How the Ohio State Parks legacy Foundation Started

The legacy foundation was created by two brothers and a sister as a way to honor their late parents who were avid park supporters.  Their donation created the foundation and made it possible for other park supporters to make any size donations.

Jim Henahan of Columbus, Robert Henahan of Lancaster and Barbara Henahan Rayburn of Hillsboro were looking for a way to memorialize their parents, the late Dr. James and Mrs. Virginia Henahan of Lancaster, who had introduced them as children to the state park system and all that it had to offer.  They decided to make a donation to create the legacy foundation so that others could do the same and the money could flow to worthwhile projects to improve these parks located all across Ohio.

For individuals and families this is an excellent way to honor a loved one, making a donation in their name to be used at their favorite state park.

The Ohio State Parks Legacy Foundation also offers the perfect opportunity for a business to support a local park, perhaps in the name of a founder or its employees.  Such a donation can be designated, for example, to help build a shelter house for the use of the community and the donation can be publicly recognized.

And all donations can be specified for use at any of the 74 state parks.

Donors Qualify for Tax Advantages

Since the legacy foundation is a private, non-profit fund, it offers a wide array of tax advantages to individuals, families and businesses.  A variety of gift-giving options with tax advantages can be designed to suit each donor.

The Ohio State Parks Legacy Foundation is managed by the Columbus Foundation, one of the largest private community foundations in the nation.  The Columbus Foundation offers a wide array of estate planning options and tax-savings strategies for donations to the legacy fund.

For more information about the Ohio State Parks Legacy Foundation and the tax advantages of making a donation, contact Executive Director Mark J. Smith, at mark.smith@osplegacy.org.  

Join others who are making a difference and leaving a lasting imprint by helping to fund improvements at their favorite Ohio State Park.