A “big” inheritance may not be all financial

by SCF Team | August 1, 2026 | Siouxland Community Foundation Blog, Donor Resources

The Great Wealth Transfer is expected to move trillions of dollars in cash, stock, real estate, and business interests from one generation to the next. But families are also considering something less tangible: the values they want to pass along.

A recent Kiplinger article highlights how families can strengthen their legacies by involving younger generations in philanthropy and making generosity a shared experience.

If charitable giving is one of the values you hope to pass along, consider:

• Start the conversation now. Helping children and grandchildren understand why you give can be as meaningful as the financial inheritance itself.
• Review your estate plan. August is Make-A-Will Month, making late summer a timely opportunity to revisit your plans.
• Consider a charitable bequest. According to the latest Giving USA report, charitable bequests exceeded $62 billion in 2025, increasing nearly 20% and becoming the fastest-growing source of charitable giving.
• Make your fund part of your legacy. You can leave a dollar amount or percentage of your estate to your donor-advised fund or another fund at the Siouxland Community Foundation.
• Involve the next generation. Naming children or loved ones as successor advisors to your donor-advised fund allows them to continue your family’s tradition of giving.
• Consider estate tax implications. For larger estates, charitable planning may also reduce federal estate tax. The federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per individual in 2026, and gifts and bequests to qualified charities are generally deductible when determining the taxable estate.

Even when estate taxes aren’t a concern, a charitable bequest can become one of the most meaningful parts of your legacy. You can provide for the people you love while continuing to support the organizations and community that have mattered throughout your life.

The Siouxland Community Foundation would be honored to work alongside you and your estate planning advisors to build a charitable legacy your family can carry forward for generations.The Siouxland Community Foundation is honored to serve as a resource as you build your charitable plans. This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor about your specific situation.