While many of us may delay thinking about what happens after we’re gone, creating a will is a crucial step in securing our legacy. For nonprofit donors, it also presents an opportunity to continue supporting the causes closest to our hearts long after we’re no longer here. Make-a-Will Month, highlighted each August, serves as a reminder to address one of life's most important, yet often overlooked, responsibilities: estate planning. According to plannedgiving.com, over 2/3s of American adults do not have a valid will. Without one, the distribution of assets is left to the state’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your wishes. For those who are passionate about philanthropy, and especially the protection of Nevada’s amazing wild places, this could mean missing out on a significant opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the causes you care about, including the protection of amazing wild places.

Estate planning goes beyond simply deciding who will inherit your assets. It allows you to:

• Control Your Legacy: A will gives you control over how your estate is distributed. Whether you want to leave a portion of your wealth to family members, friends, or charitable organizations, a will ensures that your intentions are carried out.
• Minimize Stress for Loved Ones: Losing a loved one is never easy, and dealing with legal and financial matters can add to the burden. A well-structured estate plan can ease this stress by clearly outlining your wishes, reducing the potential for family disputes, and simplifying the probate process.
• Support the Causes You Love: As a nonprofit donor, you’ve likely spent years supporting organizations that align with your values. By including a charitable bequest in your will, you can continue this support even after your lifetime. This could be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or even a particular asset such as stocks or real estate.
• Tax Benefits: Depending on the size of your estate and the nature of your charitable contributions, you may be able to reduce estate taxes. This means more of your wealth can go to your chosen beneficiaries and the causes you care about, rather than to the government.
• Create a Personal Legacy: Beyond the financial aspects, your estate plan can reflect your personal values and the legacy you wish to leave behind. Whether through creating a scholarship fund, supporting a nonprofit’s endowment, or funding a specific project, your will can ensure that your influence endures.

Creating a will doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a simple guide to getting started:

1. Take Inventory: List your assets, including properties, investments, savings, and personal items of value. Don’t forget to consider your digital assets and any life insurance policies.
2. Decide on Your Beneficiaries: Determine who will inherit your assets. This could include family, friends, and charitable organizations. Consider how you’d like to divide your estate among them.
3. Choose an Executor: Select someone you trust to carry out your wishes. This person will be responsible for managing your estate and ensuring that your will is executed properly.
4. Consult a Professional: While there are online tools available for creating a will such as freewill.com, it' advisable to consult with an estate planning attorney. They can ensure that your will is legally sound and takes into account any specific considerations, such as minimizing taxes or setting up charitable bequests.
5. Review and Update Regularly: Life changes, and so should your will. Make sure to review and update your estate plan regularly, especially after major life events like marriage, the birth of a child, or changes in your financial situation.

Make-a-Will Month is more than just a reminder to check off an item on your to-do list—it’s an opportunity to think deeply about the legacy you want to leave behind. For nonprofit donors, it’s a chance to ensure that your passion for making a difference continues for generations to come. By taking the time to create a will, you can secure your legacy, provide for your loved ones, and continue to support the causes that matter most to you.

You can join our Legacy Circle by including Friends of Nevada Wilderness in your estate planning with a bequest. Learn more about bequests on our website at https://www.nevadawilderness.org/make_a_bequest.