Foundations hope to capture millions of dollars in wealth
What would our community be like if money weren't an object?
No child would go hungry. Every child would have access to great educational and physical activities. They could create art and music. They would have the chance to hit a home run and revel with other children outside on a beautiful Kansas day.
Everyone would have a safe and secure home. Counseling and health care would be readily available. People could receive help managing credit. They would get tips on raising happy, healthy children.
Everyone would benefit from a community like this.
Look again at our list of things we could accomplish. These are some of the things that nonprofit organizations in our community are working toward. These organizations strive to improve our community. However, money is an object in our world. They can only do what they do because community members invest in them.
In Monday's edition, Journal reporter Duane Schrag reported on a study commissioned by the Kansas Health Foundation for the Kansas Association of Community Foundations that found an expected $92 million a year will transfer from one generation to the next in the upcoming decade in Saline County. That means that when elderly mothers and fathers die, they will be able to pass a significant amount to their offspring.
Many people believe in or have benefited from nonprofit agencies in the community, and leaving some of their wealth to charity is another possibility. It's a possibility that the Greater Salina Community Foundation is excited about. It hopes to capture 5 percent of the money transferred over the next 12 years. Even though this appears to be a conservative amount -- Salinans have shown themselves to be very generous -- 5 percent of $92 million a year would be a windfall for area charities.
Now, it's up to us. Talk with your family about how estate money should be distributed. What causes are you passionate about? What do you want your family's legacy to be? Or maybe you just want to avoid the tax man.
The Greater Salina Community Foundation is a good resource for donors. They can help set up funds to ensure that your money goes to the causes you want it to and that your money is used efficiently.
A better community is not just a pipe dream. We shouldn't let money be an obstacle to building a better place for all of us to live.
-- Amy Adams, Copy Editor and
member of the Editorial Board
©Salina Journal