Planning for the Future—One Gift, One Family, One Legacy at a Time with Ken Lorch

Family Time

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when personal values, professional expertise, and community leadership all come together, meet Ken Lorch.

Ken has spent nearly 50 years guiding families through the complexities of estate planning and charitable giving. But he’s not just a lawyer with sharp tax instincts—he’s also a passionate volunteer who’s helped organizations like JUF, CJE SeniorLife, and his synagogue build stronger endowment cultures and embrace legacy giving.

I sat down with Ken for a wide-ranging conversation about legacy, leadership, and what nonprofits often miss when it comes to planned giving. Here are a few highlights from our chat.

From Law School to Halas Hall

Ken didn’t set out to become an estate and charitable planning expert. He kind of… fell into it. When the firm he was clerking for suddenly dissolved, he joined a new team where he was handed hands-on work with small businesses and families. That path eventually led him to handle the estate of George Halas, founder of the Chicago Bears, a case that spanned years, involved major litigation, and is still cited in legal textbooks today.

Working on the Halas estate was more than just a legal marathon. It showed Ken how complicated succession can be and how vital clear, flexible planning is. “No one expected [Halas’s son] Mugs to pass away first,” Ken said. “That one twist changed everything.” It’s a lesson he still shares with clients today: plan carefully and build in room for life’s curveballs.

The Missed Opportunity: IRA Giving

When I asked Ken what charitable strategy he wishes nonprofits would promote more often, he didn’t hesitate: “Qualified retirement plans. Hands down.”

He’s talking about naming a nonprofit as a beneficiary of a retirement account. “Retirement assets are taxed at nearly 70% at death if they go to heirs,” he explained. “But if directed to charity? No tax, and a huge impact.”

It’s easy, it’s tax-smart, and yet Ken estimates less than 10% of individuals with a will include charitable gifts in their estate plans. Ken added, “And I ask each of them if they want to make a gift to charity.”

That number changes a bit when there’s no close family involved. Still, it’s a huge opportunity for nonprofits to start conversations early and often.

The Power of Presence (and the Ask)

Ken’s not just a great lawyer, he’s a doer. When I worked at JUF, we ran a legacy initiative for 39 different organizations. Ken was the only volunteer to sit on two different legacy team committees.

As board chair at CJE SeniorLife and an active leader at JUF and his synagogue, he’s been in the room when tough conversations happen and when big gifts are made.

One of the most powerful volunteer experiences for Ken was participating in the legacy program run by JUF. “It was such a complete, well-thought-out program. From classes led by individuals at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to the accountability from JUF. It was a great experience,” he said. “But the real challenge? Someone has to make the ask. That’s the hard part.”

Ken admits the hardest part is to pick up the phone. “Once the conversation starts, I’m fine. But making that initial call? Still tough.” His advice to fellow board members? “Just do it.”

Stewardship: Don’t Miss the Slam Dunks

We both laughed (and cringed) about missed stewardship opportunities. I shared how my wife and I tried to make a gift to an organization we love, only to hear nothing back. Ken asked, surprised, “Not even a call?” That kind of drop sticks with you.

Legacy prospects don’t always need complex pitches. They need to be heard, thanked, and remembered. “Shame on us if we let those go unanswered,” Ken added. “You need to make the slam dunks.”

Legacy as a Personal Value

Ken doesn’t just advise others to give; he talks the talk and walks the walk. He and his wife Susan have designated a significant portion of their estate for charity. “We believe in giving back, and we’ve tried to pass that value down to our kids.”

When his kids were younger, the Lorch family would sit down, pick causes, and allocate funds together. More recently, Ken offers his kids a matching gift challenge to encourage their own philanthropy. “They don’t always take me up on the full amount,” he laughed. “But we try.”

What’s Next?

Ken’s not retired yet, but it’s on the horizon. After decades of service, he’s looking forward to more volunteering, taking classes, and offering pro bono estate planning to those who need it most. He’s no stranger to giving back, he’s helped first responders and Chicago police officers with their estate planning needs.

A meaningful legacy isn’t just about dollars. It’s about values, showing up, and ensuring the causes you care about today are still thriving tomorrow.

If we all had a few more volunteers like Ken, the nonprofit world would be in very good hands.

________________________________________________________________________

I help nonprofits raise more money through education, coaching, and strategic planning. If your organization is ready to strengthen its fundraising strategy, create board advocates, or develop a comprehensive legacy giving program, I'd love to discuss how we can work together.