Transfer of Wealth

Following the Great Depression and World War II, the United States entered a golden age of business growth and personal prosperity. Americans have created, invested and multiplied unprecedented wealth. Over the next 20 years, this capital – an estimate of $90 trillion in assets nationwide – will change hands.

Transfer of Wealth is a key issue for communities like ours. Consider this common scenario: Individuals born and raised in Marion County move to larger cities (Wichita, Kansas City, Denver, etc.). When those individuals later inherit their parents’ estates—wealth generated in Marion County—that capital often leaves the county permanently, following them to their new homes.

Transfer of Wealth in Marion County

According to research from the Kansas Association of Community Foundations and Wichita State University:

  • $820 million of estate wealth will transfer from one generation to the next in Marion County by 2030.
  • $41 million or 5 percent could be preserved in a community foundation endowment, creating over $2.05 million in annual grants to benefit Marion County.
  • $1.2 billion will be transferred from one generation to the next in Marion County by 2045

The Keep 5 in Kansas campaign is designed to share the message to all Kansans of the importance of leaving a legacy for our hometowns and communities.

Transfer of Wealth Overview

The Center for Economic Development and Business Research at Wichita State University was commissioned by the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) to estimate future intergenerational wealth transfer for each county in Kansas. A model initially created by Boston College was used to determine the value for total wealth in Kansas.

Transfer of Wealth Research conducted by WSU for KACF indicates:

  • $146.1 billion will be transferred from one generation to the next in the state of Kansas from 2021 to 2030.
  • $7.3 billion or 5 percent could be preserved in community foundation endowments.
  • $1.2 trillion will be transferred in the state within the next 50 years (2021 to 2070).

Frequently Asked Questions

Capturing a portion of local wealth transfer is vital for the long-term sustainability of Kansas communities. Securing just 5% of the wealth transferred could mean $7.3 billion in permanent endowments. With a 5% annual payout, that translates to $365 million available each year to strengthen communities across the state.
Five percent is being used across the nation because it is conservative and very achievable. It is the starting point for the future of Kansas communities and is the goal through the Keep 5 in Kansas campaign.
To ensure confidence in the statistics, a technical team of Kansas-based economists, wealth experts, demographers, and regional economists reviewed the original data and provided input. Insights from Don Macke (RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship), based on his multi-state Transfer of Wealth experience, were also included. This feedback was incorporated into the final results. A User Advisory Team, composed of diverse Kansas community leaders (like trust officers, estate planners, legislators, and foundation leaders) from various regions, then reviewed and agreed with the technical team's conclusions. Important Note: These Transfer of Wealth estimates represent possible future scenarios for community consideration, not predictions or absolute figures.
Community foundations across the U.S. lead efforts to quantify the transfer of wealth within local communities. A key part of our mission is building permanent endowments—lasting resources designed to meet both current and future needs. By capturing a portion of this wealth transfer for these endowments, we work to ensure the long-term sustainability of our community for generations to come.