Planned Giving Video Library
Planned Giving Video Library
Watch our entire Planned Giving Informational Video below, or choose from the following topics to jump to a section:
(Note: MNHS does not give legal, financial, or tax advice, and urges supporters to seek advice from their own professional advisors about how a particular idea may affect their specific circumstances.
Values-Based Estate Planning
Values-based estate planning is an approach that focuses on your story, your personal values, and doesn't start with a default assumption that the main goal is to pass as much wealth down to lower generations as possible. These plans more accurately reflect who you are as a person, what your values are, what you're trying to accomplish to make the world a better place, not only for you, but also for your family and community.
Intestacy
If you pass away without a will or will substitute, Minnesota state law governs how and when your assets are distributed. The court will decide, without input from you, who will administer your assets as your personal representative. This is why it's important to have your estate plan in order: so your assets are properly distributed according to your wishes.
Will vs. Revocable Trust
What is a revocable trust and how is it different from a will? A revocable trust is essentially a substitute for a will, and the primary reason to have a revocable trust is to avoid probate. Watch the video below to learn what to consider when choosing between these options.
Estate and Gift Taxes
As of 2025, the federal estate and gift tax rate is 40%. Several states, including Minnesota, have their own estate taxes. Minnesota has a lower threshold for a taxable estate than the federal at $3 million per person. What do you do if you have estates that are higher than this, if you want to minimize or reduce your taxes? This video discusses several available options.
"If my estate doesn't owe any estate taxes, why should I worry about having an estate plan?"
You might wonder, "If my estate doesn't owe any taxes, why do I care about having a plan?" There are many good reasons to have a thoughtful plan in place that are not related to estate and gift taxes - and this video outlines just a few considerations.
Charitable Gifts of Noncash Assets
Most total wealth held by individuals is owned in the form of non-cash assets such as real estate, business interests, or retirement accounts to name a few. This video reviews ways you can make charitable gifts from wealth you hold outside of your checking account.
Appreciated Stock and Other Long-Term Capital Gain Property
Learn the benefits of giving long-term capital gain property (ex. stocks or mutual funds) that have grown in value since you acquired it. When this type of property gains value over time, that is what's known as appreciation. When you give appreciated property to a charity, the tax benefits may prove more than you might expect.
IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions
Qualified charitable distributions from IRAs (also known as IRA rollover gifts) first started in 2006. This type of gift is distributed directly from your traditional or Roth IRA to a qualified public charity like the Minnesota Historical Society. A beneficiary designation is one of the easiest planned gifts you can make, and in many cases, can be done at no cost today and without outside help.
Charitable Gift Annuity (Life Income Gifts)
Did you know that you can make a gift that pays you income for life AND gives you a current income tax deduction in exchange for a contribution to benefit MNHS? You can do that with a “life-income” gift: a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) or a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT).