Nebraska Community Foundation works with Nebraskans every day who care deeply about their hometowns. They give their time, talent, treasure, and talk to ensure their hometown is left better for the next generation. Increasingly, these generous Nebraskans are making arrangements that convey the ultimate belief in the future of their communities—a charitable planned gift.
Estate planning is the best way to ensure your support for the place you love continues beyond your lifetime. For many people, milestone events like these provide an opportunity to examine and solidify their wishes.
Having a child
The birth of a child often inspires a renewed sense of purpose, prompting parents to create estate plans. Mikayla Doht of Pender and her husband, Eric, found it beneficial to make a planned gift to their local affiliated fund to support a vibrant community that will be around for their children as they grow.
“Having young children I think makes the mission of our fund that much closer to my heart,” Mikayla said. “I know the love I have for my community, and I can’t wait to instill that same love for my children. I want them to be proud of their hometown and consider returning here one day.”
Becoming an Empty Nester
When children leave the home to start their next chapter, parents also begin a new stage in life. For many empty nesters, the transitional period is an opportunity to reevaluate their estate plans. “I knew we had instilled a strong work ethic and a financial acumen and I was no longer worried about what I might need to provide for them,” said NCF Affiliated Fund Development Coordinator Kara Asmus. “They were on their own way. That gave me the freedom to pursue my own interests again and to give to the causes I care about.”
Retirement
Retirement is the perfect opportunity to reassess your estate plan. That’s what Chuck and Janel Hibberd of rural Lincoln did. After realizing their existing plan didn’t match their passions to include the causes they championed, they decided to thoroughly examine what they want and solidify their wishes.
“I think that’s the big thing,” Chuck said. “Once you’ve done that, really sorted out your values and commitments, then the rest of it comes together rather easily.”
An immense opportunity
Between 2010 and 2024, affiliated funds in the NCF network have received an impressive $47.4 million in realized planned gifts. Of those, 36 gifts exceeded $100,000 and 14 were $1 million or more. For most, a planned gift is the largest and most impactful charitable contribution they will ever make. NCF affiliated funds that have made concerted efforts to solicit planned gifts – like those in Pender and McCook – are seeing their decades-long efforts pay dividends.
Over the next 10 years in Nebraska, more than $100 billion will transfer from one generation to the next. NCF’s Five to Thrive campaign provides a simple, actionable way to leave a legacy. Leaving just five percent of your assets has a minimal impact on heirs, but an outsized influence on your hometown. Contact Nebraska Community Foundation to help you create the legacy you envision. And if you already have a planned gift in place that benefits NCF or your community, let us know—we want to celebrate you!
If you would like to find out more about planned giving for yourself or for your community, visit our website at nebcommfound.giftlegacy.com or contact Nebraska Community Foundation at tmekelburg@nebcommfound.org, 402.323.7343.
