CDP and Giving Docs are working in partnership to help public media organizations seize the tremendous planned giving fundraising opportunity that exists.  We invited Giving Doc’s President & Co-Founder Brantley Boyett, an attorney and expert in non-profit estate planning, to share a blog post. He has partnered with Duke University’s Center for Advanced Hindsight to research the effects of behavioral economics on charitable giving, and this post about August’s National Make-A-Will Month is timely and relevant. An incredible opportunity exists for public media organizations, given most stations’ large member files steeped in longevity and frequency of giving.  

As August approaches, it’s natural to begin to feel pulled out of summer mode and turn more toward planning activities. Families return to the structure of school, perhaps end- of-year budgeting begins at work, and individuals may consider, perhaps inspired by National Make-A-Will month, to get their estate plan in order.  

While National Make-A-Will Month might not sound like the most exhilarating event on the calendar, it is significant. Ensuring our wishes are recorded and our loved ones are cared for becomes a gift we give ourselves as well as our circle of family and friends. And this nationwide awareness effort is an opportune time for public media planned giving programs to inform and assist their donors.  

Each year, Make-A-Will Month generates vast amounts of planned gifts for organizations across the country. With that in mind, it’s important to have the right tools and resources in place to help transform the process of making a will from what can seem like an overwhelming chore into an accessible and empowering experience for your supporters. As public media and the broader nonprofit community prepare for National Make-A-Will Month, it’s worth sharing how we at Giving Docs approach our online estate planning tools to bring incredible value to this annual campaign (and throughout the year).   

Simplifying the Complex 

Creating a will doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Giving Docs online platform, with a design rooted in behavioral science, guides people through each step of the process with clarity and encouragement. For those who aren’t legal experts, this straightforward approach demystifies the process, ensuring that final wishes are clearly and legally articulated. 

Fostering Generosity 

Donors’ planned gifts can have substantial and enduring impact on your organization’s mission. That’s why Giving Doc’s platform helps supporters write a will in a way that encourages charitable giving. Public media organizations also deepen their commitment to education by offering a valuable resource that provides an avenue to make a difference for generations to come.   

Celebrating Our Legacies 

Finally, allowing organizations and individuals alike to celebrate legacies is at the core of Giving Doc’s work. Thoughtful planning ensures that donors’ values and passions are reflected far beyond their lifetime. Whether supporting loved ones, ensuring a viable and vibrant future for public media, or both. Creating thoughtful legacies provides each individual the opportunity to share their unique perspective with the world.  

With large member files full of longtime loyal donors, public media is well situated for success in planned giving. National Make-A-Will Month is an ideal time to talk to your contributors and encourage them to consider tools that will make it easy to turn their intentions into action. Estate planning is far more than just creating a legal document; it's about securing peace of mind, supporting meaningful values and causes as well as ensuring that meaningful legacies endure.  

Embrace this opportunity to plan for the future with the same passion and commitment you bring to educating, entertaining, and inspiring the communities your organization serves. In doing so, we will all honor ourselves, our families, and the values we hold dear. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Giving Docs’ high-quality online estate planning tools, contact us at cdp@cdpcommunity.org.