Generous gifts leave legacy for people with disabilities

This piece is sponsored by DakotAbilities.

In the fall of 2023, a generous gift from a local donor gave DakotAbilities the confidence to move forward with building innovative homes in Sioux Falls for people with disabilities. That gift, and the many that followed, affirmed its vision of creating living spaces fostering dignity, independence and privacy for people living in group home settings.

“For an organization of our size, donor-advised funds and legacy gifts make an incredible difference,” said Shelly Johnson, director of development.

“That particular gift in the fall of ’23 came at a pivotal time, giving us the confidence to move forward with the vision we have for people with disabilities, what their living arrangements look like and the quality of their daily lives. It was a real game-changer that set us on a course that continues to this day.”

Looking ahead is central to DakotAbilities’ mission.

“Thinking about today’s needs while preparing for the future is part of our strategic plan,” executive director Nathan Stallinga said.

“Laying the groundwork for gifts that may come to fruition long after we’re gone is something our leadership takes pride in. We want to leave that legacy for generations of people with disabilities in our community and for the future leaders of our nonprofit.”

This is where both donor-advised funds and legacy gifts play essential roles. While DAFs provide consistent support in the present, legacy gifts safeguard the future of DakotAbilities’ mission.

“Some of our most faithful supporters use donor-advised funds to give consistently,” Johnson said. “Those gifts allow us to expand and remodel residential settings and enhance our Meaningful Day services. Legacy gifts, whether through a will, trust or beneficiary designation, are less common and often arrive unexpectedly since most donors don’t inform us when they’ve included us.”

DakotAbilities breaks ground on a new home for adults with disabilities.

Yet planning ahead is critical. The numbers vary, with an estimated 65 percent to 75 percent of Americans having no will or estate plan in place.

Beginning this fall, through informational sessions open to staff members and families of people supported, DakotAbilities will encourage people to consider their choices and the impact of planning.

“Every presentation on planned giving shares the same truth: Your money will go somewhere: your family, a charity or the government,” Johnson explained. “It’s never too late to make choices so your values and priorities are honored. Legacy gifts are a personal, meaningful way to care for both loved ones and the causes you believe in.”

Understandably, some people hesitate to share their intentions with a nonprofit, worried about being oversolicited or uncertain if their plans may change. Johnson encourages openness.

“There’s great flexibility in beneficiary designations and revocable trusts. An honest conversation ensures your gift is used exactly as you intend,” she said. “Donor stewardship is at the heart of our work, and we respect every donor’s preference for recognition, communication and impact.”

Ultimately, legacy giving is about aligning generosity with values.

“We always recommend that donors seek advice from a trusted financial adviser, attorney or community foundation,” Johnson said.

“We’re here to work alongside those professionals, answering questions and helping donors make informed decisions that reflect their goals.”

Here are several ways to make a long-term charitable impact:

• Add DakotAbilities to your will or trust. Even a small percentage can make a meaningful difference in ensuring care and support for adults with disabilities.
• Designate DakotAbilities as one of your beneficiaries. Life insurance, retirement accounts and investment accounts can include nonprofits, with flexible percentage allocations.
• Give through a donor-advised fund. Enjoy financial and tax benefits, along with the convenience of managing all your charitable giving in one place.

“Anyone with a retirement account or life insurance policy has the ability to create a legacy gift,” Johnson added. “Most people are surprised to learn of the impact they can have and how simple it can be.”

Always seek the advice of a trusted financial or legal adviser before initiating a charitable giving plan.