There is a common misconception that only the rich need to make a will. That is not true. A will eases the pain of your passing on those you leave behind, and without a will— regardless of your personal wishes—state laws will determine the transfer of your estate.

There is an even bigger misconception that only the super-rich leave money to charity when they die. That is also not true. The fact is that most gifts by will (bequests) are made by everyday people who want to have a lasting, positive impact on their community.

Without this type of generosity, the New England Historic Genealogical Society could not continue our mission to advance the study of family history in America and beyond, by educating, inspiring, and connecting people through our scholarship, collections, and expertise.

Here are four reasons why you should include the New England Historic Genealogical Society in your will:    

A Gift by Will Is Easy to Make
A bequest is one of the easiest charitable gifts to make. It is simple to implement and easy to change should you ever need to. You can give specific property or designate a dollar amount or a percentage of your estate. You can also designate NEHGS as a beneficiary of your retirement plan or life insurance policy. 

A Gift by Will Does Not Alter Your Current Lifestyle
Making a bequest is a way of demonstrating your commitment to the future of the institution you love without affecting your current asset balance or cash flow. There are no substantial costs, and the gift can easily be modified to address your changing needs.

A Gift by Will Can Change Lives
Non-profits like NEHGS improve our lives every day through their dedicated work, community, and stability. A bequest can help your best-loved charity further its mission and values. And your gift can continue making a difference for generations of genealogists to come.

A Gift by Will Creates A Lasting Legacy 
Including NEHGS in your will is a great way to bring dignity, meaning, and purpose to a life well lived. A bequest can allow you to give to an institution that you may have always wanted to support, but were unable to during your lifetime. Creating a legacy with your gift ensures that you, and your values, will live on.

You do not have to be wealthy to make a difference. Whoever you are, whatever your situation, you can help make a better world by including a charity in your will.