Welcome to National Make-a-Will Month!
We know that adding a charitable gift to a new or existing will is easy, straightforward, and meaningful. Better yet, it doesn’t cost your donors anything right now, so it has no impact on their current finances. So why do generous, mission-driven supporters still hesitate to make a bequest? It often comes down to misconceptions and uncertainty.
Bequests remain a major source of philanthropy—$45.84 billion in 2024, according to Giving USA 2025: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2024. They are also the key to your organization’s long-term success. This month, focus your outreach on clarifying common donor misconceptions about bequests. By doing so, you may remove the hurdles standing in the way of legacy creation.
Address Misconceptions
1. “Planned giving is only for the wealthy. My gift won’t make a real difference.”
Big donations may grab headlines, but reassure your donors that they can make a big difference and help shape the future of your work with a gift of any size. This is a powerful way for your supporters to experience the joy of creating a lasting legacy, regardless of wealth.
2. “Making a bequest is too complex.”
While it does typically require the involvement of an attorney, remind donors that the addition of a gift to a new or existing will is usually as simple as a few sentences in an amendment or codicil. Defining the gift is also simple and flexible—a specific asset or amount, a percentage of assets, or what is left in the estate after all other obligations have been satisfied.
3. “I can’t afford to make a gift right now.”
As a revocable gift, a bequest requires no out-of-pocket cost. Emphasize to donors the idea that this type of gift leaves them in complete control of their assets for life. It’s easy to change or even revoke the gift in the future if circumstances or goals shift.
Increase Receptiveness
To inspire and support your donors on the path to a bequest, combine motivational storytelling with practical guidance.
• Frame discussions positively. Whenever possible, replace “death language” with action words—caring for family, protecting and preserving wealth, minimizing taxes, thoughtfully distributing assets, reflecting important values, ensuring the continuation of meaningful nonprofits and missions.
• Highlight real impact. Share stories that show the specifics of how previous bequests made a difference for those you serve and created an enduring legacy of generosity for the donor.
• Provide useful resources. Make sure donors have access to educational materials, sample bequest language, or FAQs that address common concerns and highlight the simplicity of making a bequest.
• Include everyone. Plant the seed in every conversation—especially with those who already have a strong connection to your organization, such as volunteers, annual donors, and board members.
Guide Action
There are several concrete steps you can take to help interested donors move forward in a way that feels approachable and rewarding.
1. Discuss legacy goals. Encourage donors to thoughtfully consider the causes and programs that mean the most to them.
2. Review existing wills. Make sure existing gifts reflect the correct bequest language and discuss any desire to alter or increase a gift.
3. Offer bequest options. Explain the various ways to designate a gift in a will or offer a will planning guide or checklist.
4. Suggest professional consultation. Remind donors of the importance of consulting with attorneys, financial advisors, or other professionals to ensure their intent is clearly documented and legally sound.
5. Maintain open communication. Foster ongoing relationships to encourage donors to regularly update their wills and estate plans to reflect life changes or evolving philanthropic goals.
Make the Most of the Month
National Make-a-Will Month is an ideal time to initiate conversations, correct misconceptions, and make it as easy as possible for donors to support your work and make a difference for those you serve for generations.
If you would like to offer a personalized will guide that walks donors through the process, from determining clear goals to gathering the necessary information and documents, visit our website to read more about the EDS Will and Estate Planning Guide.
