Estate Planning: Go Beyond the Thirteen Magic Words

In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution supporting the designation of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, observed each October. This year’s observance is October 19-25, but the resolution itself is worth a closer look. The preamble outlines several reasons why estate planning deserves this annual spotlight. Here are three worth noting:

• “Whereas careful estate planning can greatly assist Americans in preserving assets built over a lifetime for the benefit of family, heirs, or charities.”
• “Whereas estate planning involves many considerations, including safekeeping of important documents, documentation of assets, operation of law in the various States, preparation of legal instruments, insurance, availability of trust arrangements, charitable giving, inter vivos care of the benefactor, and other important factors.”
• “Whereas alternatives to disposition of assets after death, such as planned gift-giving, may accomplish a benefactor’s goal of providing for his or her family and favorite charities."

What’s especially noteworthy is the intentional inclusion of charitable giving throughout the resolution. For attorneys, CPAs and financial advisors, National Estate Planning Awareness Week offers a timely opportunity to ask clients a question that can open an important, and sometimes overlooked, conversation:

"Are there charitable causes you would like to include in your estate plan?"

It’s a simple question. Just thirteen words. Yet research suggests there may be more opportunity for these conversations than advisors realize. The 2026 TPI Study of the Philanthropic Conversation, which surveyed high-net-worth (HNW) clients and professional advisors, points to the value of discussing charitable giving and gaining a deeper understanding of clients’ philanthropic goals.

Here’s what stands out in the findings:

• 80% of HNW clients agreed that advisors have an obligation to engage them in conversations about charitable activity.
• 93% of clients who discussed philanthropy with advisors considered the advisor's role important.
• While 99% were satisfied overall, only 61% reported being very satisfied with charitable planning discussions.

The key takeaway: There’s room to dive deeper! Keep in mind that even clients who have never thought of themselves as philanthropists may welcome the opportunity to fully discuss and structure their charitable intentions beyond their lifetimes, such as through a charitable bequest to a favorite organization, a fund at the Community Foundation or by naming a nonprofit as the beneficiary of retirement assets. Raising the subject may also lead to broader conversations about family, values, getting the next generation involved and legacy—conversations that deepen your understanding of what matters to your clients.

So, ask the thirteen-word question, "Are there charitable causes you would like to include in your estate plan?” But don’t stop there. If the client answers “yes,” listen closely to what they say. A smart next step in the conversation may be to involve the Community Foundation team. We help you and your client review giving vehicles and approaches that align with the client’s intentions while you continue to guide the overall legal, tax and financial planning.

Whenever charitable giving enters the discussion, consider the Community Foundation a trusted resource. We’re ready to work alongside you to help your clients make more meaningful impact possible.