By Shawn Smith
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October 2, 2026
As the year winds down, many of us think about the causes we care about: our church, the food bank, a scholarship fund, the animal shelter down the road. If you've ever wondered how to keep supporting those causes after you're gone, *charitable giving in your estate plan* is a simple, meaningful way to do it. The good news: you don't have to be wealthy, and you don't have to choose between your family and your favorite charity. With a little planning, you can take care of both. Why Fall Is a Good Time to Think About Giving Fall naturally brings giving to mind. Year-end donation appeals arrive in the mail, workplace open enrollment has you looking at benefits and beneficiaries, and the holidays are around the corner. That makes it a good moment to ask a bigger question: *Beyond this year's check, what do I want my giving to look like over the long run?* Your estate plan is where that answer lives. Simple Ways to Include Charitable Giving in Your Estate Plan There are several ways to leave a gift to charity, and most are easier than people expect. A gift in your will or trust. You can leave a specific dollar amount, a specific item (like land or stock), or a percentage of what's left after your family's gifts are made. A percentage gift is often a good choice because it adjusts automatically if your estate grows or shrinks. Naming a charity as a beneficiary. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and many bank or investment accounts let you name a beneficiary directly. You can name a charity as a full or partial beneficiary. These gifts usually pass outside of probate, the court process for settling an estate. A "contingent" gift. Some people name a charity as a backup, receiving a gift only if their primary beneficiaries aren't living. It's a thoughtful way to make sure your assets go somewhere meaningful no matter what. More advanced options. For larger estates or more specific goals, tools like charitable trusts or donor-advised funds may make sense. These can be set up to give your family income for a time and then benefit a charity later. They take more careful planning, so it's worth talking through whether they fit your situation. Balancing Your Family and Your Favorite Causes A common worry is, "Will my kids feel shortchanged?" It's a fair question, and the answer comes down to clear planning and, ideally, an open conversation. Many families choose a modest percentage for charity and leave the rest to loved ones. Others name charities only for certain assets. A retirement account, for example, may be a particularly efficient asset to leave to charity, depending on your circumstances, because charities and individual heirs can be treated differently for tax purposes. If you're married, keep in mind that Iowa law gives a surviving spouse certain rights in an estate. A good plan takes those rights into account so your wishes are carried out smoothly. Get the Details Right Charitable gifts work best when they are written precisely. A few practical tips: - Use the charity's full legal name and, if possible, its tax identification number. Many organizations have similar names. - Plan for change . Charities sometimes merge, change names, or close. Your documents can say what should happen if that occurs. - Say what you mean. If you want your gift used for a specific purpose, like scholarships or a building fund, say so. If you'd rather the charity use it wherever it's needed most, say that too. - Check your beneficiary forms . These forms usually control over your will, so make sure they match your overall plan. What This Means for You Here's a quick checklist to get started: - Make a short list of the causes that matter most to you. - Decide whether you'd like to give a set amount, a percentage, or a specific asset. - Review the beneficiary designations on your retirement accounts and life insurance during open enrollment. - Consider sharing your plans with your family to avoid surprises. - Talk with an attorney about the best way to put your wishes in writing. Let's Talk About Your Legacy Your estate plan is about more than paperwork. It's a reflection of what, and who, you care about. If you'd like to include a charitable gift, or simply want to review your current plan before the new year, Smith Law Firm in Ames is here to help. We'll walk you through your options in plain English and build a plan that fits your family and your values. Contact Smith Law Firm today to schedule a consultation @ 515-451-1260 *This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, please consult a licensed Iowa attorney.*
