There’s a funny misconception out there—that only the ultra-wealthy can leave a meaningful legacy. You know the kind. Foundations. University buildings. Park benches with their names carved into the metal.

But the truth is, you don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference. You just need a plan. And if you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to leave something behind for the cause I care about most”… this blog is for you.

You Can Make an Impact—No Yacht Required

I once had a client who was a schoolteacher. Lived modestly. No private jets. No vacation homes. But when she passed away, she left a gift to a local literacy nonprofit that funded their after-school tutoring program for the next three years. The director called us crying. Not because it was millions. Because it was meaningful.

That’s what happens when your Estate Plan includes purpose.

“I Want to Leave Something to Charity—But What If My Kids Think I’m Taking Away From Them?”

Here’s the thing: charitable giving doesn’t have to be an “either-or” situation. It doesn’t have to mean shortchanging your loved ones.

What it does mean is this:

  • You care about your values, not just your valuables.
  • You want your legacy to extend beyond your lifetime.
  • You believe in leaving the world a little better than you found it.

And yes—there are smart, strategic ways to do that without causing family drama or financial imbalance.

When we design a custom Estate Plan at Bascom Law, we often recommend tools that make it easy and tax-efficient to give charitably—while still protecting your children’s inheritance. You decide who gets what—and we make sure it’s documented clearly, efficiently, and legally.

Over the years, we’ve seen clients support:

  • Animal shelters and dog rescues
  • Church missions and endowment funds
  • Local theaters, schools, and parks
  • Scholarships for students just like them

One client funded a weekend music camp in her hometown. Another donated a piece of land to a conservation group. One man left $25,000 to his high school marching band—with instructions to buy new uniforms and a tuba. None of them were millionaires. But all of them left something that mattered.

Why the Right Plan Makes All the Difference

Here’s what happens when people don’t include charitable giving in their plan—yet assume someone else will “carry it out later”:

  • The gift gets forgotten.
  • The family doesn’t know what you wanted.
  • Your passion project gets buried in confusion or conflict.
  • Your kids get blamed for not “doing what Mom would’ve wanted.”

That’s why we don’t just ask, “Who gets what?” We ask, “What matters to you?” Because this isn’t just about passing down stuff. It’s about passing down your values.

What Happens When You Put It in Writing

When you include charitable giving in your Estate Plan, you’re doing three powerful things:

  1. Creating clarity—so there’s no confusion or conflict later.
  2. Maximizing impact—by using tools that keep your gift efficient and tax-smart.
  3. Sending a message—to your children, your community, and the world about what you stood for.

And no matter the size of your estate, that message matters. Because one day, your story will be told. What you supported, what you believed in, what you left behind—it all paints the picture of your life. Let’s make sure that picture includes what matters most to you.

Want to Leave a Legacy With Heart?

At Bascom Law, we help our clients tell their stories, protect their families, and pass on the values they hold dear. So if you’ve ever thought about supporting a cause, giving back to a church, or funding a program that changed your life—we can help you do that.

No legal jargon. No unnecessary complexity. Just a clear, custom plan that honors your wishes and lifts up the people, places, and passions you care about.

Call us today. We’ll help you make sure your love for your family—and your love for your community—both live on. Because generosity doesn’t require millions. Just intention.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom
Bascom Law, PC
770-285-5493