frances Reinecke, gave back to the community in countless ways, but there was always one consistent theme,” said Jason Reinecke. “Frances had an enormous heart for children and families that were disadvantaged. Her compassion for others has instilled a sense of pride within our family but also the motivation to follow in her footsteps.”

read more

Join our community – get the latest in your inbox.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact