A Lasting Legacy: the Gift that Keeps on Giving

January 19, 2021 9:30 am Comments Off

Nearly three decades ago, Carol and David Hancock had a vision to create a charitable trust with the hopes they could give back to a community close to their hearts. Together, they brought their dream to life starting the Carol and David Hancock Charitable Trust in 1993 with a clear mission to create a lasting impact on rural Maine communities.

A quote from Carol J. Hancock, co-founder.

With no press or fanfare, the Trust has steadfastly given year-over-year, making an immeasurable impact in Casco and the surrounding towns. Last year, the Trust reached two significant milestones with $1,000,000 in assets and gifting the same amount over the course of its lifetime! From Village Green landscaping to land preservation, school, library, and meeting house investments to sports teams, school projects + infrastructure, historical building restorations, and community parks and recreation projects, the Carol and David Charitable Trust’s presence and impact are all around us.

Lake Region Youth Basketball team cheering

A Lake Region youth basketball team uses the Casco Community Center, a space saved and restored with help from the Carol and David Charitable Trust

“Over the past fifteen years I have had the pleasure of working in an incredible community and being part of many projects intended to enhance the quality of life for its residents. Throughout the years there always seemed to be one constant—the generosity of the Carol and David Hancock Charitable Trust. Whether it was to kick start a project, create parks, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, or add the finishing touches on landscaping, media systems, kitchen equipment or scoreboards, the Trust has always been willing to help. I would like to express my appreciation to The Carol and David Hancock Charitable Trust for the positive impact your efforts make on Casco residents. Despite our small size and limited resources, we have a community thriving with opportunities for all ages.”

–Beth Latsey, Director of Parks & Recreation, Town of Casco

Since its inception the Carol and David Charitable Trust has gifted over $1,000,000 to Casco-based organizations and surrounding Lake Region towns. Emphasis and priority have been given to community and town improvements, recreation, education + leadership, environmental causes, health + wellness, and the arts–a true lasting legacy and a gift that will certainly keep on giving.

A group enjoys an outing on preserved land through the Lakes Environmental Association

When asked what David would say if he were alive today, Carol responded with a tear in her eye and smile upon her face, “David would be absolutely thrilled to see where the Trust is today. There was no one that had bigger community spirit than he did.”