Foundation

Making a Difference

The Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities was created by law in 1967 through enactment of Ohio House Bill 169. The major and primary mission of the Board is to provide for appropriate programs and services needed by persons with developmental disabilities.

In 1975, the Board authorized the formation of a foundation that would build funds over the years through donations and bequests. The foundation was established in order to receive gifts and memorial monies that are intended to provide long range support for the Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The foundation was designed so only interest of this money would be available for use as determined by a non-profit board of directors. The Board called this foundation the Thomas Edison Center Memorial Endowment Fund.

Organization

Because the Memorial Endowment Fund has been classified as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service under sections 501 (c)(3) and 509 (a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, contributions to the Fund are tax deductible to the greatest extent permitted by law.

A Corporate trustee provides prudent financial management of the Memorial Endowment Fund assets.

Providing Support through Gifting

Providing Support through Gifting

There are many ways individuals or groups may support the Memorial Endowment Fund. A donor has two fundamental objectives.

1. Be certain the gift is used to meet real needs or to further a genuine benefit to the community.
2. Give in a way which makes the most sense from the standpoint of the owner’s own situation, financial and otherwise.

There are several things to consider when supporting the Memorial Endowment Fund. Please read more below or contact us today to learn more about how you can give back to those in need.

Bequests

Contributions to the Memorial Endowment Fund can be made through your will. There are several types of bequests you can consider:

• Percentage,
• Residuary, and
• Specific and contingent bequest.

If you are considering a bequest, please contact the counsel.

Suggested Will Bequest Language

 

“I give, devise and bequeath to the trustees of the Thomas Edison Center Memorial Endowment Fund, Van Wert, Ohio, (insert here the sum or description of property) to be used for the benefit of said foundation in such a manner as trustees thereof may direct.”

Suggested Codicil to the Last Will and Testament

 

“I,                     , hereby amend my Last Will and Testament executed on the      day of

                         In the year 20   . I direct that all provisions of the will remain in effect but direct that the trustees of the Thomas Edison Center Memorial Endowment Fund, Van Wert, Ohio, shall receive (insert here the sum or description of property) to be used for the benefit of said foundation in such manner as the trustees may direct.”

The Board

The Van Wert County Board of Developmental Disabilities has been providing programs and services to individuals in Van Wert County with developmental disabilities since 1968. Since that time, the Board has meant something different to every individual who has ever been a part of the Board. The basic truth represented throughout, however, has been opportunity; the opportunity for individuals to live, to grow, to achieve. While the range of agency programs have developed and transformed over the years, the central truth remains the same-opportunity.

A Vision for Individuals

The early vision of specialized services for all children and adults with developmental disabilities living in Van Wert County began as hope for the future and has developed into a tangible realization.

It is a realization that has evolved in scope and content to include early intervention, preschool and school age support, work opportunity, residential options and community participation.

We have come a long way from the time when families had only two choices for their son or daughter: Placement in an institution or remain at home.

One way for the Board to ensure continuation of needed programs and services is through the growth of the Thomas Edison Center Memorial Endowment Fund.