Why Most Will Tools Miss the Mark — and What LegacyPlanner™ Does Differently

Couple planning their will online
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Let’s get one thing out of the way: most online will-creation tools are virtually identical — and that’s because, legally, they have to be.

Whether you’re using LegalZoom, Freewill, GivingDocs, or one of a dozen others, the underlying structure of the will is essentially the same. These tools exist to help users create basic estate plans, quickly and with minimal fuss. For what they are, they work.

But here’s the problem: what they are isn’t enough.

Especially if you’re in the nonprofit space.

These tools weren’t built for you. They weren’t built for mission-driven organizations, long-term donor relationships, or values-based philanthropy. They were built for efficiency. Transactional speed. Legal compliance.

That’s why we created LegacyPlanner™.

More Than a Will. A Platform for Donor Legacy.

LegacyPlanner™ reimagines estate planning as part of the donor engagement process — not a separate legal task but a mission-aligned experience that inspires, educates, and deepens commitment.

It doesn’t just help donors draft a will.

It walks them through their entire giving journey — helping them understand their options, discover creative giving vehicles, and feel confident in the legacy they’re building.

And the best part? LegacyPlanner™ doesn’t live on some third-party platform. It lives on your planned giving website, fully branded, fully integrated, and fully focused on your mission.

LegacyPlanner™ isn’t just a will tool — it’s a donor journey platform.

Why LegacyPlanner™ Works

Here’s what sets it apart from the crowd:

  • It’s Integrated, Not Isolated
    Donors don’t need to be redirected to a generic site that doesn’t look or feel like your organization. LegacyPlanner™ lives on your own planned giving microsite, creating a seamless donor experience.

  • It’s Educational, Not Just Functional
    Most tools stop at the basics. Ours goes further. LegacyPlanner™ gently introduces donors to charitable trusts, gifts of real estate, retirement assets, and other planned giving vehicles — all at their own pace.

  • It’s Designed for Stewardship
    LegacyPlanner™ encourages follow-up, updates, and continued donor engagement. This isn’t a one-and-done process — it’s a tool that keeps you connected to your legacy donors over time.

  • It’s Proven
    This model works. Similar tools have helped nonprofits generate millions in confirmed bequests. We’ve just made it more powerful — by integrating it into the broader ecosystem of planned giving.

A Donor-Centric Approach to Legacy Giving

Most people don’t understand the full range of their giving options. And most tools don’t explain them — let alone encourage deeper conversations.

LegacyPlanner™ starts with the donor’s intent. Does the donor want to support family first? Receive income for life? Make a gift now or later?

From there, it guides them step-by-step through options that align with both their values and their finances — always reinforcing the connection to your mission.

No pressure. No jargon. Just clarity and inspiration.

Most tools end the conversation. LegacyPlanner™ begins it.

Build Relationships, Not Just Revenue

Yes, you’ll generate more bequests. That’s a given.

But the real power of LegacyPlanner™ is in how it extends your relationship with donors. It creates trust. It creates touchpoints. It gives you a window into a donor’s long-term thinking — which is invaluable in today’s competitive fundraising landscape.

This is not about offering a free will as a gimmick. It’s about giving your donors a meaningful, empowering experience — one that leaves them feeling seen, valued, and inspired to make an impact that outlives them.

Estate Planning That Actually Feels Personal

Let’s be honest: most will-making tools feel like a tax form. Cold. Generic. Transactional.

LegacyPlanner™ doesn’t.

It feels like what estate planning should be — a personal, thoughtful, even emotional journey that helps your donors express what matters most to them.

And that’s where planned giving shines.

Because the truth is, this isn’t just about creating documents. It’s about creating legacies.

Most tools end the conversation. LegacyPlanner™ begins it.

Ready to See LegacyPlanner™ in Action?

If you’re tired of sending your donors to tools that don’t reflect your mission, your values, or your brand — it’s time for something better.

Let us show you how LegacyPlanner™ can transform your planned giving strategy and create a seamless, donor-friendly experience from start to finish.

Schedule a quick walkthrough today. Because estate planning should be more than a transaction. It should be a mission-aligned journey.

And with LegacyPlanner™, it finally is.

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