Leave a Legacy that Builds a Stronger Tomorrow
The Legacy Society at the Defiance Area Foundation honors generous individuals and families who have made a lasting commitment to our community by including the Foundation in their estate or planned giving. Whether you’re passionate about education, youth, healthcare, parks, the arts, or another local cause you can make a difference that lasts for generations. By joining the Legacy Society, you ensure your values live on through thoughtful, impactful giving.
What Is a Legacy Gift?
A legacy gift is a planned future donation, typically made through:
A bequest in a will or trust
A life insurance policy
A retirement account (IRA, 401(k), etc.)
A charitable trust or annuity
There is no minimum gift amount to be part of the Legacy Society. These gifts can be directed to an existing fund, used to create a new fund, or designated to meet the Foundation’s most pressing needs. Read more in our blog.
Why Join the Legacy Society?
When you join the Legacy Society, you’re doing more than planning ahead—you’re investing in the future of Defiance County. Benefits of membership include:
Creating a lasting impact for causes you care about
Being recognized for your commitment (or remaining anonymous, if you prefer)
Leaving a meaningful legacy without affecting your current finances
Joining a community of forward-thinking philanthropists
Your gift today helps shape tomorrow—for your family, your neighbors, and future generations.
Honoring Legacy Society Members
We are proud to celebrate members of the Legacy Society who have made a commitment to long-term community growth through planned giving. Their foresight and generosity ensure that the Defiance Area Foundation remains a strong resource for local nonprofits and initiatives far into the future. We thank our dedicated members like those listed below, whose planned gift will support the Foundation’s mission for years to come.
Marian Smart
"This legacy Society gift fulfills one of Gene's lifelong goals." said Marian Smart, the Honorary Chair for the Legacy Society. "By creating a Legacy gift, Gene would be pleased that his good work will continue to benefit the Defiance Area forever. This is something that was important to Gene and he would be pleased his good work continues on."
Greg and Helen Reineke
"Helen and I have spent the majority of our lives in Defiance. When I retired, we committed to give back to the Defiance Community in several ways, one of which was our involvement in the Defiance Area Foundation. As members, we learned that there are many ways to give back through the Foundation, one of which is to establish a scholarship fund. As we both enjoy the sport of tennis and I had coached girl’s tennis at Defiance High School and the Defiance College, we decided to create a tennis scholarship fund for girl’s tennis at Defiance High School which provides one student a scholarship to help further their education in their field choice and to perpetuate the sport of girl’s tennis in the future. We also chose to name the Foundation in our estate plan to leave a legacy for future generations. We are grateful the Defiance Area Foundation has provided us the opportunity to do this."
Mike and Sheri Steyer
"Sheri and I have been extremely blessed, as our children have grown up surrounded by a community focused on the values, beliefs and attitudes we consider important. They have, also, benefitted from the generosity of others before us and we would like to continue to strengthen our community by giving back as well. We have a strong desire to share our blessings with others in our community. One way that we believe we can give back is through The Defiance Area Foundation Legacy Gift. It is our belief that this is a means of ensuring the continuing support of needed programs and projects around Defiance County. Please consider joining us by giving a legacy gift."
Bill and Kathy Small
"The Defiance community has been a great place for us to have raised our family. To worship, work, and play in this community with our family and friends will have a lasting impact on our lives. We are so grateful for all of the opportunities we have enjoyed over the many years we have lived here that it became important to us to find a way to “pay it forward”. As we began to discuss options for planned giving, Kathy and I both agreed that a legacy gift to The Defiance Area Foundation needed to be a part of that plan. Having served on The Foundation board, including a term as president, I was well aware of the positive impact The Foundation’s grants have had throughout our area. With our decision to leave a portion of our estate to The Foundation, we hope to continue to be a part of the ongoing impact on the greater Defiance community. Defiance has truly been “a great place to live” and, in part due to the efforts of The Foundation, it will continue to be for generations to come."
Morris and Anne Murray
"Morris and I have greatly benefited from this community for 29+ years. Raising a family in this “great place to live” has been the highlight of our lives. Defiance is a community of leaders who care deeply about causes, projects, programs, and people. The Foundation supports the entire community in so many ways, that is why we designated a gift after our passing to the Foundation. Our children fully supported this decision. We know that the funds will be used to continue to help the community for our children, grand- children, and generations to come. While serving on the Grants Committee, I am continually amazed by the needs we are asked to consider – and the compassion and generosity this community provides in response. This board takes the grants review process very seriously. I am honored to serve on a board that has such deeply committed servants who take such care in preserving the growth of these assets. I am most appreciative to those who so generously create and contribute legacies that will benefit our community forever. Enhance, enrich, encourage and support our Defiance Area Foundation."
Lee and Bonnie Kemming
"Defiance County has been good to both Lee and me, and we wanted to give something back. Lee was involved in the agricultural industry his entire life. All of our children and our granddaughter were in 4-H and we thought this was a great way to support the program" stated Bonnie Kaemming. "After Lee passed away, I chose to help with the creation of a fund to benefit the 4-H program in his honor. Through my gifts and support, along with several other donors, we will be able to see the next generation learning more about the agricultural industry." "When asked the question, what kind of legacy do I want to leave? I also began thinking about how we can benefit the 4-H program for years to come. In addition to making a gift to the 4-H fund, I chose to help the program by naming The Defiance Area Foundation in my estate plan. Through this legacy gift from my IRA to be given after I pass away, I am able to make sure the 4-H program will continue for generations to come. I encourage others in our community to consider this option."
Let’s Work Together to Make a Lasting Difference.
If you’ve already included the Defiance Area Foundation in your estate plans or would like to explore how to get started, we would be honored to speak with you. Your information will be kept confidential, and you’re always welcome to change your plans at any time.
📧 Email us at connect@defianceareafoundation.org
📞 Call us at (419) 782- 3130
Or simply talk with your attorney or financial advisor about including a gift to the Defiance Area Foundation in your will or estate plan.