Your legacy matters: Why sharing your bequest plans is important

While there is no obligation to let your chosen nonprofit know about your bequest plans, many donors choose to share their intentions because it helps ensure their legacy is carried out as they envision.

Top reasons to notify your chosen nonprofit about your plans

Help the nonprofit prepare for your future gift:

While your estate planning documents govern your wishes, sharing information about a future gift can help the chosen nonprofit prepare to honor your intentions, answer questions about its programs, and ensure your gift can be used as you envision. 

Thoughtful planning for the future:

Knowing about planned gifts in advance allows organizations to prepare responsibly — supporting programs, services or initiatives in a way that’s sustainable. Even general awareness can make a meaningful difference, allowing your nonprofit to plan ahead with intention and confidence. 

A chance to define your legacy:

Many donors appreciate the opportunity to share the values and intentions behind their gift. Staring the conversation early can help ensure your legacy reflects what matters most to you.  

Help everyone understand your philanthropic goals:

When appropriate, sharing information about your charitable intentions can help ensure family members, executors, and professional advisors are aware of the gift and have information they need throughout the estate process when carrying out your documented wishes. Advance communication can make an already emotional process smoother for everyone involved.

Gratitude…on your terms:

Sharing your bequest plan allows your chosen nonprofit the opportunity to express appreciation during your lifetime. Some donors enjoy staying connected through a legacy society, updates and special invitations, while others prefer quiet appreciation. Recognition is always optional and can be public, private or anonymous.

Providing an opportunity for future considerations:

Informing a nonprofit of your intentions can open the door to future discussions about the organization's work, your philanthropic interests, and updates that may be meaningful to you over time.

Your gift, your legacy, your choice — you’re always in control

Notifying your nonprofit of a planned gift is a personal choice. Some donors share detailed guidance about their bequest plans, while others simply let the organization know that a provision exists. What matters most is that you feel comfortable and confident that your wishes will be carried out as you intend.

Letting your nonprofit organization know doesn’t require final decisions or formal commitments. Many donors choose to complete a non binding Letter of Intent to notify the charitable organization of a future gift and share general information at your comfort level. 

Some donors also enjoy sharing a few words about why they chose to leave a gift. With your permission, these reflections can help ensure your memory lives on — and can help inspire future generations to follow in your footsteps. Of course, if you prefer to remain anonymous, that is also an option.

Best practices for notifying nonprofits

If you choose to notify a charitable organization of your plans, consider contacting its planned giving or development team. They can provide information that may be helpful when discussing a charitable bequest or other planned gift with your attorney or advisors, including the organization’s full legal name, tax identification number, and other identifying information that may be needed for your will or trust. Contacting the organization’s development or planned giving team is also a good idea, as they can answer any nonprofit-specific questions you may have. 

Before contacting a nonprofit, consider:

• Reaching out to the planned giving team.
• Gathering the organization's legal name and tax ID.
• Discussing your plans with your attorney or advisor.
• Keeping a written record of your intentions.
• Providing any information that may help carry out your wishes.

Keeping a brief written record, such as a confirmation letter or email, can be helpful and gives you peace of mind. These small steps help ensure your generosity is carried out just as you intend.