Community Foundation of the Quincy Area

The power of giving together

In 50 years, $1.35 trillion is expected to pass from one generation to the next in Illinois. In just 10 years, $182.3 billion will have transferred in Illinois and $1.58 billion of that in Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike Counties.

National research projects a $53 trillion transfer of wealth across the United States. But while the average transfer nationwide will peak after 50 years, wealth transfer in many Illinois counties will crest in twenty to thirty years. In Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike counties the greatest wealth transfer will likely happen between 2025 and 2035; Brown County will see another peak near 2050.

Much of this wealth is currently invested in family homes and farms, retirement accounts and other appreciated assets—some of which may be heavily taxed if given to heirs.

A one-time opportunity to create permanent benefits for our counties

If only 5% of local wealth from Adams, Brown, Hancock and Pike Counties was donated for charitable endowment the resulting $78.85 million would generate millions every year for community projects and priorities in our counties forever.

The Community Foundation of the Quincy Area invites you to secure our communities' futures by building a Community Legacy Fund—an endowment dedicated to improving quality of life in your county.

When you give through your Community Foundation, you can establish a fund in your family name, in the name of a loved one, or the name of a cause that’s important to you. Endowed funds last forever and grow over time because the principal is never spent. Earnings are used to make grants in the name of your fund—creating a legacy of giving in our counties forever. Learn more about endowment.

Ways to give

If you are retired, a planned gift from your estate may be more attractive to you and your family than a large gift today. You can leave a permanent legacy of giving, be a source of pride to your family and join others like you—building a stronger community.

Three easy ways to make a planned gift to your Community Legacy Fund include:

Designate your local community foundation as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401(k) or other retirement account - These assets can lose up to 70% of their value when passed to heirs; changing the beneficiary designation does not involve modifying your estate plan.
Designate your local community foundation as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy - There is no need to modify your estate plan.
Ask your attorney to add the community foundation to your estate plan

Talk to us and your professional advisor to learn about all of your giving options and choose the one that’s right for you and your community.

New Research

Center for Rural Entrepreneurship releases study on private wealth in Illinois.

Download a summary of the size and timing of Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike counties' transfer of wealth.