Protect What's Important During National Make-A-Will Month

August is National Make-A-Will Month.

Believe it or not, only about 30% of people have a will in place. Many people think that wills are only needed if you have a lot of money, property, or if you have young children you want to make sure are cared for should something happen to you. While those situations are great examples of why it’s so important to have a will in place, but we all should take the time to spell out what we want to happen after we pass.

Regardless of wealth, having a will dictates who will manage your estate, who has access to your digital assets and property, who will take care of pets, and more. Creating a will while you can consider all the options will save time and money for those responsible after you pass. Having a clear will may also help lower the chances of conflict between those you have cared about throughout your life.

So why does Engineers Without Borders USA care about this?

Well, wills are also a great place to leave a legacy, supporting the work and mission of EWB-USA after you pass on. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to bring vital infrastructure to underserved, low-income communities. We’re building footbridges to provide pathways to opportunities, installing solar panels to bring light where it is dark, and digging for water so hope can spring from the ground. That cannot happen without people called to the mission and willing to remember EWB-USA in their giving plans. We say it often, it takes more than materials to build a strong foundation.

It takes people like you.

Please take this month to, at least, start the conversation to make a will. If you have already made one, take this month to revisit and ensure it is up to date and reflects your lasting wishes. Here at EWB-USA, we hope that while you’re writing your will, you’ll consider joining the amazing people who have already made the intent to further this mission after they pass by including legacy gifts in their wills to EWB-USA. By doing so, you will join our Cornerstone Society, creating a lasting legacy committed to building a better world through engineering.

Everyone needs a will, whether you’re 18 or 80. And there’s no better moment than now to find some peace of mind in planning for the future. If we can be of help, or if you want to inform us that you are including EWB-USA in your will, please reach out to us at plannedgiving@ewb-usa.org.