August is National Make-A-Will Month, a time dedicated to encouraging individuals and families to take an important step toward securing their future: creating or updating a will. According to a caring.com study, only 24% of American adults report having a living will.
While it may not be the most exciting item on a to-do list, having a will is one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave for the people and causes you care about. A will provides clear instructions for how your assets should be distributed, helps reduce uncertainty for loved ones, and ensures that your wishes are honored. Yet despite its importance, millions of Americans still do not have a will in place.
Many people assume that estate planning is only necessary for those with significant wealth. In reality, anyone who owns property, has financial accounts, has children, or wishes to support specific people or organizations can benefit from having a will. Without one, state laws determine how assets are distributed, which might not reflect your values or intentions.
A will is also an opportunity to think about those values that you want to pass on to future generations. For many nonprofit supporters, charitable giving is an important part of those values. Including a nonprofit organization like Turtle Island Restoration Network in your estate plans is a powerful way to ensure that the causes you care about continue to thrive long after your lifetime.
Legacy gifts, often called planned gifts, can be structured in many different ways. Some donors choose to leave a specific dollar amount, while others designate a percentage of their estate. Others name a nonprofit as a beneficiary of a retirement account, life insurance policy, or other financial asset. These gifts can be made by individuals of all financial backgrounds, and even a modest bequest can have a significant impact over time.
For Turtle Island Restoration Network, planned gifts are more than future donations. They represent a donor’s enduring commitment to our mission and provide long-term resources that help sustain our programs, expand our capacity to complete hands-on restoration work, and respond to future challenges to environmental protections.
One of Turtle Island Restoration Network’s donors, after years of making annual contributions to environmental conservation efforts, decided to include Turtle Island Restoration Network in his will. He wanted future generations to enjoy healthy ecosystems and thriving wildlife, just as he had throughout his life. His legacy will serve as a reminder that meaningful philanthropy is not measured by the size of a gift, but by the impact it creates. He says “I support your group because one of your goals is to preserve endangered species, such as the leatherback turtle, which might go completely extinct. Plain and simple.”
If you already have a will, National Make-A-Will Month is also an excellent opportunity to review your plans. Major life changes like marriage, divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, retirement, relocation, or changes in financial circumstances may warrant updates to your estate documents. Experts generally recommend reviewing your will every few years to ensure it continues to reflect your wishes.
Creating a will can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones while helping preserve the values that matter most to you. It is a simple but powerful act of stewardship—one that protects your family, honors your intentions, and can create lasting benefits for the causes you have supported throughout your life.
This August, consider taking the time to create or update your will. By planning today, you can leave a legacy of care and generosity that can impact our blue-green planet for generations to come.
