Create a Legacy of Generosity Through United Way Broward
by Patrick Harris, Director of Major Gifts at United Way Broward
August is Make-a-Will Month, a timely reminder that planning for the future is about protecting your assets and preserving your values. While writing a will may seem daunting or even unnecessary to some, it’s a powerful way to ensure your loved ones are cared for and your legacy lives on. For those who believe in building stronger communities, planned giving through United Way Broward offers a substantial way to make a lasting impact.
Despite the importance of having a will, more than half of Americans don’t have one. Many people assume they’re too young or don’t have enough assets, or they simply put it off for another day. The truth is a will is essential for anyone who wants to:
- decide how their assets are distributed
- name guardians for minor children
- minimize family disputes
- support causes they love
Whether you are 18 or 80, you need a will. It’s the only way you can ensure the people and causes you love the most are taken care of, and having a proper will can make the difference between a smooth transfer of assets and a possible probate nightmare.
Your will is an extremely personal, important, and powerful financial document in your life. Without having a legitimate will, not you but the state will decide how your affairs and assets are handled.
Make-a-Will Month is the ideal reminder for being prepared. United Way Broward can make it easy and streamlined, and getting your affairs in order doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming.
Writing a will is NOT a long, complicated, and expensive process. You can download our free estate planning guide and discover ways to give on our website. This guide also provides a variety of resources for professional advisors.
Our team at United Way Broward also is ready to help as a resource and sounding board as you build your charitable plans, pursue your philanthropic objectives through planned giving, and ensure support for the causes you love will continue.
Planned giving, also known as legacy giving, allows you to make a charitable contribution as part of your estate plan. It’s a way to support the causes reflecting your values, even for generations after you’re gone. Including a nonprofit like United Way Broward in your will ensures that your commitment to community and opportunity will make a difference well into the future.
Here’s why planned giving matters:
- It’s impactful: Even a modest gift can have a profound effect on programs related to education, financial stability, and health.
- It’s flexible: You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or even a particular asset.
- It’s personal: Your gift can be directed to a specific initiative or remain unrestricted to support evolving community needs.
And here’s why planned giving through United Way Broward is a powerful choice:
- Local reach: Our United Way operates and funds over 130 programs to uplift our community. For every $1 you donate, 87 cents directly support services in our community.
- Proven impact: Our wide range of partnerships with local agencies, schools, governments, and businesses is delivering measurable results in housing support, vocational training, food distribution, early childhood education, access to healthcare, disaster recovery, and so much more.
- Stewardship: United Way Broward firmly honors donor intent and provides transparency and accountability in how funds are used. We have received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest possible score, and United Way Broward is the first United Way in the U.S. to receive accreditation by the Council on Accreditation (COA) — demonstrating our organization’s effectiveness and efficiency in multiple areas, including governance, operations, safety, and more.
- Since 1939, United Way Broward has evolved as the needs of our community have evolved, and we have invested over $500 million in our community since our inception more than 85 years ago.
There are many ways to participate in planned giving. United Way Broward accepts cash donations, real estate, stocks, and more. When you work with our team, you are collaborating with people who know the community and its needs as well as people who listen attentively to the ways you want to make an impact.
By investing in Broward County through our United Way’s planned giving, you are are a tremendous part of our mission to mobilize our community to action. From strengthening local resiliency to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, you can help us create a future where all can thrive — now and for generations to come.
Making a will is about bringing peace of mind, care, and generosity to family, friends, and the community you love. Planned gifts can help launch early childhood education programs, provide emergency financial assistance, and expand access to mental health services — and making your planned gift is easier than you might think. Get started today.
Already made your will? Fantastic! Remember: It’s always important to keep it updated every three to five years — and when reviewing it, consider naming United Way Broward as a beneficiary.
When you have questions or want to discuss how you can ensure your legacy to creating a better Broward through planned giving, please contact Patrick Harris, our United Way’s director of Major Gifts, at [email protected] or call at 954-308-9264.
