Legacy Society
A planned gift is a promise to the future.
By including Finlandia Foundation National in your estate or financial plans, you can provide for the people you love while helping preserve Finnish American heritage, expand educational opportunities, and strengthen connections between Finland and the United States.
Membership in the Legacy Society
The Legacy Society recognizes individuals and families who have documented a future gift to Finlandia Foundation National. You do not need to disclose the value of your gift, and you may choose to remain anonymous.
Legacy Society members receive:
- Recognition as an FFN Legacy Society member in The Finnish Line, with your permission
- Invitations to exclusive FFN events and programs
- Member discounts at North Wind Books
- A special Legacy Member gift created in the Finnish folk art tradition in Hancock, Michigan
Your willingness to share your intention helps FFN thank you during your lifetime and understand how your future gift should be used.
Why Your Legacy Matters
Preserve Finnish-American heritage and traditions.
Scholarships and grants that expand educational, artistic, and cultural opportunities
Ensure ongoing cultural events, music, and arts initiatives.
Keep our archives, publications, and stories alive.
We invite you to join us as a Legacy Society Member
Jane Lepisto – Legacy Society Member said, “I am grateful that [my planned gift] will be used to preserve the history of Finns in America.”
Longtime supporter Jane Lepistö has included Finlandia Foundation National in her estate plans, designating a generous deferred gift to benefit the Finnish American Heritage Center’s archives and newspaper. Her planned gift ensures that the stories and legacy of Finnish Americans will be preserved and shared for generations to come.
“All of my grandparents were immigrants from Finland and I was raised in a Michigan Upper Peninsula community with strong Finnish roots. The Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Suomi College strengthened that bond. As the widow of two Finnish-American pastors whose fathers had been ordained by the Suomi Synod, I offered many of the Saarinen/Lepisto papers and records to Finlandia University’s archives. When the university closed, my legacy giving was transferred to the Finlandia Foundation to support the archives and the Finnish American Reporter. Preservation of these materials will ensure access to the rich history we share as proud Finnish-Americans.”
Planned Giving Zoom Session
Have more questions about planned giving?
The video below, from our special online session, informs how you can create a meaningful legacy that supports Finnish-American culture for generations to come. Learn the basics of bequests, planned gifts, assets, and charitable gift vehicles as well as the benefits of joining the Finlandia Legacy Society.
Ways to Create Your Gift
Beneficiary Designations
Name FFN as a primary or contingent beneficiary of your retirement account, IRA, life insurance policy, bank account, or investment account. You may designate a specific amount or percentage and can generally update your beneficiary selection without changing your will. Contact your plan administrator or financial institution to request the appropriate form.
Bequests
Include FFN in your will or revocable living trust with a gift of cash, securities, real estate, or another asset. Your attorney or financial advisor can help structure a gift that reflects your wishes.
Life-Income Gifts
A charitable trust, charitable gift annuity, or other life-income arrangement may be established through a qualified provider in consultation with your professional advisors.
Endowment Gifts
Create or contribute to an endowed fund that provides lasting support for FFN. Your gift is invested, and annual distributions support scholarships, cultural programs, preservation efforts, or another agreed-upon purpose for generations to come.
We encourage you to consult with your financial advisor or attorney for specific guidance.
Start Your Legacy Today
You do not need to have every detail decided before contacting us. A confidential conversation with our Development Director, Brian Wolfe at brian.wolfe@finlandiafoundation.org, can help you clarify what you want your gift to accomplish and identify the information your advisors will need.
General information presented is not legal, tax, or financial advice.
Please consult qualified professional advisors about your circumstances. All gifts are subject to Finlandia Foundation National’s gift acceptance policies, and specific restrictions should be approved by FFN before you finalize your estate documents. Finlandia Foundation National, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our EIN is 95-6098250 and gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.