Write Your Will and Make an Impact!

Did you know that August is “National Make-a-Will Month”? It’s the perfect reminder many of us need to finally check this monumental goal off our big “To-Do” list. Whether it’s creating a new will or updating an existing one to meet your life’s changing circumstances, now is a great time to outline your intentions—and even support organizations like Population Connection!

Why Do You Need a Will?

A little planning now can go a long way. Regardless of your wealth or situation, everyone needs a will to:

• Provide peace of mind that your final wishes will be honored.
• Ensure your loved ones are protected.
• Continue supporting the charitable causes that are so important to you, well past your lifetime.

Without a will in place, the state will make decisions about your possessions for you, according to inflexible laws. The delays of probate without a will can cause considerable stress and even financial strain for your loved ones. Not only that, but the charitable causes you’ve supported throughout your lifetime will not be considered when distributing your assets.

Consider all that you own—your home, your savings, precious mementos or family heirlooms, even your pets—your will or estate plan determines how all of your belongings should be handled when you’re gone. By creating your will, you can help your loved ones and the state to follow your wishes, while creating a charitable gift for a nonprofit cause, such as Population Connection, that has been meaningful to you during your lifetime.

Why Include a Charitable Gift to Population Connection in Your Will?

Your generous contribution will aid our fight to stabilize global population. You’ll underwrite our continued work to ensure women everywhere can gain access to modern family planning options and reproductive health care, while raising public awareness about the dire impacts of rapid population growth. Together, we will strive to achieve a more balanced world where Earth’s resources are capable of sustaining all life.

What’s more, we’ll honor your forethought and dedication by welcoming you into our ZPG Society, a recognition group for supporters who have established a gift in their will or other estate plans. Our ZPG Society members receive a lifetime subscription to our magazine Population Connection, as well as recognition in our annual honor roll, published in the magazine, and special program updates throughout the year.

Create Your Will Today

The great news is that we’ve made writing your will incredibly simple!

We’ve partnered with our friends at FreeWill to help you create your will at no cost to you. The process is quick and easy, guiding you through all the necessary questions along the way. You can write your will right now by visiting: www.freewill.com/populationconnection.

As you draft your will, you’ll have the opportunity to establish a lasting legacy by directing a charitable gift to benefit Population Connection, ensuring our critical work to stabilize global population continues after your lifetime.

Alternatively, if you prefer to make your will with an attorney, you can leave a charitable bequest to Population Connection by including the following language:

“After fulfilling all other provisions, I give, devise and bequeath ______% of the remainder of my estate [ or $______ if a specific amount] to Population Connection [Tax ID # 94-1703155], a charitable corporation currently located at 2120 L Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20037.”

Already Have a Will in Place?

If you already have a will, August is the perfect time each year to review your existing document to ensure it still aligns with your current needs and situations, which can change regularly. And you can always update it to include a gift to Population Connection using the language outlined above!

More Ways to Make Your Legacy

In addition to a gift in your will or trust, there are several other ways to create a legacy that help ensure Population Connection’s advocacy and education for global population stabilization continues.

Beneficiary Designations

One of the simplest forms of planned giving is to designate Population Connection as a beneficiary of your retirement account, life insurance policy, or other financial accounts. It’s as easy as contacting your plan’s administrator to request a Change of Beneficiary form, and you can choose whether to leave the entire balance or a percentage of the account to benefit our mission.

Importantly, a legacy gift to Population Connection from your retirement plan is not subject to income or estate taxes.  However, if loved ones (aside from your spouse) inherit your retirement funds, they can incur burdensome taxes. For this reason, a charitable gift through your retirement plan to Population Connection can make an even bigger impact!

Charitable Gift Annuities

You can support Population Connection and receive payments for life with a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA). This type of donation can be funded with cash, stock, or other property—including a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA. Following your generous gift, you’ll receive secure, fixed payments for life, and the remaining balance will benefit Population Connection’s vital work for years to come.

Next Steps: After You Establish Your Legacy Gift

Once you’ve set up a charitable gift to Population Connection in your will or other estate plans, please fill out this form to let us know about your intentions! Knowledge of your contribution helps us to plan for the future and ensure your donation is properly allocated and recognized when the time comes. Plus, we would be delighted to honor your legacy with us by welcoming you as the newest member of the ZPG Society!

We’re Here to Help!

If any questions arise about how to create your legacy with Population Connection, our staff is here as a resource for you! Contact us today at legacy@popconnect.org or 202-974-7756 for more information. We look forward to hearing from you and are honored that you are considering such an important contribution!