Have questions? We have answers!
Below you’ll find helpful information resources as you discern your future plans. Planned Giving Manager Lee Grant is available to support you as you prayerfully consider your goals as well. Contact him at @email or (410) 230-2827.
FAQs
I’ve requested information but haven’t followed up. Isn’t it a cumbersome and expensive process?
Not at all! We are offering a free will-writing service that you can use to safely and securely create a legal will in as little as 20 minutes. It couldn’t be easier! Make your will for free now.
I’ve already left a planned gift to Lutheran World Relief. Do I need to I tell you?
Firstly, thank you! We are so grateful for your commitment to our most vulnerable neighbors. Knowing your intentions helps us in future planning and allows us to enroll you as a Partner in Lasting Promise, our exclusive society for our most dedicated supporters. Tell us about your plans here.
Do I have to be wealthy to leave a gift in my will?
Absolutely not. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a powerful impact and transforms lives. In fact, most come from faithful, everyday people who simply want to let their love flourish for the next generation.
Here is the secret: You don't have to leave a specific, large sum of cash. Instead, you can leave a percentage of your estate, proportionate to your wealth. This means you provide for your loved ones first and then gift a portion of what remains to a cause you care about.
Whatever the amount, it makes a tangible difference. For Lutheran World Relief, even a modest gift can invest in a brighter future for your neighbors in need. Your generosity ripples outward in ways you can hardly imagine.
If I leave a gift in my will, won’t my family get less?
Consider the percentage method mentioned above. Let’s say you leave 90% or 95% of your estate to your family and gift just 5% or 10% to charity. To your family, that small percentage likely won't make a life-changing difference in their inheritance. But to a family displaced by violence in South Sudan, that same amount can be transformative.
Planned giving also passes down something more valuable than money: your values. You are showing your loved ones that faithfulness, compassion, and generosity are integral parts of your family's identity.
Isn’t writing a will only older people need to do?
Having a will is a smart move at every age. A will isn't just about protecting your estate tomorrow; it’s about protecting your life right now.
If you have any assets — a car, some savings, a home — or if you have children or pets, you need a will. Without one, the state decides what happens to your belongings and, more frighteningly, who cares for your dependents.
Creating a will now gives you control. It ensures that if the unexpected happens, the people you love and the causes you cherish are protected according to your wishes and values. Plus, it provides peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken a responsible, loving step for your future.
Can I change my will later?
Your life changes. So can your will. You can change it as often as you like. In fact, it is recommended that you review your will every few years or whenever a major life event occurs.
Adding a gift to an existing will is often very simple. You don't necessarily need to rewrite the entire document or overhaul your entire estate plan to include a gift to Lutheran World Relief.
You always remain in the driver's seat and can adjust your plans as life unfolds.
