Protect Your Family's Future in 30 Minutes—For Free

A trusted resource to secure your family's future and support the causes you care about.

About This Resource

Philanthropy.org is an independent platform helping donors, families, and nonprofits strengthen their impact through better giving. We believe everyone deserves access to quality estate planning tools—including a free will template and guidance on how to leave money to charity in your will.

We don’t promote any single nonprofit or charge for these resources. Our online will maker free tools help more people live well and leave well.

For Nonprofits

Dozens of organizations already link to our estate planning checklist and resources as valuable tools for their supporters. If your nonprofit promotes legacy giving, we invite you to join them.

Download your linking badge here.

These tools are far more effective when hosted directly on your website. Contact us to learn more.

Why a Will Matters—for Everyone

What if you could protect your family’s future in just 30 minutes—for free?

With a simple will, you can. It’s about peace of mind—knowing your loved ones are protected, your values are honored, and nothing is left to chance. Whether you’re 25 or 85, our simple estate planning guide shows you exactly how to take control.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

If you don’t have a will, here’s what the law decides for you:

  • State law determines who inherits your assets
  • Your family may face months of delays and legal disputes
  • The causes you care about receive nothing
  • Healthcare and financial decisions fall to whoever steps forward first

Without a plan, your voice is lost.

With a Simple Plan in Place:

  • Your loved ones are provided for—exactly as you intend
  • You control how to include charity in your will
  • You could save thousands in taxes and legal fees
  • Trusted individuals make your medical and financial decisions

A valid will puts you in charge, not the courts.

No Lawyer? No Problem.*

If your estate is relatively simple—like most Americans’—you can create a will yourself using our step-by-step guide and tools.

  • Takes less than 30 minutes
  • Clear, secure, and private
  • Designed to support family and charitable giving

Begin your estate plan today—and plan your legacy with purpose.

Free Tools to Get You Started

  • Simple Estate Planning Guide

    Get Your Free Estate Planning Guide (Direct Download)
    Our comprehensive, plain-English estate planning guide covers everything: wills, trusts, beneficiary forms, powers of attorney, and more. No legal jargon—just clear guidance on how to create a will without a lawyer.

  • Estate Planning Checklist: 27 Documents

    27-Document Checklist (Direct Download)
    This checklist helps you organize important documents for family members, ensuring they won't scramble searching for passwords, policies, or accounts when it matters most.

  • Online Will Maker Free—Create Your Will Today

    Start Your Free Will Now
    We've partnered with LegacyPlanner™, a trusted online will maker free of charge, to help you create a legally valid will in minutes. No hidden fees, no upsells—just a free will template customized to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I really create a will without a lawyer?

A: Yes! Our guide shows you how to create a will without a lawyer for basic estates. Complex situations may need legal help, but most people can use our free will template and online tools.

Q: What’s the best way to organize important documents for family?

A: Use our estate planning checklist to gather and organize important documents for family members. Store them in one secure location and tell a trusted person where to find them.

Q: Is your online will maker really free?

A: Yes, our online will maker free tool through LegacyPlanner™ has no hidden costs. You can create, download, and update your will at no charge.

Q: What happens if you die without a will in my state?

A: While laws vary by state, dying without a will always means the court decides who inherits your assets and who raises your children. Our video explains exactly what happens if you die without a will.

Q: How do I leave money to charity in my will?

A: It’s simple! Our guide shows you how to leave money to charity in your will. You can name any nonprofit and designate a specific amount or percentage of your estate.

Common Myths That Stop People

“I’m too young to need a will”

If you’re over 18 and have a bank account, a car, or opinions about your medical care—you need a will

“It’s too expensive”

Learn how to create a will without a lawyer using our free tools

“I don’t have enough to leave anyone”

Estate planning isn’t just about money—it’s about guardianship for children, who gets sentimental items, and who makes decisions if you can’t

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