Steve Lear

PURPOSE

Creating a Generosity Will is a way to impact the world you’ll leave behind. Through this document, you can leave instructions for donating money and other assets to a charitable organization, either through a trust or as part of an estate plan.
Imagine knowing that long after your lifetime, the causes, people, and communities you care most about will continue to thrive because of the choices you make today. Whether you’re supporting a mission you believe in, honoring a meaningful experience, or inspiring future generations, a Generosity Will can help turn your values into lasting impact.
At SteveLear.org, we’re creating a Guide to help you get started writing a Generosity Will. Below are a few reasons why we believe this is a valuable addition to your legacy plan.

BENEFITS

• Social Impact:
  By strategically allocating funds to specific organizations or causes, you can address social problems you are passionate about, such as healthcare, education, or environmental issues, contributing to meaningful change.
• Legacy Building:
  A Generosity Will allows you to establish a lasting legacy by continuing to support causes you believe in even after you’re gone, potentially influencing future generations through your giving.
• Tax Benefits
  Depending on your situation, charitable donations made through an estate planning document and/or beneficiary designation may be eligible for tax deductions, reducing the overall tax burden on your estate.
• Personalized Giving
  Unlike general donations, a Generosity Will lets you specify how and where your money should be used, ensuring your charitable intent is carried out exactly as you intended.
• Control Over Distribution
  You can designate advisors to manage your post-death charitable giving, ensuring funds are distributed effectively and align with your values.

CONSIDERATIONS

Be sure to consider the following issues when writing your will:

• Select Your Fields of Interest
  Identify which fields of interest are most important to you and align your giving accordingly.
• Research Support Options
  Thoroughly research the organizations you plan to support to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with your goals.
• Decide on a Donation Percentage
  Determine what percentage of your estate you want to donate to charity and how to distribute it among different fields of interest.
• Name Successor Advisors
  If desired, name advisors to ensure your wishes are carried out as intended.
• Seek Legal Guidance
  Consult with an estate planning professional to ensure your Generosity Will is legally sound and meets your desired objectives.

RESOURCES

• Guide
  You may find the following Guide helpful when writing your Generosity Will:
  • Creating Your Generosity Will (A Legacy Planning Tool)
    Note: This Guide is currently in development and will be available on the website in January 2026.
• Articles
  For more information on legacy planning, please see the following at SteveLear.org:
  • A New Take on Ken Dayton’s The Art of Giving
  • Legacy Planning: Begin With the End in Mind