Planning your legacy: How to create a will and include Mercy Corps as a beneficiary
One of the most powerful ways you can support families facing conflict, crisis and disaster around the world is by including Mercy Corps as a beneficiary in your will. Your legacy gift to Mercy Corps makes a powerful statement about your connection and commitment to the global community during your lifetime and beyond. With your gift, you show that you not only believe a better world is possible, but that you’re committed to making it possible for generations to come. If you establish a legacy gift with us we will invite you to join our Legacy Society, our way of honoring you for your lasting commitment. As a member of the Legacy Society, you’ll receive exclusive updates on our work and invitations to special events where you can learn more about the impact you’re making around the world.
Creating a will is easier than you think
Creating a will and designating Mercy Corps as a beneficiary is not as complicated as you might think. Here we answer some of the most common questions you might have as you begin to think about creating a will.
How do I create a will?
A will is an important planning tool and can be a useful document regardless of estate size. By creating a will, you are ensuring that your wishes will be known and carried out, sparing your loved ones the stress of making decisions on your behalf.
Depending on the complexity of your estate, one of these services might be a good option for you. And if your circumstances or wishes change after you've completed your estate plans, you can update your will at any time.
- Estate lawyer: Hiring an estate lawyer is not a requirement for creating a valid will—although you may wish to do so.
- Free online resources: Over the last few years, a number of free or inexpensive online resources that are simple to use have grown in popularity. You can search for estate planning resources to explore your options.
What is a bequest?
A bequest is simply the legal term for making a gift through your will or trust and it’s one of the easiest ways to support Mercy Corps. When you are ready to think about your estate plans, designating a charitable organization as a beneficiary in your will is very straightforward. In most cases, it only takes one sentence and you always have the flexibility to change your will in the event that your life circumstances change.
Are there different ways to leave Mercy Corps a bequest?
When it comes to including Mercy Corps in your will, you have a number of options. Here are three of the most common choices:
- Designate a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate to Mercy Corps.
- Designate Mercy Corps as a residual beneficiary. Whatever is left over after your primary beneficiaries will go to Mercy Corps.
- Designate Mercy Corps as an alternative or contingent beneficiary in the event that your primary beneficiaries predecease you.
How do I get started?
We recommend using our estate planning organizer. It will help you organize all of the information you’ll need to create your will. Still have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact our Legacy Giving team.