Leaving a Legacy in Osborne County

Every October, National Estate Planning Month reminds us to think about the future — not just for our loved ones, but for the communities we care about most. Estate planning ensures your wishes are honored and your values are carried forward. For many, that includes leaving a lasting legacy that strengthens the place you call home.

Between 2023 and 2072, more than $30 billion will transfer from one generation to the next in the 26 counties of Northwest Kansas. The opportunity to capture a portion of that wealth is a remarkable one — and the time is now.

Most intergenerational wealth transfer will go to heirs, many or most of whom will take their inheritance with them to a home outside of Northwest Kansas. If, as a generation, 95% of Baby Boomer estates in Northwest Kansas went to children or family, heirs would be well cared for. But if the remaining 5% stayed local — invested back into our communities — the future for Northwest Kansas would be forever changed.

PHOTO CREDIT: BETHANY HERRMAN

Through our partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, the Osborne County Community Foundation participates in NW Kansas Gives, a special initiative designed to educate residents and encourage thoughtful, planned charitable gifts as part of overall estate planning.

Our shared goal is simple: to inspire people to dream bigger about the legacy they can leave. A planned gift through your will or estate is one of the most powerful ways to ensure Osborne County continues to thrive for generations to come.

Expert Guidance for Charitable Estate Planning

Donors who wish to make a charitable gift in their estate can meet with estate planning attorney John Griffin, who assists Northwest Kansas residents through a unique Stewardship Counseling program offered in partnership with the Dane G. Hansen Foundation.

Through a series of appointments, John helps participants design an estate plan that includes a charitable gift benefiting their local community foundation. There is no charge to participants for this service.

Here’s how the process works:

• Initial meetings: John meets with participants to develop an outline for a new or revised estate plan that includes a charitable gift.

• Working with your attorney: Once the outline is complete, participants work with their existing attorney (or one can be recommended) to prepare legal documents. Participants pay only for document completion.

• Final review: John meets again with participants to review the final documents before signing and is available to consult with their attorneys as needed.

• Completing the gift: Once a charitable gift is included, participants complete simple paperwork with their local community foundation to document their intent.

Stewardship Counseling appointments are available only through host community foundations. Interested donors should begin by contacting OCCF.

If you’d like to explore how your estate plan can benefit both your loved ones and the community you love, contact director@osborneccf.org. In addition, we invite you to review our Leave a Legacy Guide. Together, we can ensure your legacy continues to make a difference — right here in Osborne County.