A 2012 graduate of Mustang High School, Matthew George Scott loved playing basketball and baseball for Mustang, as well as being outdoors. He was pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Oklahoma State University when he was killed in a car accident.
To honor him, Matthew’s family established the Matthew George Scott Bronco IV Ever Scholarship fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The family determined they wanted his memorial scholarship to benefit a graduating senior of Mustang High School who demonstrates outstanding character, and the Community Foundation took care of the rest, ensuring Matthew’s legacy lives on. 
Memorial Funds: Assisting Clients in Time of Need
by Joe Carter, Oklahoma City Community Foundation Vice President of Development
It’s not uncommon for a mourning family to lack the time needed to research a charity they believe would honor a loved one who has just passed. So what does the family tell the funeral home when they ask questions regarding memorial gifts for the obituary? 

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has the answers:
1. When creating an estate plan, suggest that your client create a plan for the family, such as a temporary memorial fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. 
Memorial gifts honoring the late family member can be sent to this fund, and the family can decide when and what charities will receive the contributions later. Creating a temporary memorial fund through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation helps eliminate the stress of identifying charity(s) in a short time. The Community Foundation provides gift receipts to the donors and acknowledgements and fund balances to the family. The memorial fund will be listed on our website and include the ability to make online gifts.
2. Another answer is for the family to establish a more permanent fund, such as a donor advised fund, field of interest fund or a scholarship fund.
A scholarship fund is our most popular type of memorial fund. The family works alongside our scholarship team to establish criteria for the scholarship that fits their wishes. Another popular fund is the field of interest fund, which supports a particular cause such as animal welfare, public beautification or elderly services. 
Regardless of the type of fund, memorial funds are a simple way to honor your loved ones with a charitable legacy. Feel free to contact me at 405/606-2914 if you have any questions I can help answer. Or, visit occf.org/fundoptions to learn more. 
Do you want to increase your professional knowledge and skills and better serve your clients? Do you want insight that will benefit your clients immediately? This free luncheon hosted through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and the Cannon Financial Institute helps you make it happen! 
May 28
New and Enduring Problems in Business Succession Planning
Register here
June 25
Ethics Issues in a Modern Estate Planning Practice
Registration opens May 28
July 23
Your Martial Agreement Toolbox
Registration opens June 25
Registration for each event will open online following the prior month's teleconference.  
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