Donating to charity in your will? Top benefits and questions to ask

Your assets can change the world for generations after your lifetime. Isn’t that incredible? And when you ask the right questions and know the benefits of giving, you can be sure your valuable resources are going towards those causes that are close to your heart.

A completed, legal will also allows you to proactively care for your loved ones’ needs, and it ensures your God-given resources are transferred in a way that reflects your faith and values.

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When you give to charity in your will, you experience five giving benefits:

1. Legacy. You extend the impact of your generosity well beyond your lifetime.
2. Satisfaction. When you make the decision to name charities in your will, you experience the joy of putting your resources to work for Kingdom purposes.
3. Availability. You get to retain access to your resources for the remainder of your lifetime or for as long as you need them.
4. Flexibility. You can change your mind at any time about how your charitable gifts are designated.
5. Capacity. Many people find that they can give a larger gift that far exceeds what would be possible during their lifetimes.

Questions to Ask Before Finalizing Your Will

Given the five benefits of giving and your heart for those in need, you may have decided to include a charity in your will. But, before you call a lawyer to prepare and sign your final documents, reflect on three questions.

1. Does my plan reflect my priorities?

Your will is more than just a legal paper that documents who gets what. It’s also a powerful testimony of what matters most to you. What are the core values and guiding principles by which you’ve lived your life? Consider how your estate plan might communicate these priorities to your family and the world.

2. Does my plan appropriately care for all my family and/or friends?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” way to structure your distributions. Do you have loved ones with special needs? How prepared are your heirs to manage resources well? How much is enough for your children, grandchildren, or other loved ones? Your plan should be structured in a way that supports the values and financial freedom you wish to pass on to the next generation.

3. Does my plan support my passions?

Through your will, you have the opportunity to give in a substantial way that means so much to you. What are the greatest needs you see in the world today? What passions has God placed in your heart? You can extend your Kingdom impact well beyond your lifetime.

Yes, it’s critical to finalize your legal will, but careful planning will offer greater peace of mind and effectiveness once it’s done. By pausing to ask and answer these three important questions, you’ll be well on your way toward a God-honoring plan that supports your family and accomplishes your charitable goals.

Joining the Lifewater Legacy Society

Lifewater International has partnered with The Barnabas Foundation, a skilled group of Christian planners who have spent decades helping others multiply the impact of your giving in ways that honor God, provide for your family, and further the mission of causes close to their heart.

And when you give to Lifewater in your will, you become part of an exclusive society of committed donors—The Lifewater Legacy Society. Your gift provides children in need with clean water, improved health, and the love of Christ for years to come.

Plus, a planned gift has additional benefits, including:

• Tax savings
• Providing extra income to loved ones
• Allows for increased giving capacity
• Opportunities for memorial gifts

If you have already included Lifewater in your will/estate plan or would like to learn more about the Legacy Society, fill out this short form today and a representative will contact you with more information.

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