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Northern New York Community Foundation

Northern New York Community Foundation

  • About
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    • Employment
    • Philanthropy Center
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    • News & Media
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      • Northern New York Community Podcast
  • Donors
    • Donate Online
    • Gift Information “At A Glance”
    • Making A Gift
    • Top 10 Things You Can Do To Leave A Legacy
    • NNYCF vs. A Private Foundation
    • FAQs
    • Investment Performance
  • Students
    • Scholarship Overview
    • Applications
    • Scholarships Available
    • Next Step Education Program
  • Nonprofits
    • Apply for a Grant
    • 2025 Grant Opportunities
    • Nonprofit Partners
    • Partner & Grantee Resources
    • Recent Grant Recipients
    • Glenwood Cemetery Revitalization Campaign
    • CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund
  • Programs
    • Community Spirit Youth Giving Challenge
    • Youth Philanthropy Council
    • LEAD Council

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills

Q: What happens when a person dies without a valid will?
A: Their state’s laws of descent and distribution come into play.

Q: Aren’t state laws adequate for most situations?
A: No, because they’re impersonal. They don’t make exceptions. They may also deplete your estate unnecessarily, as certain fees and other expenses can be minimized or eliminated through a well-planned will.

Q: Why don’t more people have wills?
A: Because they don’t realize how important a will is. Some think they don’t own enough property to need one.

Q: Does joint ownership make a will unnecessary?
A: No. That’s a common misconception. Joint ownership may create unnecessary estate taxes and may result in the imposition of gift taxes. It may also deny you complete control over your property while you’re still living. Joint ownership is a poor substitute for a will but can often work well in conjunction with one.

Q: Can a will reduce estate taxes?
A: Yes. Through a well-planned will you can make a number of provisions that can reduce estate taxes.

Q: Should both husband and wife have wills?
A: Yes. It’s important that each have a will even when the two wills may be essentially the same. The wills should complement each other and take into account any special bequests to other family members.

Q: Do I need a will if my estate is small?
A: Yes. The smaller the estate, the more important that it be settled quickly as delays usually mean increased expenses.

Q: Can I write my own will without hiring an attorney?
A: You can, but It’s generally not advisable. Many homemade wills are declared invalid by the courts. There is no substitute for the professional expertise of a competent attorney.

Q: How much does it cost to have an attorney write my will?
A: That depends on how simple or complicated your plans are. Wills generally cost less than most people expect and undoubtedly less than the emotional and financial cost of not having one. Ask your attorney in advance about the fee.

Q: Once I have a will, should I ever have to change it?
A: You should review your will periodically, because even the best wills can become outdated. Changes may be needed if your marital or financial status changes or charitable interests change. If you have more children, if your executor/executrix or guardians can’t serve, or if you acquire property in another state, revisions may also be in order.

Northern New York Community Foundation

131 Washington Street
Watertown, NY 13601

Phone: 315-782-7110
Fax: 315-782-0047

info@nnycf.org

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ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025 students, parents, teachers, counselors, and class advisors: Now is the time for Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence County students to apply for post-secondary educational support.

Apply today at bit.ly/nnycf-scholarships

Questions? Contact Mary Perrine, Community Foundation coordinator of partnerships, maryp@nnycf.org, or Tara Hess, stewardship & donor services associate, tara@nnycf.org, or 315-782-7110.

#NNYCF #ClassOf2025 #Scholarships
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4 months ago
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Thanks to donors like YOU, the LEAD Council of the Northern New York Community Foundation made the holiday season shine a little brighter for tri-county seniors!

Through LEAD's Holiday Giving Fund match, nearly $5,500 was raised to help make the holidays special for seniors in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

Meals on Wheels at Watertown Urban Mission, the Santa for Seniors program at Lowville Food Pantry, and Meals on Wheels at St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging each received $1,832 in support.

Complete details below.

We are grateful for all who support Community Foundation programs like the LEAD Council and initiatives that make a direct and meaningful impact across the regi#NNYCFN#lead##leadingthewayheWay
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LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region

nnycf.org

LEAD Council Holiday Giving Fund Awards Nearly $5,500 to Brighten Season Across the Region December 26, 2024 By admin Young Professionals Aid Senior Programs in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Coun...
4 months ago
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The Watertown-based manufacturer behind Little Trees air fresheners recently established the CAR-FRESHNER Corporation Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation.

Grant applications will be reviewed and awarded quarterly throughout the calendar year. Eligible nonprofit organizations may submit one application per year, with grant awards ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000 per application.

This year, applications must focus on educational initiatives, including but not limited to libraries, child care, and preschool programs, career training, vocational and technical education, and similar projects that enhance educational opportunities within Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

The deadline for first-quarter 2025 grant applications is Friday, January 24, 2025. Visit bit.ly/grant-portal to access the Community Foundation’s online grant portal.

Complete details below.

#NNYCF #ThoughtfulGiving #Partnerships #Grantmaking
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CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation

nnycf.org

CAR-FRESHNER Corp. Establishes Charitable Partnership With the Community Foundation December 23, 2024 By admin New Charitable Fund Will Support Various Community Projects and Initiatives Through Quart...
5 months ago
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Thank you, Car Freshener!

Becky Taylor

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