Create a legacy gift through your retirement or life insurance plan

Abbey Miller<abmiller@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension - February 09, 2026

When you name the Michigan 4-H Foundation as a beneficiary, you create a lasting impact for generations of youth and may also earn income tax benefits for yourself, as the donor.

“4-H helped me learn skills to last a lifetime. I learned how to work with others to accomplish goals and the importance of integrity.” - Ted Leipprandt: Past President, Donor, and 4-H alum

Did you know you can name the Michigan 4-H Foundation as a primary or secondary beneficiary of an existing or new life insurance policy, or as the beneficiary of remaining assets in an IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or other retirement plan?

When you name the Michigan 4-H Foundation as a beneficiary, you create a lasting impact for generations of youth and may also earn income tax benefits for yourself, as the donor. This simple, thoughtful gift costs nothing today, but ensures your values live on through programs that help young people develop leadership and life skills to become Beyond Ready for the future.

Recently, the Michigan 4-H Foundation received such a gift from Theodore “Ted” Leipprandt, who passed away on March 19, 2025. A Huron County 4-H alumnus and lifelong advocate for 4-H and agriculture, Leipprandt dedicated years of service as a 4-H volunteer leader and Michigan 4-H Foundation trustee, including two years as president. His distinguished career included decades of leadership as CEO of Cooperative Elevator Company, and his commitment to community extended through Rotary, agricultural boards and his local church.

By naming the Michigan 4-H Foundation as a beneficiary, Leipprandt ensured his legacy will continue to empower youth across Michigan. You can do the same by creating a gift that costs nothing today but makes a difference forever.

To learn more, contact Abbey Miller by phone at (517) 353-4433 or email abmiller@msu.edu.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).