Legacy Giving

Hands on a table with the LCOOA logo in the corner

Every day, older adults across Lorain County receive trusted support from the Lorain County Office on Aging — nutritious food from our pantry, rides to medical appointments, benefits assistance, long-term care options, and all the support that makes aging in place possible.

A legacy gift ensures that care continues long into the future. It costs nothing during your lifetime, it can be changed at any time, and there is no minimum amount required — only a shared commitment to older adults in our community.

Why your legacy matters

A driver gently helping an older woman down her porch steps on the way to a medical appointment
Lorain County's older adult population is growing, and so is the need for the services that help people stay safe, connected, and independent in the homes they love. A steady arm down the porch steps and a safe ride to the doctor, help with understanding benefits, or a caring voice on the phone can make all the difference in someone's day.

Your legacy gift helps make sure those services are there for the next generation of older adults, including our neighbors, our friends, and perhaps even our own families. It's a lasting way to say that aging with dignity matters here in Lorain County.

Legacy Giving

Legacy Giving seal showing two hands passing a young plant
Legacy Giving recognizes individuals who have made a formal, documented legacy commitment to LCOOA through their estate plans. It exists to honor foresight and generosity, strengthen our long-term sustainability, deepen relationships with committed supporters, and inspire others through example.

Who can join

Membership is extended to individuals who have:

  • Included LCOOA in a will or trust
  • Named LCOOA as a beneficiary of a retirement account, investment account, or life insurance policy
  • Established a charitable gift annuity or other planned gift
  • Provided written confirmation of their legacy commitment
There is no minimum gift amount. All commitments remain revocable, and you may change your plans at any time.

How we honor our members

Members receive a personalized welcome letter from our Executive Director and a printed certificate of membership, along with an annual note and an impact update highlighting the programs your future gift will support. You may choose to remain anonymous at any time, and gift amounts are never publicly disclosed. Legacy Giving members receive no ongoing fundraising pressure.

Ways to make a legacy gift

Family discussing a legacy gift with an LCOOA staff member
There is no single right way to leave a legacy. Many people find it helpful to talk it through with family and with us before deciding.

A gift in your will or trust

A bequest is the simplest way to leave a legacy. You may leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or whatever remains after your loved ones are provided for. We are glad to provide sample bequest language for you or your attorney.

Sample bequest language: “I give to Lorain County Office on Aging, 534 S. Abbe Rd, Elyria, Ohio 44035 (EIN: 34-1136543), the sum of $____ (or ____% of my estate) to support its services for older adults.”

Beneficiary designations

Many retirement plans, investment accounts, and life insurance policies allow you to name a charitable organization as a beneficiary. This can often be done by completing a simple beneficiary designation form from your plan administrator — no attorney required.

Legal name: Lorain County Office on Aging
EIN: 34-1136543
Address: 534 S. Abbe Rd, Elyria, Ohio 44035

Retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), and similar): You may name LCOOA as a primary, contingent, or percentage beneficiary. Sample wording: “I designate Lorain County Office on Aging (EIN: 34-1136543) as ____% beneficiary of my retirement account.”

Life insurance policies: You may name LCOOA as a primary, contingent, or percentage beneficiary. Sample wording: “I designate Lorain County Office on Aging (EIN: 34-1136543) as ____% beneficiary of this policy.”

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)

If you are age 70½ or older, you may be eligible to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA to LCOOA. A QCD may allow you to reduce your taxable income while supporting essential services for older adults.

Key benefits

  • May reduce your taxable income
  • Counts toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
  • Does not require itemizing deductions
  • Supports vital services for older adults in Lorain County
How it works

  1. Contact your IRA custodian.
  2. Request a QCD payable directly to: Lorain County Office on Aging, EIN 34-1136543, 534 S. Abbe Rd, Elyria, Ohio 44035.
  3. The check must be issued directly to the organization, not to you.

Other planned gifts

LCOOA can also accept gifts of publicly traded securities, real estate, tangible personal property, closely held business interests, and gifts made through charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, and similar vehicles. These gifts receive individual review, and we are happy to work with you and your advisors.

Already included us in your plans?

An older couple laughing as they walk arm in arm through a park in autumn
If you have already named LCOOA in your will, trust, or beneficiary designations, please let us know so we can thank you and welcome you as a founding member of Legacy Giving. You are never asked to disclose the amount of your gift or share a copy of your will.

Once your plans are in place, you can simply enjoy the moments that matter most, knowing the care and values you believe in will carry on for older adults in the community you call home. Letting us know also helps us honor your wishes and plan for the future, and many members tell us that is a true source of peace of mind.

Let's talk, confidentially

We would be glad to provide sample bequest language or speak privately about options that may align with your goals. Your conversation with us is confidential, and information about donors is never shared unless you give permission or the law requires it.

Nicolle Bellmore-Pierse
Executive Director, Lorain County Office on Aging
534 S. Abbe Rd, Elyria, Ohio 44035
Phone: (440) 326-4800
Email: info@lcooa.org

Thank you for considering a legacy gift. Your kindness today can shape the care that older adults in Lorain County receive for years to come.

Lorain County Office on Aging does not provide legal or tax advice. We encourage you to consult your own attorney or financial advisor when making estate plans. Gifts are accepted in accordance with LCOOA's Gift Acceptance Policy.