For estate planning attorneys and advisors who spend time sharing with clients about establishing revocable living trusts to avoid probate, it may seem counterintuitive to leverage what’s known as “Make-A-Will Month.” Widely recognized in August, “Make-A-Will Month” encourages people to review or, in some cases, finally get around to completing their estate plans.
The reason this designation and the press coverage around it may be useful to you as an advisor is that “wills” are typically better known than “trusts,” and many people associate making a will with making an overall estate plan, many of which include, of course, both a trust and a pour-over will. In other words, “make a will” might get your clients’ attention and prompt them to reach out!
It is important to be aware that estate planning conversations are especially timely and your clients’ charitable planning may be more important now than ever before. According to the latest Giving USA report, charitable bequests totaled more than $62 billion in 2025, increasing nearly 20% over the prior year the strongest growth of any source of charitable giving.
What’s more, a recent analysis in Forbes suggests that the surge in charitable bequests signals that the Great Wealth Transfer has begun, making legacy giving the fastest-growing source of philanthropy and highlighting the growing importance of estate planning, donor-advised funds, and planned giving infrastructure.
As you help your clients consider the processes of a charitable legacy, keep in mind that there are several options, ranging from a gift in a will or trust, beneficiary designation on a retirement account or life insurance policy, or more complex gifts such as charitable remainder trusts.
Most importantly, know that Hudson Community Foundation (HCF) can serve as the “hub” for all of your clients’ charitable planning, including legacy gifts as well as lifetime gifts.
For example:
Indeed, an overall philanthropy plan that includes lifetime giving as well as bequests is becoming more and more desirable among high net worth families. The Hudson Community Foundation is honored to be your partner in those discussions. Whether a client is considering a simple charitable bequest, naming a fund as the beneficiary of a retirement account, or exploring a more customized legacy plan, we regularly work alongside tax, estate planning, and financial advisors to help ensure the client’s charitable wishes are carried out effectively.
At Hudson Community Foundation (HCF), advisors can manage the charitable assets on their preferred platform at any amount. Assets stay under their management. You can provide your clients with the consistent investment advice they expect. We are your partner in charitable giving!
The team at the HCF looks forward to working with you and your clients to establish (or update) bequests to fulfill your clients’ charitable legacies. Give us a call!
Read more about Donors Guide to Donor Advised Funds.
With a fund at Hudson Community Foundation (HCF), advisors can manage the charitable assets on their preferred platform at any amount. Assets stay under your management. You can provide your clients with the consistent investment advice they expect. We are your partner in charitable giving!
The team at HCF is a resource as you serve your philanthropic clients. We understand the charitable side and are happy to serve as a secondary source as you manage the primary relationship with your clients. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice.
