The Impact of a Legacy Program

A legacy program is one of the most impactful ways nonprofits can secure long-term funding and sustainability. However, without bequests, many nonprofits struggle to sustain themselves or grow. Bequests often provide the financial stability necessary to support ongoing programs, launch new initiatives, and weather economic uncertainties. Despite this, many nonprofits hesitate to focus on a Legacy Program due to perceived complexity or resource constraints.

Why Bequests Are Essential for Nonprofits

Bequests play a crucial role in the long-term sustainability and growth of nonprofit organizations. Indeed, these legacy gifts, left through wills and estate plans, provide nonprofits with financial stability, allowing them to fulfill their missions for years to come. Here’s why bequests are so important:

1. Sustained Financial Stability

Unlike annual fundraising efforts, which can fluctuate due to economic conditions or donor trends, bequests provide a more stable and predictable revenue stream. As a result, these gifts ensure nonprofits can continue their work even during challenging financial periods.

2. Larger Gifts Compared to Annual Donations

Planned gifts tend to be significantly larger than traditional donations. While many donors contribute modest amounts during their lifetime, they may leave substantial bequests in their wills—often ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Because of this, these major gifts can transform a nonprofit’s ability to expand programs and services.

3. Bequests Help Nonprofits Grow

Nonprofits rely on consistent funding to scale their impact. Through a strong Legacy Program, organizations can plan for the future with confidence, whether it’s expanding outreach, hiring key staff, or launching new initiatives. Without bequests, growth can be slow and uncertain.

4. Creates a Lasting Legacy for Donors

Many donors want to leave a lasting impact on the causes they care about. Therefore, bequests provide an opportunity for them to support a nonprofit beyond their lifetime, ensuring their values live on. This deep emotional connection strengthens donor relationships and enhances overall engagement.

5. Less Reliance on Uncertain Fundraising

While annual campaigns and grant funding are critical, they can be unpredictable. For this reason, bequests help reduce the pressure of constant fundraising by offering long-term financial security. Nonprofits that actively promote their Legacy Program can focus on their mission rather than just fundraising to meet immediate needs.

6. Encourages More Planned Giving

When nonprofits highlight bequests as an option, it normalizes the idea of legacy giving. In turn, donors who see others leaving bequests may be inspired to do the same, creating a culture of planned giving within the organization’s supporter base.

7. Minimal Cost, High Impact

Encouraging bequests costs far less than traditional fundraising efforts, yet the return on investment is much higher. Unlike fundraising events or capital campaigns, a Legacy Program requires little upfront expense but can yield millions in future donations.

Common Reasons Nonprofits Avoid Starting a Legacy Program

Nonprofits often avoid starting a Legacy Program due to:

• Lack of Knowledge – Many organizations are unfamiliar with how to initiate a legacy program and feel unprepared to discuss estate gifts with donors.
• Limited Staff and Resources – Nonprofits often operate with small teams and worry they don’t have the personnel to manage a bequest program effectively.
• Fear of Legal Complexities – Organizations assume that planned giving requires extensive legal knowledge, making them hesitant to engage in the process.
• Uncertainty About Donor Interest – Some nonprofits believe their donors won’t be interested in leaving a bequest, so they don’t prioritize it.
• Long Time Horizon for Gifts – Bequests are future gifts that may take years to materialize, making some organizations reluctant to invest in a program without immediate returns.
• Misconceptions About Wealth – Many believe that only wealthy individuals leave bequests, overlooking the fact that people of all income levels include charities in their wills.
• Competing Fundraising Priorities – Nonprofits often focus on immediate funding needs through annual giving, grants, and events, leaving planned giving on the back burner.
• Lack of Leadership Buy-In – Board members or leadership teams may not understand the value of planned giving, making it difficult to secure support for a new program.
• Concerns About Discussing Mortality – Some organizations fear that talking about estate planning may be uncomfortable for donors or seem inappropriate.
• Perceived Complexity of Marketing – Nonprofits may feel unsure about how to promote planned giving effectively or worry about creating the right messaging.
• Assumption That It’s Expensive – Many believe that launching a bequest program requires hiring consultants, investing in legal services, or creating costly materials.
• Lack of a Simple Implementation Process – Without an easy way to get started, nonprofits may assume planned giving requires too much effort to be worthwhile.

Why Jumpstart Your Legacy Program with a Customized Online Will Program

1. Easy to Implement

Traditional planned giving programs often require significant time, training, and resources. However, an online will program eliminates much of this burden. Thus, with minimal setup, your nonprofit can easily provide donors with a seamless, plug-and-play professional tool to include your organization in their estate plans.

2. Economical Solution

Building a Legacy Program from scratch can be costly. Instead, an online will platform offers an affordable and high-impact alternative. Additionally, many platforms allow nonprofits to customize their pages without exceeding their budgets. This ensures organizations of all sizes can incorporate planned giving into their fundraising strategies.

3. Donor-Friendly Experience

Online will programs prioritize simplicity and accessibility. Donors can complete their wills in as little as 20 minutes, with clear instructions and prompts encouraging them to include charitable gifts. A customized online will program is particularly impactful because it creates a personal connection between the donor and your nonprofit. Consequently, donors feel more motivated to support your cause through a legacy gift.

How to Get Started with an Online Will Legacy Program

1. Partner with a Trusted Platform

Studies show that Planned Legacy Program, Inc. is the most well-recognized provider for nonprofits looking to incorporate an online will platform at the most cost-effective pricing. Moreover, this program is designed to support nonprofits of all sizes—from the smallest to the largest organizations—without requiring substantial resources. In addition, its customized pages feature suggestions that gently encourage donors to consider a bequest, which has proven to be highly effective.

2. Educate Your Team

Train your staff and volunteers on the benefits of planned giving and how the online will program works. As a result, your team will feel confident in communicating the value of legacy giving to potential donors.

3. Promote the Program to Your Audience

Spread the word about your Legacy Program through:

• • Email newsletters
  • Social media posts
  • Dedicated landing pages on your website
  • Events or webinars about legacy giving

4. Highlight Success Stories

Share testimonials from donors who have included your nonprofit in their will. Similarly, personal stories can inspire others to take action and demonstrate the tangible impact of planned giving.

Key Takeaways

Adding an online will program to your Legacy Program is:

• Essential: Without bequests, nonprofits struggle to sustain themselves or grow.
• Customizable: Tailored platforms create a personal and effective donor experience.
• Impactful: Encourages more donors to support your mission through legacy gifts.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to enhance your Legacy Program, now is the perfect time to explore our customized online will platform. Empower your donors to make a lasting impact and ensure your nonprofit’s mission thrives for generations to come.

Click here to learn more and schedule a demo!

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