Every December, people get generous.

We write checks to charities, donate to churches, support causes that matter to us, and feel good doing it. That part is easy.

What most people do not realize is that all of that generosity usually stops the moment they do.

Not because they did not care enough. Because they never wrote it down.

If you already give during your lifetime, charitable planning is simply the next logical step. It is how your values continue when you are no longer the one signing the checks.

Charitable Giving Is Not Just About Money

When people hear “charitable gifts in a will,” they often picture wealthy donors or complicated estates. That is not reality.

Charitable gifts can be simple. A specific dollar amount. A percentage of what remains after loved ones are provided for. A gift to a church, animal rescue, scholarship fund, or community organization that mattered to you.

This is not about being rich. It is about being intentional.

Your will is not just about who gets what. It is one of the only places where you can clearly state what mattered to you.

Why Verbal Wishes Do Not Work

Many people assume their family knows.

“My kids know I want the church to get something.”
“My spouse will handle it.”
“They will figure it out.”

This is where problems start.

Families are grieving. They are overwhelmed. They are trying to make decisions while sorting paperwork they have never seen before. If charitable wishes are not written into a will, they are easy to miss or unintentionally ignore.

Good intentions do not hold up in probate. Written instructions do.

How a Simple Will Can Include Charitable Gifts

You do not need a complex estate plan to include charitable giving.

A properly prepared simple will can:

• Name specific charities or organizations
• Define dollar amounts or percentages
• Clarify whether gifts come before or after family distributions
• Prevent confusion or disagreement

This keeps your executor from guessing and keeps your family from feeling guilty about making the wrong call.

Organization Matters Just as Much as the Will

Including charitable gifts in your will is step one.

Making sure someone can actually find the information is step two.

This is where organization matters. A legacy binder that lists:

• The charities you support
• Contact information
• Any recurring donations
• Related documents

makes the process smoother and faster for the person handling your affairs.

Paperwork does not make grief easier, but missing paperwork makes it harder.

Why End of Year Is the Right Time

December already has people thinking about generosity, reflection, and wrapping things up.

It is a natural moment to ask:
If I care about these causes now, do I want that support to continue later?

This is not morbid. It is practical. And honestly, it is kind.

Final Thought

Your legacy is not just what you leave behind. It is what you stand for.

If charitable giving is part of who you are, your planning should reflect that.

You do not need to overcomplicate it. You just need to document it.

Small decisions made now prevent big questions later.

Disclaimer: I am not an attorney and do not provide legal advice. I prepare documents based on the information you provide and encourage you to consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance specific to your situation.