Planned Giving

An Invitation

In 1954, a small group of parents whose children had Cerebral Palsy banded together to find some help and some hope. Out of their courage and foresight emerged the United Cerebral Palsy Center of SW Missouri (today called Developmental Center of the Ozarks). What began as a single program in borrowed space now serves hundreds each year - with five programs located in three Missouri cities. The 1954 Society was organized in honor of the founders and those first children. It ensures DCO will continue to serve those in need.

Mankind has always been endowed with a charitable spirit, but no society has embraced philanthropy more than our own. With each generation, Americans establish new plateaus by which our generous spirit is measured. We understand that giving is both a reflection of the best parts of who we are and the key to the most important work we will accomplish in our community as neighbors.

In joining the 1954 Society, your generosity is permanently exhibited through the many lives that will be touched and forever changed.

Benefits of Membership

  • Your legacy will live on in the form of continued service, education and advocacy.
  • You will receive a lapel pin and certificate of recognition to identify your commitment to DCO.
  • You will receive recognition in DCO's Annual Report and at the Recognition Luncheon.

Requirements for Membership

You will become a member of the 1954 Society when you indicate in writing that you have made an estate gift to DCO. Some gifts that qualify you for membership are:

  • Naming DCO in your estate plan (will or trust)
  • Naming DCO as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan
  • Establishing a charitable gift annuity for DCO
  • Making a gift today of $10,000 or more

How to Join

If you have included Developmental Center of the Ozarks (DCO) in your estate plans or would like to make a gift today of $10,000 or more, simply complete the downloadable card to tell us about your plans so that we can properly thank and honor you as a 1954 Society member. All information you give will remain confidential.

Please help us honor your wishes by using the following language in your estate plan.

Direct Bequest

I give, devise, bequeath, ___________ to Developmental Center of the Ozarks, or its' successor organization, a nonprofit corporation as described in sections 170(c), 2055(a), 2522(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, located at 1545 East Pythian, Springfield, MO, to be used for its tax exempt purposes in providing services to those with special needs or similar service needs.

Residuary Bequest

I give, devise, bequeath, all the rest, residue and remainder of my estate to Developmental Center of the Ozarks, or its' successor organization, a nonprofit corporation as described in sections 170(c), 2055(a), 2522(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, located at 1545 East Pythian, Springfield, MO, to be used for its tax exempt purposes in providing services to those with special needs or similar service needs.

Restricted Bequest

I give, devise, bequeath, ___________ to Developmental Center of the Ozarks, or its' successor organization, a nonprofit corporation as described in nonprofit corporation as described in sections 170(c), 2055(a), 2522(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, located at 1545 East Pythian, Springfield, MO, to be used for/in [insert restricted use language here].

If you would like more information about the 1954 Society, or additional information on planned giving, please contact: 417-829-0896 or plannedgiving@DCOonline.com