August is National Make-a-Will Month, a perfect reminder of one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your legacy. A will ensures that your wishes are honored, your family is cared for, and the causes you care about—like conservation—can continue to thrive for generations.
Creating a will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, thanks to resources like the Land Trust Alliance’s free will-writing tool, you can start the process online, at no cost, and with peace of mind knowing your future plans are in writing.
When you create or update your will, you can also make a powerful difference for conservation. By including Gathering Waters—or your other favorite environmental nonprofit—as a beneficiary, you can help ensure Wisconsin’s land, water, and wildlife remain protected long into the future. Legacy gifts are one of the most meaningful ways to support the mission you care about, often without impacting your day-to-day finances.
Many of our supporters have already chosen this path. For example, Sarah Perry has included Gathering Waters in her estate plans to ensure that Wisconsin’s cherished landscapes continue to be protected. Stories like Sarah’s highlight how ordinary people can make extraordinary contributions to conservation simply by planning ahead.
Free Resources to Help You Get Started
If you’re unsure where to begin, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of several resources to guide you:
- Legacy Giving Information: Learn more about making a planned gift to Gathering Waters and the impact you can have at our Legacy Giving page.
- Estate Planning Webinar: Watch our recorded webinar, An Introduction to Estate Planning, to better understand your options.
- Free Will Tool: Start or update your will today using the Land Trust Alliance’s free planned giving tools.
Making a will is a gift to yourself, your loved ones, and the future of conservation. This August, take the step to protect what matters most—and consider how your legacy can help keep Wisconsin’s land and water safe for generations to come.
If you have questions about how to support Gathering Waters or another nonprofit organization in your estate plan, feel free to reach out to Creal Zearing, Director of Philanthropy at creal@gatheringwaters.org or 608-251-9131 x18.