5 Make-A-Will Month Q&As with EDF’s Planned Giving Team

Did you know that EDF received nearly $15 million in revenue from planned gifts in 2023, primarily from gifts in donors’ wills? Not only are wills a vital source of support for our work, but they are also important legal documents that everyone should have.

Coinciding with National Make-A-Will Month, recognized in the United States in August, we’re here to help demystify wills with this quick Q&A. If you haven’t gotten around to preparing or updating your will, now is a great time to (re)visit your plans.

1. Why is a will important?
A: Having a will (or last will and testament) creates peace of mind for you and the people you love and ensures your estate plan reflects your wishes and values. You can also plan ahead for those who are in your care—like naming a legal guardian for your minor children and choosing who cares for your pets. There are other important benefits too, like preventing family conflict, eliminating confusion, and ensuring your assets go to the people and causes you choose. EDF’s Michael Colvin shares more here on what reflecting one’s values in an estate plan means to him.

2. I’m not rich. Do I still need a will? A: Yes! Wills make life (and death) easier for everyone, regardless of your wealth. You may not think you own a lot, but you likely have more than you realize: your home, vehicle(s), furniture, clothing, books, sentimental items, and more. A will gives your family guidance on how to fulfill your wishes.

3. Why is it important that my will is up to date?
A: Our lives and relationships change over time. It’s important that our wills reflect those changes too. Experts recommend reviewing your will every three to five years or whenever you have a big life event (like moving, changes to the family, acquisition or sale of large assets, retirement, etc.). Updating the beneficiaries of non-probate assets (like retirement accounts and life insurance policies) at these intervals is also important.

4. Do I have to hire a lawyer to write my will and make it “official”?
A: The good news is that making a will doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. It's easier now than ever before to access information and official forms online, without the input of a lawyer. A quick online search will lead you to several low-cost or free options. Requirements vary by state and country; but, generally for your will to be valid, you must be of sound mind, it should be signed in front of two witnesses who aren’t included in the will, and it’s best if it’s notarized.

5: What should I do if I want to add EDF to my will?
A: We recommend that anyone who wishes to include EDF in their will contact the Planned Giving team to confirm the correct information (Tax ID Number and Legal Name), gift language that will endure the test of time, and that the scope of EDF’s mission is inclusive of their philanthropic wishes.

Getting started is easy! Contact us at legacy@edf.org to request a free estate-planning guide or to schedule a no-obligation conversation to learn more. Find more information at edf.org/legacy.