Make us a beneficiary of your IRA or other “non-probate” assets
Why beneficiary designations are so powerful
Assets not included in your will are called non-probate assets. Examples are 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies, and other accounts. Designating your favorite ministry as a beneficiary can have a big impact and may avoid unwanted taxes for your heirs.
Charitable benefits
Common gifted assets for beneficiaries
- IRA
- 401(k)
- Life insurance
- Joint real estate
- Joint bank accounts
- Joint property ownership
Designate your favorite ministry as a beneficiary to one or more of your accounts.
We have partnered with FreeWill to offer this free online platform that will walk you through the process of setting up your beneficiaries. These gifts have a big impact and can often prevent unwanted taxation.
Your life can make a difference
As a partner ministry of the South Dakota Synod, ELCA, Lutheran Planned Generosity of South Dakota offers creative solutions to your financial, tax, and estate planning goals that recognize your faith and generosity. Whether a gift today or a legacy plan supporting those you love and the ministries you care about most, your life can make a difference.
A Plan for the Future – It’s Not About Us
Ron and Marge Hegge
Retired Engineer & Nursing Professor
The Hegge family created many special memories at their lake cabin over the years. Through the use of a Donor Advised Fund implemented through Lutheran Planned Generosity of South Dakota, Ron and Marge created a legacy of generosity. “It’s not about us. It’s about others.”
Frequently Asked Questions
A non-probate asset is an account or other asset that won’t be governed by the decisions you make in a will. Instead, these accounts commonly have an assigned beneficiary that you choose. Types of non-probate assets include many retirement accounts, life insurance, some bank accounts and some assets (like a house or vehicle) that you jointly own with another person.
The most commonly gifted non-probate asset is an IRA or 401(k). This is because these accounts are always taxed (even for people below the estate tax threshold). Giving these accounts to charity keeps your heirs from having to pay unexpected taxes.
Yes! Even if you have a will in place you still need to designate beneficiaries for your non-probate assets.
Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.
No. You can usually make these easily and at no cost to you.
Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
 | Name: Kathy McHenry Executive Director Phone: 605-274-5030 Email: kmchenry@sdsynod.org |
As Executive Director of Lutheran Planned Giving of South Dakota, Kathy brings over 20 years of experience in financial services, public speaking, and non-profit leadership. She specializes in generational transitions and legacy planning, particularly with farm and ranch families, as well as charitable trusts and tax-advantaged donations. Her workshops make these processes easily understood and accessible to everyone.
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Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
More ways to make an impact
Gifts in a will or trust
Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will (for free!).
Popular tax-smart gifts
Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.
Gifts that pay you back
Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.