An estate plan update inspires meaningful legacy gift

James had been a supporter of [ABC Charity] for more than twenty years. The organization’s work had always been close to his heart, and as he got older, he had the occasional thought that he wanted to ensure that future generations would continue to benefit from [ABC Charity]’s programs.

When it was time to update his estate plan, James began thinking more seriously about whether he could include the organization in his will or trust. His attorney encouraged James to move forward. “You’ve supported [ABC Charity] for decades,” his attorney said. “It’s easy to include a provision in your trust to help ensure that your support continues even after you’re gone. Talk with [ABC Charity] and then let me know what you decide. I can update the documents easily.”

James reached out to the development team at [ABC Charity] to ask how that might work.

The development team echoed what James’s attorney had outlined. The team explained that many supporters choose to leave a bequest, which is a gift included in a will or trust. These gifts can take several forms, such as a specific dollar amount, a percentage of the estate, or a portion of what remains after other gifts have been distributed.

James called his attorney that very day with instructions to move forward with the estate plan update to include a provision in his trust leaving 10% of his estate to [ABC Charity].

“For me, it was a way to ensure that something I care deeply about will continue long after I’m gone,” James said.

He also chose to share his plans with [ABC Charity] so the team could thank him and recognize his commitment as part of their legacy giving community. “I am usually a very private person,” he said. “But in this case, I really wanted to inspire others to do what I did.”

Important Note: Estate planning decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified legal and tax advisors.