Planned Giving Now Has an Easy, Affordable Legacy Program

Planned Giving is the simplest and most reliable way for nonprofits to build long-term sustainability. Over the next 25 years, more than $68 trillion will transfer from Baby Boomers to their heirs — the largest wealth transfer in history.

Also known as legacy giving, planned giving allows donors to include charitable gifts in their estate or financial plans. These gifts typically take effect after a donor’s lifetime, often through a will or trust. Donors choose planned giving because it lets them leave a lasting impact without affecting their current finances. Many also appreciate the tax advantages that accompany estate gifts.

The most common form of a planned gift is a bequest, a donation left to your nonprofit in a will. Bequests are simple to establish, flexible to change, and deeply meaningful to donors who want to ensure their values live on.

Why Planned Giving Matters for Nonprofits

Every nonprofit needs a dependable source of long-term income. Planned giving provides exactly that by turning donor intent into a financial legacy that secures your future.

1. It Builds Financial Security

 Annual fundraising fluctuates with the economy, but planned gifts create consistent, reliable funding for the future.

2. It Deepens Donor Commitment

 When supporters include your organization in their estate plans, they become lifelong partners in your mission. Recognizing these donors through       a Legacy Society strengthens their connection and loyalty.

3. It Is Accessible to All Nonprofits

 Thanks to the Planned Legacy Program, even small nonprofits with limited staff can now build a professional planned-giving program. It’s               simple, affordable, and proven effective.

The Planned Legacy Program Advantage

The Planned Legacy Program stands apart as the most affordable and comprehensive legacy-giving system available. It’s designed to make planned giving easy to launch, simple to maintain, and deeply meaningful for your community.

Unlike traditional programs that focus on asking for bequests, the Planned Legacy Program changes the approach completely. Instead of asking, you give. Every nonprofit receives a custom-branded online will portal to share with their community, a free gift that allows supporters to create a legal will online for their family’s peace of mind.

This generous offer opens the door to planned giving naturally. As supporters complete their wills, the system gently asks if they’d like to include your organization as part of their legacy. No more asking for a bequest, the program asks for you.

The program also goes a step further by offering:

• Custom Bequest Forms – For supporters who already have a will and wish to add your organization.

• Advance Medical Directive Forms – Free, downloadable forms that complete each person’s estate planning needs.

• Free Will Registration – Every will created through the program can be securely registered with The U.S. Will Registry, ensuring it’s easily located when needed.

Together, these services provide a complete estate-planning suite for your community, one that builds goodwill, increases engagement, and inspires legacy gifts organically through generosity rather than solicitation.

What You Get for $395 Per Year

1. 1. Quick Setup: Your nonprofit receives a ready-to-use online portal and branded materials.

   2. Affordable Pricing: Designed so every nonprofit can offer a professional legacy program.

   3. Comprehensive Tools: Includes templates, instructions, and messaging to engage supporters.

   4. Ongoing Support: The program provides continuing guidance to help you nurture donor relationships.

Even one planned gift can exceed your entire annual fundraising goal, making this one of the highest-return investments a nonprofit can make.

How Planned Giving Benefits Donors

Planned giving also benefits your donors by giving them peace of mind and a way to make a difference beyond their lifetime.

 1. They Create a Legacy
Donors can continue their life’s mission by supporting a cause they value deeply.

 2. They Retain Full Control
They choose exactly how their gift will be used — for general support, a specific fund, or a special purpose.

 3. They Receive Possible Tax Benefits
Estate gifts can reduce federal estate taxes, and many donors appreciate the simplicity of this option.

 4. They Maintain Flexibility
Wills and trusts can be updated at any time, giving donors freedom to adjust their gifts if their circumstances change.

When a donor creates a will using a participating nonprofit’s link through the Planned Legacy Program, they also see a prompt asking if they’d like to be contacted about making a cash gift. This invitation lets them discuss future donations directly with your organization if they wish, while maintaining privacy and control.

Common Types of Planned Gifts

There are several types of planned gifts, but the simplest and most common is a bequest through a will. The Planned Legacy Program focuses on this proven approach because it’s straightforward, legal, and effective.

Types of gifts your nonprofit may receive include:

1. Bequests: Donors name your organization in their will or trust, and these gifts are collected through the program’s secure process.

2. Cash Gifts: Donors who wish to give during their lifetime may request to be contacted directly.

The Planned Legacy Program simplifies every step of collecting and managing bequests, eliminating the administrative complexity often associated with other giving platforms. It ensures your nonprofit receives these meaningful gifts efficiently while maintaining donor privacy and confidence.

How to Start Your Planned Giving Program

Launching your planned-giving initiative is easy with the Planned Legacy Program.

1. Secure Leadership Support
Explain to your board that planned giving strengthens sustainability without reducing current fundraising.

2. Enroll in the Program
Register at Planned Legacy Progrom.com. Within minutes, your nonprofit will receive branded materials and a dedicated link.

3. Educate Your Donors
Use newsletters, emails, and social media posts to let supporters know how simple it is to include your organization in their wills.

4. Recognize Legacy Donors
Create a Legacy Circle or acknowledgment list to thank those who have chosen to leave a bequest.

5. Maintain Ongoing Communication
Keep in touch with your legacy donors and share updates about the impact their future gifts will make.

These easy steps help your nonprofit begin receiving legacy commitments that grow over time.

How Planned Giving Strengthens Your Mission

Planned giving is more than a fundraising method — it’s a safeguard for your nonprofit’s future.

Builds Stability

 Every new bequest strengthens your financial foundation, ensuring your programs can continue even during lean years.

Inspires Confidence

 Having a structured legacy program shows professionalism and foresight, which encourages new donors and grant-makers to trust your organization.

Empowers Smaller Nonprofits

 Even organizations with small budgets can establish meaningful legacy programs with guidance from the Planned Legacy Program.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

To achieve the best results, avoid these pitfalls that prevent nonprofits from growing their legacy programs:

1. Waiting for donors to act: Always invite supporters to consider including your nonprofit in their will.
2. Failing to follow up: Regular communication builds trust and keeps your organization top of mind.
3. Ignoring smaller donors: Many modest supporters leave generous estate gifts.
4. Not tracking progress: Record each commitment to measure the growth of your program.

The Planned Legacy Program provides the structure, templates, and reminders to help you manage all these details effectively.

Why Every Nonprofit Needs Planned Giving

The next generation of philanthropy will be shaped by how nonprofits respond to the $68 trillion wealth transfer already underway.

Because the Planned Legacy Program costs only $395 per year, it offers every nonprofit — regardless of size — an equal opportunity to participate in planned giving without financial stress. There’s no need for consultants or complex systems. Your organization can begin immediately, using easy tools that fit seamlessly into your existing outreach. This program turns intention into action, allowing your nonprofit to secure its future while helping donors fulfill their legacy dreams.

Final Thoughts: Build Your Legacy with Confidence

Planned giving is one of the most important steps your nonprofit can take to ensure long-term impact. With the Planned Legacy Program, you’ll have an affordable, ready-to-use solution built on decades of trust and experience.

As a subsidiary of The U.S. Will Registry, established in 1997, the program is backed by the most recognized and respected estate-planning suite serving both the public and nonprofit sectors. For only $395 per year, you can create a complete planned-giving system, inspire legacy gifts, and strengthen your organization’s future.

Don’t wait for opportunities to appear — build them. Start your Planned Giving program today and ensure your mission thrives for generations to come.

Explore our affordable legacy platform for nonprofits

 

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