A new law ensures that the estates of Pennsylvanians who die without survivors or a will are turned over to local charities and nonprofits rather being absorbed into the state budget. The historic legislation, Act 50 of 2025, was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro last year and went into effect on January 23, 2026. It places the assets into an endowed fund, such as Greater Pike Community Foundation’s Fund for Greater Pike, for use within the deceased individual’s own community.

Although uncommon, some Pennsylvanians do die without family or a valid will. They may have worked their entire lives, paid taxes, volunteered and contributed quietly to their neighborhoods. Until now, when they passed away, the fruits of that lifetime disappeared into the Commonwealth’s general fund.

Act 50 updates Pennsylvania’s Intestate Succession law to place the estate into an endowed fund at the community foundation serving the decedent’s county of residence. These funds are designed to exist in perpetuity, providing grants and support to local nonprofits year after year.

“This change ensures that a person’s legacy is not lost if they die without a will or heirs,” said Rick Little, Executive Director at Greater Pike Community Foundation. “By endowing an estate at a community foundation like ours, the decedent is remembered and their life savings are utilized to address real needs in their community.”

Importantly, this law does not replace the need for estate planning. Writing a will remains the best way to ensure personal wishes are carried out, including leaving a legacy of support to the causes one cares most about. Greater Pike’s Legacy Society offers a way to incorporate such bequests in estate planning.

The Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association has certified that every county in the state is served by a community foundation with an endowed community fund—ensuring that no matter where someone lived, their final gift stays close to home.

Pennsylvania is now the only state in the nation to guarantee that intestate estates with no surviving families are kept local, charitable, and permanent. The new law is the result of collaboration between the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association and the Registers of Wills & Clerks of Orphans’ Court Association of Pennsylvania, with bipartisan support from the General Assembly.

Greater Pike Community Foundation offers individuals, families, and local businesses an opportunity to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community. For more information about Greater Pike, contact Rick Little at (570) 832-4686, ricklittle@greaterpike.org, or visit www.greaterpike.org, www.Facebook.com/GreaterPike, or www.Instagram.com/GreaterPikeCF.