In 2025, supporting charities that are focused on rebuilding and bettering America is more crucial than ever. Learn how you can make a significant impact through charitable giving in your will, and why planning a bequest or residuary gift is a powerful way to leave a legacy of positive change. Wills.com is here to help you make a difference.
Why Charitable Giving Matters in 2025: Rebuilding and Bettering America
As we move into 2025, the need for strong, resilient communities in America has never been greater. Supporting charities that are focused on addressing systemic issues and providing resources to those in need is a way to build a stronger and more equitable future for all. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals and can help to revitalize communities that are in need. By making intentional choices about where you donate your assets, you are making an impact that will last for generations to come. Choosing to be philanthropic during your lifetime is a very important step, but making bequests and other types of charitable giving in your estate plan, is also an important consideration.
Charitable giving is not just about handing over money; it’s about investing in a better future for all Americans. Whether it is through addressing hunger, improving healthcare, or helping children succeed, every charitable contribution counts. It’s time to consider the impact that you want to leave, and to use your legacy to contribute to the greater good. With a solid plan in place, you can ensure that your desire to help others will be met, and you will continue to be a force for good, even after you are gone.
Understanding Charitable Giving Through Your Estate Plan
There are many ways to give to charity during your lifetime, but you can also leave a lasting legacy of giving through your estate plan. Here are some key ways to include charitable giving in your will or trust:
- Bequests: A bequest is a gift you make to a charity through your will. You can specify a particular amount of money, property, or a percentage of your estate to be given to the charity of your choice.
- Residuary Estate Gifts: A residuary estate gift involves giving a portion or all of what remains of your estate after all other debts, expenses, and specific bequests have been satisfied. This is a great option for individuals who are not sure of the value of their estate.
Choosing to include these options in your estate plan is a very powerful way to give to causes you care about. You can specify which charity or charities you want to help, and you can also choose how much they will receive. By making this a part of your overall estate plan you will be doing good and protecting your legacy at the same time.
Bequests: Making a Specific Charitable Gift
A bequest allows you to make a specific gift to a charity you care about. You can use a bequest to donate a particular amount of money, a specific piece of property, or a percentage of your estate to your favorite charitable organizations. This option is useful if you have a specific donation in mind and you want to be very intentional about how it will be used. A specific bequest will give you control over which charities will receive which assets. Here are some tips to consider when making a bequest:
- Specify the Charity Clearly: Include the full legal name and address of the organization to ensure your gift is directed to the correct entity.
- Designate the Amount or Item Clearly: Be specific about the amount of money, the property, or the percentage of your estate you wish to donate, so that your wishes will be properly followed.
- Consider Contingencies: Designate an alternate charity or a backup plan in case the intended charity is no longer in operation.
A well-planned bequest will make sure that all of your wishes will be properly carried out, and that your favorite charities will receive the funds that you intended for them to have. This is a very powerful way to make your donations.
Residuary Estate Gifts: Supporting Charities with What’s Left
A residuary estate gift involves donating all or a portion of what remains of your estate after all debts, expenses, taxes, and other specific bequests are paid. This option is especially useful if you want to give to charity, but you are not sure of the specific amounts of your other assets. By leaving a residuary gift, you can provide a charity with a substantial portion of your estate, and know that everything else has been taken care of. Here are some things to consider when planning a residuary estate gift:
- Percentage vs. Whole: Decide whether to donate a percentage of the residuary estate or the entire remainder, and how much you wish to leave for your other beneficiaries, after the charitable donation is taken out of your estate.
- Multiple Charities: You can designate multiple charities to receive a portion of your residuary estate, or you can make the decision to leave it all to just one entity.
- Flexibility: This approach allows you to give to charity without having to know the exact amount of your estate, and may be a good option if you do not know the value of all of your assets.
A residuary gift is a great option for many because it gives them the ability to give to charity, without needing to know all of the details about their estate. By giving a portion of your residuary estate, you are giving a gift that will continue to benefit your community for many years to come.
Top 10 Charities Making a Difference in America in 2025
In 2025, supporting charities that focus on rebuilding and bettering America is more crucial than ever. Here are ten organizations making significant impacts:
- United Way Worldwide: Dedicated to improving education, financial stability, and health across communities, United Way addresses systemic issues to create lasting change.
- Feeding America: As the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, Feeding America provides meals to millions, combating food insecurity and its underlying causes.
- Direct Relief: This organization delivers medical resources to improve health and lives affected by poverty and emergencies, ensuring equitable care during crises.
- American Red Cross: Known for disaster relief efforts, the Red Cross offers emergency assistance, disaster preparedness education, and blood donation services nationwide.
- Habitat for Humanity: By building and repairing homes, Habitat empowers families through affordable housing solutions, fostering stability and community development.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Providing after-school programs, this organization focuses on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles for young people.
- The Salvation Army: Offering a range of services including shelter, food, and rehabilitation programs, The Salvation Army supports individuals in need across the country.
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Leading in pediatric treatment and research for catastrophic diseases, St. Jude ensures families never receive a bill for services.
- Goodwill Industries International: Providing job training and employment placement services, Goodwill helps individuals overcome barriers to employment and achieve independence.
- American Cancer Society: Dedicated to eliminating cancer, this organization funds research, provides patient support, and promotes prevention and early detection.
Supporting these charities will help to contribute to the rebuilding and betterment of America by addressing critical needs and fostering resilient communities. Consider choosing one or more of these charities when making decisions about your bequests and other charitable donations. These are just a few of the many wonderful charities that are worthy of your support.
Making it Easy with Wills.com
Wills.com makes it easy to incorporate charitable bequests into your will. Our platform provides the tools and resources you need to specify your charitable intentions, so that your gifts will be properly directed. We offer customizable templates that can help you to create your will or trust quickly, easily, and affordably. With wills.com you can protect your legacy and help create a better future at the same time.
Conclusion
In 2025, choosing to support U.S.-based charities is an incredibly valuable way to help rebuild and better America. By incorporating charitable bequests and residuary estate gifts into your estate plan, you are doing good and making a lasting impact for generations to come. You can create a meaningful legacy, and ensure that you are continuing to make a difference, even after you are gone. Start planning today, so that you can leave a legacy of love, compassion, and philanthropy. Wills.com is here to be your partner in this important journey.
