Planned Giving

The Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Upper Michigan Foundation secures the future of Little Brothers. Founded by Michael Aten, former Executive Director of the Upper Michigan Chapter of Little Brothers for thirty years, the Foundation pursues planned gifts to ensure that we are serving our elderly friends for many years to come.

To discuss your planned giving to the Foundation, please contact Cathy Kass-Aten by calling our office at (906) 282-3406, cellphone (906) 275-9260, email cathy.aten@littlebrothers.org or foundation@littlebrothers.org, or by visiting our Foundation office at Skyline Commons:

200 Michigan St. Suite 318, Hancock, MI 49930

All contributions are tax-deductible. U.S.-based donors can support our activities in a tax-efficient way. We are a 501 (c)(3) organization. 

LBFE Foundation LEGAL AND EXEMPT DESCRIPTION as of March 2023


Ways to Give

Gifts Through Your Estate

Wills, Living Trusts and Bequests

You can include a charitable gift of a specific amount or a percentage of your estate or a certain property. You can also give all or a portion of what remains after providing for loved ones.

Bequests can be included in a new will or added to an existing will with an appendix.  A bequest may be modified or revoked at any point in your lifetime. To avoid confusion, it is wise to use the charity’s legal name and IRS tax identification:  Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly Upper Michigan Foundation.

Gifts that Provide You Income

A charitable gift annuity involves a simple contract between you and Little Brothers Foundation where you agree to make a gift to Little Brothers Foundation and we, in return, agree to pay you (and someone else, if you choose) a fixed amount each year for the rest of your life.  Call us to calculate your personal charitable annuity.  

If you are younger than 60 or do not need your payments immediately, you can set up a deferred gift annuity. This allows you to delay receiving payments until a later date—such as when you reach retirement.

Beneficiary Designation

A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

You can name Little Brothers Foundation as a beneficiary to receive assets such as retirement plans and life insurance policies after your lifetime to support our mission. You simply fill out a form that is entirely separate from your will—which makes this approach an easy way to give that does not require an attorney.

Not only is it an easy way to give, but also it is also flexible. You can review and adjust beneficiary designations anytime you want, or include multiple beneficiaries. A beneficiary gift to LBFE Foundation is exempt from taxes, which means the total value of the gift will further our mission. A beneficiary gift to family can be subject to federal income taxes.

If you are 70 ½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift directly from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to LBFE Foundation.

John & Cookie Johnson Special Needs Fund

John and Cookie Johnson Needs Fund was established in 2015 in honor of John and Cookie who are both long time volunteers and supporters of Little Brothers. Contributions to this endowed fund provide Little Brothers support for a “Forever Friend” who is facing difficult life challenges.


Society of the Rose

We thank everyone who has made Little Brothers Foundation a beneficiary of their wills and bequests.  As a special tribute to their support, we are recognizing them as members of the “Society of the Rose”.  More info coming soon.


Foundation Board

Cathy Kass-Aten, Foundation Director

Kyla Cole, LBFE Chapter Rep, Foundation Board Secretary

Syd Faassen, LBFE Chapter Rep

Trisia Narhi, Member-at-Large

Cheryl O’Brien, LBFE Chapter Rep, Foundation Board Treasurer

Steve Schmunk, Foundation Board President, Member-at-Large

Ex-Officio: Carol Korpela, LBFE Upper Michigan Chapter, Executive Director

Ex-Officio: Michael Aten, LBFE Foundation Founder


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