Estate Planning FAQs

Learn More About Estate Planning

FAQs

• What is an estate plan?

  Every adult, no matter your age or your net worth, needs an estate plan.  An estate plan ensures your wishes are honored in regards to who will pay your final expenses and who will receive your assets, such as your financial accounts, stocks, life insurance policies, personal property and real estate. It is comprised of one or more documents such as a will, trust and/or beneficiary designation form. Learn more about making a gift in your will or trust.

• Why do I need an estate plan?

  Estate plans ensure that your wishes are honored. Creating an estate plan will ensure that your assets go to the people and places you choose. If you do not have an estate plan, you risk state law determining who will receive your assets.

• How do I create or update my estate plan?

  When you start to plan your estate, you need to consider your assets, beneficiaries and goals. You should then consult an attorney who can advise you on ways to save money and taxes and ensure that your will or trust legally provides for your beneficiaries in the manner you direct.

  If you’ve recently had an important life event—marriage, birth of a child or grandchild, divorce, death of a beneficiary, an inheritance, purchase of a new asset—you’ll want to be sure to update your estate plan accordingly.

  For detailed guidance, download our free estate planning guide.
  

   

• How can I use my estate plan to support The Nature Conservancy?

  You can name TNC as a primary or a contingent beneficiary of your retirement plan, a life insurance policy, financial accounts, personal property or other assets. 

  Get started here.

• What are the benefits of making a charitable gift through my estate?
  • Perpetuate your values. Your will or trust allows you to create a bequest that reflects the values you hold dear.
  • Retain control of your assets during your lifetime. You can modify your gift if your circumstances change.
  • Take advantage of tax laws that help preserve your estate assets. A well-designed plan can result in your estate paying less tax, allowing you to leave more for your beneficiaries.
• How do I name TNC in my estate plan?

  If you wish to name TNC in your will or estate plan, we should be named as:

  The Nature Conservancy, a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the District of Columbia, with principal business address of 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, Virginia 22203-1606.

  Our tax identification number is: 53-0242652 | Date of incorporation: October 11, 1951

• I’ve included TNC in my will—now what?

  If you have named TNC as a beneficiary, please let us know so we can thank you and welcome you into our Legacy Club. Legacy Club members are a special group of supporters that receive invitations to exclusive trips and events, our biannual Legacy newsletter and other benefits.