The simplest way to leave a legacy gift.
No attorney needed. No changes to your will. Name Second Harvest as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance, or other accounts.
What is a beneficiary designation?
You probably already have beneficiary designations on some of your accounts — your 401(k), your life insurance policy, maybe a bank account. These designations tell your financial institution who receives those assets when the time comes.
Here’s what makes them different from a will: these accounts pass directly to whoever you name, outside of probate. No waiting, no legal process. Just a straightforward transfer.
Naming Second Harvest as a beneficiary — whether for a percentage of an account or as a contingent beneficiary after your loved ones — is one of the simplest legacy gifts you can make. Most financial institutions simple require a beneficiary designation form.
Why donors choose beneficiary designations
- No attorney needed
- No changes to your existing will
- Takes effect automatically
- You stay in full control during your lifetime
- Usually just a quick form from your financial institution
Find the giving path that works for you
Beyond a check or credit card, these giving options are designed to reduce your tax burden while doing more good. The right path depends on your situation.
Retirement Accounts
IRA, 401(k), 403(b) — the most commonly gifted accounts. These can carry significant tax advantages when designated to a nonprofit.
Life Insurance Policies
Name Second Harvest as a full or partial beneficiary of your life insurance policy.
Bank & Investment Accounts
Checking, savings, or brokerage accounts can include a payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designation.
Donor-Advised Funds
Name Second Harvest as a successor beneficiary of your DAF, so your charitable giving continues beyond your lifetime.
Why this matters for you and your family
A beneficiary designation can be one of the simplest and smartest financial decisions you make for your family.
Your family avoids a hidden tax burden
Traditional retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s are generally taxed as ordinary income when inherited. Because Second Harvest is a qualified nonprofit, assets left to us can support neighbors instead of generating incomes taxes your family didn’t expect.
Your estate may qualify for a charitable deduction.
Beneficiary designations to a nonprofit can reduce the taxable value of your estate.
Nothing changes for you today.
You keep full use of every account during your lifetime. This is about what happens after, on your terms.
Your gift feeds neighbors for years to come.
A beneficiary designation helps keep food moving through our hunger solution centers in Spokane and the Tri-Cities, into Mobile Market trucks, and onto tables across Eastern Washington and North Idaho.
Set up your beneficiaries — free and secure.
FreeWill makes designating your beneficiaries simple. Their online tool walks you through the process in about 20 minutes, at no cost to you. It’s one of the easiest ways to include Second Harvest in your plans.
Already named us as a beneficiary?
Beneficiary designations don’t notify us automatically. Sending us a few details lets us honor your gift and welcome you to the Kay Porta Legacy Society.
Kay Porta Legacy Society
In 1971, Kay Porta gathered a small group of volunteers and started what would become Second Harvest. The society that carries her name is a community of neighbors who’ve made Second Harvest part of their legacy through wills, beneficiary designations and estate plans.
Whether you’re just starting to think about it or you’ve already taken the step, you’re part of something that will outlast us.
Common questions
Is my estate big enough to make a legacy gift?
Every gift matters. Many people designate a percentage of an account rather than a fixed dollar amount, which means your gift scales with your estate, whatever its size. There’s no minimum, and every designation helps us plan for the future.
Can I change my designations later?
Absolutely. Your accounts belong to you, and you can update your beneficiaries anytime. Life changes, and your plans can change with it.
Does it cost anything to set up?
No. Making a beneficiary designation is free through your financial institution. And the FreeWill tool we offer is also completely free.
What’s the difference between a beneficiary designation and a bequest?
A bequest goes through your will and is distributed after your estate is settled. A beneficiary designation transfers directly from your account to Second Harvest, outside of probate. It’s often faster and comes with tax advantages. Many donors find designations simpler since they don’t require changing your will. Some people do both.
Do I need to tell Second Harvest about my plans?
It’s not required, but we’d love to hear from you. Knowing about your plans helps us thank you, welcome you into the Kay Porta Society, and ensure your wishes are honored. Anything you share is confidential.
Questions? We’re happy to walk through it with you.
Talk to our team
This doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Whether you’re ready to get started or just want to talk through your options, our team is here — no pressure, no obligation.
Second Harvest cannot provide specific legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult your tax or financial advisor to determine how these giving options may impact your personal situation.