Make a will and create a legacy that lasts
None of us likes to think about the unexpected, but planning for the future is one of the greatest acts of care we can offer our loved ones. During National Make-A-Will Month, it’s worth taking a moment to consider how a simple document can protect your family, preserve your legacy, and support the community you cherish.
A will does more than distribute your belongings. It gives you a voice when you can no longer speak for yourself, helping reduce stress for your loved ones while ensuring your values continue to shape the future. For many people, that includes making a charitable gift to organizations that have made a difference in their lives or in the community they call “home.”
At the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF), we encourage everyone to have a current, legally valid will. Estate planning is one of the most meaningful ways to care for your family while creating a legacy that reflects what matters most to you.
For those considering charitable giving as part of their estate plans, the PA Giving Pledge is an excellent place to start. Inspired by the national Giving Pledge, the initiative encourages Pennsylvanians to consider leaving at least 5% of their estate to charitable causes. The pledge is not legally binding and can remain anonymous, but it serves as a thoughtful reminder that even a modest planned gift can make a lasting difference. With an estimated $418 billion expected to transfer between generations across Pennsylvania over the next decade, including $8.86 billion in Washington County alone, charitable gifts like these have the potential to strengthen communities for generations to come.
Of course, not everyone creates a will. While that outcome is never ideal, Pennsylvania recently took an important step to ensure that even in those circumstances, a person’s legacy will be remembered and their home community can benefit.
Under Act 50 of 2025, when a Pennsylvania resident dies without a valid will and without surviving family, their estate no longer automatically becomes part of the commonwealth’s general fund. Instead, those assets are directed to a permanent endowed community fund managed by the community foundation serving the county where the individual lived. In Washington County, those gifts will remain at the WCCF, generating grants that support local nonprofits and community needs for generations to come. Pennsylvania is now the first state in the nation to ensure these estates stay local, charitable, and permanent.
While Act 50 provides an important safety net, the foundation encourages everyone to plan ahead. A will allows you, not the law, to decide how your assets are distributed, who will carry out your wishes, and which people and causes become part of your legacy.
This National Make-A-Will Month, take time to start the conversation. Meet with an attorney, review your estate plan, or explore how charitable giving can become part of your legacy. After all, a legacy isn’t measured by what we leave behind; it’s measured by the lives we continue to touch.
Contact the WCCF at 724-222-6330 or visit www.wccf.net to learn how a simple commitment today can create lasting impact for tomorrow.