The amount of wealth transferring between generations in our state is staggering. Overall, more than $100 billion will transfer in the next 10 years. Big numbers, gigantic opportunities. The NCF network is working toward a shared goal of harnessing just 5% of this abundance. That’s well over $5 billion—a gamechanger for the future of our hometowns.
But the transfer of wealth is much more than numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s the story connecting our past, present, and future. It’s the foundation for accomplishments like Boone Beginnings Early Childhood and Family Development Center, a state-of-the-art early childhood education center in Albion enriching the lives of Boone County families and setting youngsters up for success. The facility is a manifestation of generational wealth and community care, made possible through 250 charitable gifts, 80% with local ties, totaling $4.5 million. It’s a collective success that will benefit the community for decades to come.
In Shickley (population 309), 13 donors are planning to benefit their hometown through their estate plans. Combined with endowed assets, Shickley now has $4.3 million for the future—or 242% of their wealth transfer goal.
With over $14 million in endowments and planned gifts, Valley County has turned the generosity of local people into a national model of a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Young families are moving to Diller (population 256), because it offers superior amenities and an unmatched quality of life, thanks in part to $1.4 million in endowments and expectancies, or 136% of their wealth transfer goal.
In just a little over a decade, the McCook community has successfully met four challenge grants and increased their unrestricted endowment to almost $4.8 million.
Nebraska City’s local affiliated fund has granted more than $6 million back into the community to further its mission of “investing in people.”
With $3.6 million in endowments and planned gifts, Butler County’s investments in youth— from education to the arts—have significantly improved people attraction efforts.
Through the generosity and vision of local citizens, Pender built a $7.1 million community center that can easily accommodate its 1,002 residents.
In Keith County, a massive $8 million estate gift is inspiring even more generosity.
Our research shows the amount of wealth transferring between generations continues to rise, but that trend is only useful if Nebraskans take community-building to heart. We’ve seen phenomenal growth in affiliated funds harnessing the transfer of wealth through the last decade. In 2012, endowments totaled just about $44 million. Ten years later in 2022, they now total almost $138 million. One hundred and fifty-eight community-focused affiliated funds are now building endowments, compared to 96 in 2012.
Endowment-building allows communities the freedom to plan. To think intentionally about the future and what must be done to ensure Greater Nebraska continues to be a place people want to live, work, and play. Visit www.fivetothrivene.org to see how we can work together to harness some of this abundance in our hometowns and create even more prosperity across Greater Nebraska.
