Legacy Society secures the OI Foundation's future
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Since 1970, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation has helped people living with OI through funding research into effective treatments and a cure, promoting education and awareness, and providing support services for every person affected by OI.
You can ensure that OI Foundation programs and resources will be there for all those in need, now and in the future, by becoming a member of the Legacy Society.
The Legacy Society recognizes people who have named the OI Foundation as a beneficiary of their will or estate plan, or have made another type of planned gift to the Foundation. By notifying the OI Foundation of your philanthropic intentions, it enables us to thank you appropriately during your lifetime, and will ensure that your contribution is properly directed and put to use in accordance with your wishes. Additionally, your generosity will act as an inspiration to others, helping promote the long-term vitality of the OI Foundation and the work that we do.
Members of the Legacy Society are presented with a personalized, signed membership certificate, an invitation to our annual Legacy dinner (an opportunity to meet with the Board of Directors and a renowned OI researcher), special Legacy Society events, and annual recognition in our quarterly newsletter, Breakthrough. There are no fees or obligations involved in becoming a member. Just fill out the form (download it from the bottom of this page) and send it to: |
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Ellie Seepes’ adult daughter, Abigail, has OI. For Ellie, there are several reasons why including the OI Foundation in her will became a priority. "I feel like I am protecting my future grandchildren," she said.
"Abby and I have seen such significant progress being made in OI research and treatments over the past few years, and I want to see it continue. People’s lives will be changed for the better, and that is the hope we need to hang onto."
Ellie worked with her lawyer to draft an estate plan that supports her family, the OI Foundation and other organizations that are close to her heart. | | |
The OI Foundation Legacy Society
804 West Diamond Ave, Suite 210
Gaithersburg, MD 20878.
Types of Legacy Gifts
Legacy or planned gifts involve a financial plan that provides a gift to the OI Foundation after a certain period of time. Some of these gifts allow a donor to receive an income for life in return for making the gift (Charitable Remainder Trusts and Gift Annuities are examples of these), while others are simple bequests in a will or living trust.
There are various ways to include the OI Foundation in your will, including stipulating a certain dollar amount or other asset. You may also direct all or a percentage of your estate to the Foundation after specific amounts are distributed to taxes and expenses.
Sample language
Every person’s financial situation is unique, and we strongly encourage you to consult your attorney, accountant or other financial advisor before making any changes to your will or estate plan. The OI Foundation offers neither legal nor tax advice. To assist attorneys and estate planners, the OI Foundation has developed this sample bequest language that may be used when drafting a will or codicil that includes a gift to the OI Foundation:
"I give, devise, and bequeath to the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation, a non-profit charitable corporation organized under the laws of the state of Georgia, with headquarters at 804 West Diamond Avenue, Suite 210, Gaithersburg, Maryland, 20878 and its successors forever, (a) all (or a stated %) of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, both real or personal property or (b) the sum of ____, to be used for the general purposes of the Foundation."
For Marjorie D. Buynak, sharing what she had with others made her feel good. She liked to see people get taken care of. So, when she got ready to write her will, she decided to support people in her community and causes she knew about through firsthand experience.
Through her longtime friendship with the Simmonds family, she got to know Barbie and Beth (both have OI type I) and heard about life with OI. When it came time to think about leaving something behind to help people, she chose the OI Foundation. Marjory formed a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), which provided her with the income generated by the trust during her lifetime. The OI Foundation received income from the trust after she passed away. In addition to steady income, the CRT also provided her with significant estate and income tax savings. Her advice to others was: "Give according to the causes you care about, that have affected you or your family personally. And, give because it feels good!"
For More Information
The OI Foundation makes it easy to support our work now and in the future. There are many different ways to give, and we are confident that we can help you find the approach that meets your needs and goals. Our development staff is available to discuss your options with complete confidentiality and without obligation. Call (800) 981-2663 or e-mail development@oif.org.
Download the Legacy Society form. |
