The Gift That Lasts Forever: How Planned Giving Creates Your Legacy

Imagine making a difference—not just for today, not just for tomorrow, but for generations to come. What if your generosity could give families a place to stay near their hospitalized child, provide comfort during the hardest moments, and ensure that no family faces a medical crisis alone— long after you’re gone?

This is the power of planned giving—a simple yet profoundly impactful way to ensure that your values, your passions, and your commitment to good live on beyond your lifetime. And the best part? You don’t need to be a millionaire to leave a lasting legacy.

What Is Planned Giving?

Planned giving, sometimes called legacy giving, is the act of leaving a portion of your estate to a cause or organization you care about through your will, trust, or other financial instruments. Whether it’s a percentage of your estate, a specific dollar amount, or even assets like stocks or real estate, these gifts help sustain the work of nonprofits for years to come.

Think of it as planting a tree whose shade you may never sit under, but whose shelter will benefit countless others.

Why Consider Planned Giving?

1. You Can Make a Bigger Impact Than You Ever Thought Possible

Many people believe they can’t afford to give a major gift during their lifetime—but planned giving changes that. By designating even a small percentage of your estate to a nonprofit, you can give far more than you might have been able to in your lifetime, without affecting your current financial security.

2. It’s Surprisingly Easy

A few simple sentences in your will or trust can make an enormous impact. No lawyers, no complex financial maneuvers—just a straightforward way to ensure your values live on.

3. Your Family and Charitable Giving Can Coexist

Planned giving doesn’t mean choosing between your loved ones and your favorite cause. Many people allocate just a small portion of their estate to charity while ensuring that their family is well taken care of. Even a gift of 5% of your estate to charity can create an incredible impact while still leaving 95% to your heirs.

4. It Can Provide Tax Benefits

For those with taxable estates, planned gifts can reduce estate taxes, meaning more of your hard-earned assets go toward making a difference rather than to the IRS.

5. You’ll Be Remembered for What You Cared About Most

What if you could be remembered not just for the life you lived, but for the lives you changed? Legacy gifts allow your generosity to become part of your story, shaping the future and ensuring your name is tied to the causes that matter most to you.

Take the First Step—For Free

You don’t need a lawyer or a financial expert to get started. With our trusted partner, FreeWill , you can create your will entirely for free in just 20 minutes. It’s fast, simple, and gives you peace of mind knowing your legacy is secured.

No matter your age or stage of life, there is no better time than now to plan for the future—both for yourself and for the causes you love.

👉 Start your will today for free with FreeWill

Contact Kari Ketcham at kketcham@rmhcomaha.org  for more information.