A LEGACY, Thoughtfully Planned and Well Lived

For many people, establishing a will or updating an estate plan is a task on their “future” to-do list. Instead of a task to avoid, try thinking of it this way: planning your future giving is a way to ensure the causes you care about continue to thrive, even after you are gone. Setting a plan in place also shares your intentions and priorities with your loved ones.

How you approach planned giving might depend on many factors, including your philanthropic goals. There are many ways to give and many causes to support. What will your legacy be?

KEN LARM’S METICULOUS PLANNING

Bertil Kenneth Larm was a friend and donor partner of Grand Rapids Community Foundation for many years, giving annually through a variety of methods. He also included the Community Foundation in his estate plans, making him a member of the Metz Legacy Society. When Ken passed away in 2023, his gifts created a philanthropic legacy that reflects the humble and generous way he lived.

Ken was a grandfather figure to Matt Tanis, who describes him as thoughtful, devoted to his interests and proud of his Swedish heritage. Ken’s father immigrated from Sweden to join the booming furniture industry. Ken did not have siblings, or any additional family in the United States.

“It wasn't important to him to have material possessions, or the acknowledgment of building wealth, but to figure out how to use his wealth to do the most good and have that live on long past his time on Earth,” Matt said. “Ken didn’t need pats on the back or fanfare. But if there was a luncheon with dessert, he’d be there.”

"I feel that giving back to the community is the right thing to do. I see it as doing my part to strengthen and improve the quality of life here...giving back what the community has given me." Ken Larm, in a 2008 interview

Recognizing that our community needs change over time and the Community Foundation’s role in addressing these needs— Ken designated a portion of his estate to support the Fund for Community Good. Hundreds of partners have built this fund, allowing millions of dollars to be invested in community organizations each year. Ken’s gift created the unrestricted B. Kenneth Larm Fund for Community Good, carrying on his name for generations to come.

Reflecting on Ken’s legacy, Matt said, “it was really important for him to leave a mark on a community that he loved and support the causes and organizations that were important to him throughout his life.”

Ensuring the nonprofit organizations he cared about most had future support, Ken also designated gifts for multiple organizations. The Community Foundation administers the funds as a lasting source of support for each organization, which will receive annual distributions.

Many donor partners find it helpful to use an advisor when creating their planned gift, but it is not required. Ken was very detailed when it came to his personal finances, taking care to invest wisely and live simply. He knew that his legacy would be support for the causes he cared about.

Your Local Planned Giving Partner

Philanthropists choose the Community Foundation for our range of giving options, ability to accept complicated assets and deep community knowledge. Partnering with a community foundation also gives donor partners peace of mind, knowing the commitment to long-term financial stability means an ability to respond to community needs today and in the future.

Whether you are creating a will or estate plan for the first time or updating your plans to reflect life changes, the Community Foundation’s staff members promise to create a personal, comfortable experience as you explore your options. Contact us at 616.454.1751 to get started.