Leaving a charitable gift in your will is a powerful way to support causes you care about while creating a lasting legacy that reflects your values.
However, myths and misconceptions about legacy giving can discourage individuals from including charities in their estate plans. Let’s explore the most common myths—and debunk them—so you can feel confident in making informed decisions about your estate.
Myth 1: Charitable giving in Wills is only for the wealthy
One of the most common misconceptions is that you need to be wealthy to leave a charitable gift in your will. The truth? Anyone can make a meaningful contribution.
There’s no minimum amount required, and gifts of any size can have a tremendous impact. Whether you leave a fixed amount, a percentage of your estate, or what remains after providing for loved ones, your generosity will help nonprofits continue their work. For many, legacy giving is a way to make a larger contribution than they might have been able to during their lifetime.
Myth 2: If I give to charity, my family will miss out
It’s natural to prioritize loved ones in your will, and leaving a charitable gift doesn’t mean your family has to go without.
Estate planning allows you to take care of both—ensuring your loved ones are provided for while supporting causes that matter to you.
You’re in complete control. After making provisions for family and friends, you can designate a specific amount, a percentage, or the remainder of your estate to a nonprofit organization. Even a small portion can make a big difference while honoring the values you hold dear.
Your legacy doesn’t need to be defined by a dollar amount—it’s the sentiment and action that really matters.
Myth 3: My gift won’t make much of a difference
Every contribution matters. Charitable gifts in wills are often critical to nonprofit organizations, providing the resources needed to fund programs, expand services, and impact lives.
In fact, many charities rely on legacy gifts as a significant portion of their funding. Whether it’s a large, well-known organization or a smaller, local nonprofit, your gift can provide essential support for their mission. You may even be surprised to learn how far your contribution can go to make a lasting impact.
Many nonprofit organizations provide impact calculators so that you can see just how far your contribution can go. For example, FarmKind’s impact calculator demonstrates how many animals you would help and how many tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions you would prevent per year.
We encourage you to research your organization’s impact calculator or speak to a representative if one is unavailable—you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that a little often goes a long way.
Myth 4: Charitable gifts only benefit large organizations
While prominent nonprofits may receive a lot of attention, your will can support any charitable organization—big or small. From national charities to community organizations, schools, and religious institutions, you have the freedom to choose where your gift goes.
In many cases, smaller charities depend on legacy gifts to sustain their efforts. Whether it’s funding scholarships, supporting animal shelters, or preserving local history, your generosity can help organizations continue their vital work.
Myth 5: Adding a charitable gift to my will is expensive or complicated
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. Writing or updating your will can be a straightforward process, and including a charitable gift is as simple as naming the organization and the type of gift you’d like to leave.
Today, there are a variety of options for creating a will. You can work with an estate planning attorney, use an online service, or even take advantage of free will-writing campaigns offered by some charities. What matters most is ensuring your will is legally valid and accurately reflects your wishes.
The Truth About Charitable Giving in Wills
Leaving a charitable gift in your will is a deeply personal decision that allows you to make a difference in the world while protecting the people and causes you care about most. It’s not reserved for the wealthy or limited to large organizations—anyone can leave a legacy of generosity.
Legacy giving offers flexibility, impact, and the ability to reflect your values in a meaningful way. By understanding the facts and dismissing the myths, you can create an estate plan that honors your loved ones and the causes that have shaped your life.
Start Your Legacy Today
If you’re considering leaving a charitable gift in your will, start by exploring your options. Whether it’s a specific nonprofit, a community program, or a cause close to your heart, your support can make a lasting impact.
At Trust & Will, we’re here to help simplify the process, so you can create a legally binding will that reflects your wishes. Get started today and take the first step toward creating a legacy of generosity.
Ready to get started? At Trust & Will, we’re here to help keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Our users have left over one billion dollars (and counting) to nonprofit organizations through estate plans created on the Trust & Will platform. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement options today!
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Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.
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