Around $1 billion will be transferred to the next generations over the next 10 years, according to a wealth transfer study commissioned by the Idaho Community Foundation. 

The study conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension took account of the entire state of Idaho, finding that in that same 10-year timeframe around $30.6 billion will transfer statewide. Autumn Kersey, communications manager for the ICF, said the organization sees this as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for giving, called the “Dream Big for Idaho” campaign. 

"We are at the ICF are looking at this 40-year and 10-year transfer as an opportunity to talk to communities and say, ‘What would it look like if your community, your county, 5% of that transfer was reserved for philanthropic purposes?'” Kersey said. “We are not asking folks to give up their assets today, we’re asking them to think about what pledging a percentage of those assets looks like once they pass.” 

Kersey said that the state is preparing for the largest wealth transfer in its history and that if all Idahoans bought into the 5% idea that it would raise $1.8 billion for local nonprofits over the next 20 years. She said in Bonner County that could mean $62 million in grants in that same 20-year span for community organizations that people depend on. 

"It’s nonprofits that keep our trails clear, it’s nonprofits that make sure hungry citizens and seniors have meals, ensure that our kids get great extracurricular activities and childcare,” Kersey said. “These are the things we love about communities and that keep our communities whole.” 

The ICF has been supporting community organizations across Idaho since 1988 and just celebrated the milestone of giving out $200 million. Kersey said the idea that a small donation could generate around a third of that total in half the time, would do an enormous amount of good for communities. 

Kersey, who was raised in Idaho, said that she believes most Idahoans are philanthropic by nature with their time and money. She said that understanding that individuals have the ability to impact the county is an extremely important barrier to break down. 

According to report, Bonner County has a current household net worth of $26.6 billion, which breaks down to around $48,367 being transferred per household and $129,454 per death over the next 10 years.  

While the ICF can be a partner for people working through their wealth transfer, Kersey encouraged people to seek out a cause that they are passionate about to support after they’ve passed. That pledge can come in many different forms, from scholarships to one-time donations and much more, Kersey said. 

"One of the things I love about Idaho philanthropy, there is something for everyone,” Kersey said. “We all have a passion. We all have something that we care deeply about and there is a way to be philanthropic to support that thing whether that’s through the ICF or another vehicle.” 

The ICF will continue its outreach about the results of their study because the numbers indicate that there is a possibility for an era of support never seen in Idaho communities, Kersey said. 

“If we are sitting on the precipice of this transfer of wealth, now is the moment to remind Idaho that it’s time to dream big,” Kersey said. “It’s time to make sure that quality of life that we enjoy is going to be here for the generations that follow us.”