News Archives

High fives for IRAs, QCDs, and charitable planning IRAs and other retirement accounts can be powerful charitable planning tools, but the rules can be confusing. We’re sharing five important things to know about QCDs and retirement assets—plus a bonus reminder about how the community foundation can work alongside you and your advisors.

It’s October, which means year-end planning is already underway. From QCDs and bunching to appreciated assets, a new deduction for non-itemizers, and long-term charitable plans, here are five charitable giving reminders worth repeating with clients before December 31.

Did you know that the Branch County Community Foundation is your Community Foundation?

This year's YAC had their first meeting September. This year, YAC welcomes seven new members, bringing a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the group. Together, the council represents students from Bronson, Coldwater, Colon, Union City and Quincy, creating a diverse group of young leaders dedicated to making a positive impact throughout Branch County and Colon.

October’s National Estate Planning Awareness Week is a good reminder that an estate plan involves much more than a will. If charitable giving is part of the legacy you envision, learn how wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, retirement accounts, and charitable funds can work together to carry out your wishes.

In June 2026, BCCF accepted grant applications through the Nola & George Cummings Family Foundation Fund, which was established to support academic enrichment and enhancement opportunities for Colon Community Schools students. The funds give special consideration to projects involving the arts, drama, and special education.

Welcome to the Great Wealth Transfer! This much-cited era, happening right now, is reportedly the time when trillions of dollars will pass from one generation to the next over the coming decades in various forms, ranging from cash and stock to real estate and business interests.

it’s important to check in on your charitable goals for 2026 before fall gets into full swing. Otherwise, you may find yourself scrambling to synchronize tax planning, financial planning, and gifts to favorite nonprofits.

Region 8 launces new funder focused roadmap for childcare solutions.

The Branch County Community Foundation helps individuals, families, and business owners align their charitable giving with causes that strengthen the community. As part of that work, the Foundation assists business owners in exploring how charitable gifts can be incorporated into succession planning, helping maximize both philanthropic impact and legacy. The Foundation serves as a resource for business owners and their professional advisors in navigating these charitable plan

Nonprofit leaders often cite board engagement as one of their biggest challenges. Beyond recruiting qualified members, organizations must find people who are passionate about the mission, willing to give their time, and committed to serving as effective ambassadors.

Quite frequently, parents and grandparents share with us their hopes of passing along to the next generation more than just financial assets. They want to pass along values, encourage generosity, and foster a lifelong commitment to community.

Learn how introducing your advisors to the community foundation team can strengthen collaboration and uncover new charitable planning opportunities.

2026 Year End YAC Dinner

The 2026 Mini Grant recipients for Bronson, Coldwater, and Quincy.

The Branch County Community Foundation is proud to announce that in 2026, we are awarding $80,500 in scholarships to students pursuing higher education.

Meet the Newest Addition to the BCCF Team

Grant cycles for each fiscal year are kicked off with the Youth Grant Cycle, which is open for applications during the month of January and is awarded to those projects and programs that support young people and families in Branch County and Colon. Once the grant application process closes on January 31st, YAC members review the applications in February and bring their recommendations for funding recipients to the Branch County Community Foundation board in March. With the 20

Many people want to be thoughtful in their charitable giving, but that doesn’t always make the process easy. In fact, one of the most common challenges donors face is simply feeling confident in their decisions. With so many worthy organizations, urgent needs, and compelling opportunities, it can be difficult to know where to start, or how to know if you’re making the biggest possible impact. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you’re giving to the “right” organiz

The Branch County Community Foundation is seeking a Program and Communications Officer to support grantmaking, scholarship programs, communications, and administrative operations.