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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nonprofits often avoid starting a Legacy Program due to:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spread the word about your Legacy Program through:
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.
Adding an online will program to your Legacy Program is:
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!
This article was prepared by estate planning researchers and reviewed by S. Miller and staff. With more than 25 years of experience in estate planning documentation and probate processes, our editorial oversight ensures clarity and accuracy. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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