Over her 97 years, Ursula Hubby's generosity and kindness benefited countless Central New Yorkers. Now, her caring spirit carries on through charitable legacy that will continue to help others for generations.

Sitting down to write your own obituary probably doesn’t sound like an ideal way to spend an afternoon. But, after many years of charitable planning, I have found that it can also be the key to unlocking deeper purpose and clarity.

OSWEGO, NY: A portrait of Nancy Bellow. Photo by Ben Cleeton

Bellow, a native of Oswego, NY, chose to make the community her lifelong home. Through her legacy fund, Bellow plans to provide support to many groups, all of which reflect the causes most important to her — women, education, community needs and history.

Last year, we shared Lucy's story as an example of how even the most surprising gifts can leave a legacy. Since then, we have received additional photos of Lucy's life from her remaining family.

Man and woman standing in front of church

Jeff and Rachel embrace giving in every facet of life—through faith, family and community. Their philanthropy emphasizes local impact, inspiring others to give in meaningful ways.

Man and woman standing outside

Music has been a lifelong passion for retired physicians Dr. Harold L. Husovsky and Dr. Susan E. Stred, influencing the establishment of their donor-advised fund, Rhapsody in Green, that they use to support their charitable interests in music, education, and community needs.

Think of an endowment as a giant savings account filled with donations, which gets invested to grow over time.

The unexpected and unrestricted nature of Lucy’s bequest echoes the quiet yet profound impact individuals can have on causes they hold dear, even in the absence of overt support during their lifetime.

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog

Giving Voice Winter 2024: Giving Matters

Man and woman stand together

The Community Foundation’s 5forCNY initiative, which invites community members to give back to the region by setting aside a portion of their assets for Central New York charities, immediately resonated with Michael and Susan Meath.