News Archives

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

Even if a professional prepares your income tax return, it’s useful to quickly review a few basic rules to pave the way for the conversation about charitable planning, especially in light of key tax law changes effective on January 1, 2026. 

Women’s growing control over wealth is fueling transformative potential to reshape philanthropy. According to research-based analysis published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, over the next decade, trillions of dollars will transfer to women through inheritance, earnings, and outliving male partners in heterosexual couples. 

Women are increasingly shaping the future of philanthropy—within families, businesses, and communities. During Women’s History Month, BCCF is happy to help you explore how thoughtful planning can translate your own growing influence and resources into lasting, multi-generational impact.

Women’s growing control over wealth is fueling transformative potential to reshape philanthropy. According to research-based analysis published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, over the next decade, trillions of dollars will transfer to women through inheritance, earnings, and outliving male partners in heterosexual couples. 

Over time, family structures change, attorneys and financial advisors retire, organizations merge or shift direction, and donors’ own priorities evolve.

For more than a century, philanthropic institutions have served as a trusted partner and resource whose effect can be seen in the lives of millions and in the vibrant neighborhoods that continue to thrive through their mission-driven work.

The Branch County Community Foundation (BCCF)  is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Community Good Grant Cycle! This year, BCCF is proud to award a total of $57,340  to support impactful initiatives throughout Branch County and Colon. These grants were made possible through the generosity of nine different funds  at the Community Foundation, with the majority of funding coming from our Forever Fund , BCCF’s unrestricted fund that allows us to respond flexibly t

his is a great time to check in with clients not only related to the estate plan provisions for distributions to their heirs, but also the provisions in their estate plans to leave a gift to one or more charities. 

now is a good time to consider how both long-term and short-term planning can be important components of a comprehensive philanthropic strategy. The community foundation can help!

In an economic and legislative environment full of unpredictability, we encourage you to tap the knowledgeable team at the Branch County Community Foundation–perhaps even more than you have in the past. 

Let’s address five frequently asked questions we’ve been hearing from attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors as you counsel your charitable clients. 

It’s more important than ever to stay informed about how changes in the tax law may affect your charitable giving.

Although tax benefits of charitable giving ebb and flow, your support for our community and the charities you love remains steadfast.

Retirement offers a unique opportunity for individuals to rediscover their sense of purpose beyond the confines of a traditional career. The BCCF team and charitable tools can play a pivotal role in this journey.

2023 survey found that only 19.2% of advisors regularly discuss charitable giving with clients, and another 44.2% do so only occasionally.

A fund at a community foundation is a dedicated account established for charitable giving.

Whether you give your time, talent, or treasure, the fact that you care about others is what matters.

A total of $6,709.82 was awarded to local schools through the 2025 Educational Mini-Grant Cycle.

This year, 3 students were selected for the ILE Memorial Music Scholarship, and 2 students were selected for the Wendi A. Baker Music & Theatre Summer Camp Scholarship!