As the holiday season approaches, it’s a time for many of us to reflect on the values that shape our lives, our families, and the communities we call home. At Estate Preservation Law Offices (EPLO), charitable giving is woven into both our professional and personal missions. This spirit of giving extends beyond the holiday season and is at the heart of the work we do. Whether through personal philanthropy or professional guidance, we are committed to helping our clients make a meaningful, lasting impact.
Building and Supporting Charitable Organizations
Charitable giving has long played a meaningful role in estate planning and is a way for clients to express their values and create a lasting legacy. Whether our clients hope to support a cause that has shaped their lives, create generational values around philanthropy, or build a legacy, our team assists them with establishing charitable trusts, corporations, donor-advised funds, and private foundations.
We advise on every facet of charitable giving — from entity formation, annual maintenance, and tax exemptions to compliance and ongoing operational needs. Once established, the work continues as charitable organizations require ongoing compliance and legal guidance. We are proud to support them as they grow both in mission and impact. Having represented a wide range of community organizations, we have witnessed firsthand how thoughtful legal planning can empower these groups to expand their reach and in turn better serve those who depend on them.
Incorporating Charitable Giving into Estate Planning
The beauty of estate plans is that they can incorporate philanthropy in many forms: from simple bequests to charitable trusts and planned giving strategies that provide tax advantages, all the while supporting causes that are close to the heart.
While estate planning can often include difficult decisions, creating charitable contributions can be rewarding. When a client is beginning their charitable giving process, our attorneys’ role is to guide them through the various decisions, including which charities are important to the client, what kind of bequest they should make, how much money they want to leave, and if there are any restrictions on how the money should be used.
Whether a client aims to endow a scholarship, support medical research, or contribute to a faith-based or community organization, our attorneys help align their unique charitable vision with a plan that meets their financial, personal, and family objectives. Giving is inherently personal, and we take immense pride in crafting estate plans that reflect each client’s individual passions and priorities.
Our Team’s Philanthropic Leadership
While our work in estate planning is often intertwined with philanthropy and charitable giving, that engagement starts with our team. From New England and beyond, our team members have long been deeply involved in charitable organizations that are personal to them. Whether we’re providing legal advice or volunteering, our mission extends far beyond the walls of our offices.
Brendan King
Attorney and Co-founder Brendan King has proudly served on the boards of Forward in Health, Worcester State Foundation, NEADS, and many other leadership roles across the commonwealth. In Worcester’s cultural and educational community, he has served multiple roles at the Worcester Art Museum and served on the Board of Trustees for Becker College. Brendan is also a lifelong member of the National Eagle Scouts Association.
Linda Cammuso
Attorney and Co-Founder Linda Cammuso has been a longtime advocate of community engagement. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the Quinsigamond Community College Foundation, and as a Corporator for Girls Inc. of Worcester. Her contributions to her community have been recognized with the Worcester Business Journal’s Forty Under Forty Award and the Outstanding Women in Business Award.
Carol Barton
Attorney Carol Barton has dedicated almost two decades to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in Worcester, MA. In that time, she has been a passionate volunteer and held regional leadership roles. Her dedication to cancer advocacy has led to being selected as a recipient of the National Advisor of the Year Award in 2020 and the Sandra C. Labaree Volunteer Values Award in 2021.
Mariah Heppe
Attorney Mariah Heppe’s commitment to service is deeply tied to her proximity to the military through her work as a facilitator of veteran studies and husband. Throughout her husband’s career as an Active Duty Army Officer, Mariah has been a dedicated volunteer mentor and advisor for the Army’s Family Readiness Group (FRG). The group provides support and assistance to families in the Army and plays a key role in providing community during deployments.
Giving Back: An Ongoing Commitment
Our firm is grateful for the opportunity to support the charitable sector in many ways, whether by helping clients integrate philanthropy into their estate plans, providing legal guidance to nonprofit organizations, or by having a direct impact on our communities through our personal volunteer and charitable efforts. These efforts reflect both the personal and professional belief that charity builds healthier communities and a better future for all.
If you are considering incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan or simply want to ensure your wishes are protected for the future, our team is here to help.