Charitable Giving Riders: A Simple Way To Support the Community Through Your Policy
October 23, 2025
Life insurance is often seen as a practical safeguard — a way to protect loved ones and provide financial stability. But it can also be something more: a way to give back and create lasting change. Through charitable giving riders, policyholders can easily connect their financial planning with the values that matter most to them.
So, what is a charitable giving rider on a life insurance policy? Simply put, it’s an optional feature that allows you to designate a small portion of your policy’s death benefit to a qualified nonprofit organization of your choice. It’s a simple, no-fuss way to make generosity part of your legacy.
How a Charitable Giving Rider Works
A charitable giving rider is a built-in option on some life insurance policies that automatically directs a percentage — often 1% or 2% — of the death benefit to a chosen charity. In most cases, this benefit is available at no additional cost to the policyholder.
Unlike establishing a separate charitable trust or foundation, adding this rider doesn’t require complex paperwork or ongoing management. You simply select a nonprofit organization when setting up your policy, and the insurance company guarantees that the donation will be disbursed upon your passing.
For those who already view their policy as an act of love for family, this rider extends that love even further — helping others in need long after you’re gone.
Why Add a Charitable Giving Rider?
Many people wish they could make a bigger difference but assume philanthropy is reserved for the wealthy. In reality, even small gifts can have a meaningful impact on the community. According to Giving USA, Americans gave $592.50 billion to U.S. charities in 2024, demonstrating how collective generosity fuels positive change.
By including a charitable giving rider, you can see that a portion of your policy helps fund causes you care about — whether that’s education, faith-based organizations, local shelters, or medical research. It’s a heartfelt gesture that transforms financial protection into a lasting act of compassion.
How Charitable Giving Aligns With 1891’s Mission
At 1891 Financial Life, charitable giving isn’t an afterthought — it’s woven into who we are. As a not-for-profit fraternal benefit society, we reinvest in our members and communities through scholarships, volunteerism, and outreach programs that strengthen families and neighborhoods.
A charitable giving rider aligns perfectly with this mission. It complements other member benefits and programs that encourage service and generosity.
Choosing this rider means your personal values of faith, family, and community continue to make a difference — reflecting the same commitment 1891 demonstrates every day.
Leave a Legacy That Reflects Your Values
Adding a charitable giving rider is a statement of who you are and what you stand for. It turns a financial decision into a legacy of compassion, extending your care and generosity beyond your lifetime.
If you’re ready to explore how a charitable giving rider could fit your life insurance plan, our team is here to help. At 1891 Financial Life, we specialize in providing tailored insurance solutions that cater to diverse needs. Our team can help you navigate these choices with expertise and compassion. Contact us today to explore your options and receive personalized assistance.
About 1891 Financial Life
Our culture is about looking out for you, for others, for family, for the community. That is how we go “Beyond Life Insurance.”
At 1891 Financial Life, we don’t just sell policies, we offer possibilities. We take pride in giving back to the communities we serve by providing quality and comprehensive insurance solutions. We are a not-for-profit life insurance society, which means that the sales of these financial service products help fund member benefits, as well as social, educational, and volunteer programs designed to address community needs. In 2023, 1891 Financial Life was listed by Forbes as one of “The World’s Best Life Insurance Companies.”
Our portfolio is extensive, ranging from various life insurance policies to our annuities — financial vehicles designed to support your lifetime income needs at every stage of life.