Bequest Will Support the Work of the Foundation

June 2016 - “The process of setting up a bequest is easier than people think,” explained Bill Tracy, a former Bristol resident and attorney at the Bristol law firm of Furey, Donovan, Tracy & Daly PC. Bill was recruited as a volunteer by Jeanne Radcliff, a Main Street Community Foundation Founder and has actively supported the Foundation over the past 15 years. He has served on the Asset Development and General Grant Distribution committees. In 2000, Bill joined the Foundation’s Board of Directors, leading the board as Chair from 2011-2013. Currently, Bill has remained involved by serving as Chair of the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust Advisory Committee that is responsible for recommending grants from that Trust.

In 2002, Bill and his wife, Kim, made changes to their estate planning documents to include a bequest to benefit the Main Street Community Foundation Endowment Fund, a Sustainability Fund established in 2000 to support the operational costs of the Foundation. Through his volunteer experiences at the Foundation, Bill has witnessed first hand the far-reaching impact of the Foundation’s efforts in the six towns it serves. He also understands that the needs of the community will continue to evolve and change over time. Bill is doing his part to ensure that the Foundation will maintain a strong and secure position leading local philanthropic efforts that respond proactively to changing needs and opportunities.

Bill recognizes that the Foundation fulfills its mission with a very small staff, a fiscally responsible operating budget, and a dedicated volunteer base. Bill hopes that his bequest will assist in strengthening the Foundation’s role as a funder, community leader, convener, and advocate for future generations. “Kim and I are committed to the mission of the Foundation. We made the decision to become CornerStone Society members when we realized the positive results the Foundation was achieving for so many individuals and organizations throughout the Community,” Bill stated.

“Every year, during the Friends campaign, Tom Barnes appeals to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and challenges them to achieve 100 percent participation in the campaign, to donate what they are each able to give individually,” Bill said. “I would like to offer my own challenge. I would like to see other Directors become CornerStone Society members. It is not a complicated process, and we should lead by example in our support of the Foundation.”

Bill advises individuals beginning or modifying their estate planning to seek legal counsel, and to review the resources available on the Foundation’s website. Within the “Giving” and “For Advisors” tabs on the website, information about how bequests are established, potential tax benefits, and examples of specific language in bequest planning documents are provided. The information is intended for donors, legal counsel, and financial planners. “I understand that as an attorney, I already have all of these resources and documents at my finger tips. However, the Foundation has worked diligently over the years to make sure the same resources are easily accessible to all potential donors. Kim and I invite others to join us as CornerStone Society members.”