Empowering Bequests Through Digital Legacy Tools

Imagine a world where charities empower their supporters to organise their legacy plans in their own time—without pressure or solicitation. It’s not just a dream but a growing reality as digital tools transform bequest programs. This guide shares a fresh, donor-centric strategy that uses technology to build trust and clarity around legacy giving.

Reframing Bequest Programs: From Asking to Supporting

For many Australian charities, the traditional approach to bequest programs has centred on direct solicitation—asking supporters to consider leaving a gift in their will. However, research and sector insights increasingly show that legacy giving is more effective when framed around support rather than an ask. By shifting the mindset from “asking for a bequest” to “supporting a supporter’s legacy planning,” organisations can foster deeper, trust-based donor relationships and create a more dignified, donor-centric experience.

From Solicitation to Empowerment: A New Paradigm

Legacy giving is a deeply personal decision, often involving significant reflection and family consideration. High-pressure tactics or overt asks can feel intrusive and may even deter some supporters from engaging with a bequest program. Instead, leading charities are embracing a supportive approach—empowering donors to take control of their legacy planning, and positioning the organisation as a trusted partner in that journey.

This shift is not just semantic. It represents a fundamental change in how charities interact with their supporters. Rather than focusing on the charity’s needs, the emphasis is placed on the donor’s wishes, values, and legacy. This approach respects autonomy and dignity, making the legacy giving process a positive and meaningful experience.

Providing Value: Free, Private Legacy Planning Tools

One of the most effective ways to support legacy planning is by offering donors access to free, private tools that help them organise their entire will and legacy. For example, a charity that introduced a complimentary online will organiser saw a marked increase in donor comfort and engagement. Such tools allow supporters to reflect on their wishes in their own time, without any pressure or obligation.

Within these platforms, donors are naturally prompted to consider charitable bequests as part of their broader legacy planning. This subtle, supportive nudge is far more effective than direct solicitation, as it aligns with the donor’s own motivations and values. The result is a higher rate of documented bequest intentions, providing charities with valuable forecasting data for future planning.

Legacy Giving as a Journey, Not a Transaction

Reframing bequest programs as a journey rather than a one-off donation ask encourages ongoing engagement and relationship-building. Donors are invited to revisit and update their plans as their circumstances change, deepening their connection with the charity over time. This donor-centric approach not only increases the likelihood of a bequest but also fosters greater lifetime giving and advocacy.

“By supporting our donors’ legacy planning, we build trust and demonstrate that we value them as individuals, not just as sources of income.” – Legacy Manager, Australian Charity

Evaheld’s Legacy Vault: Exemplifying Supportive Bequest Management

The Evaheld ecosystem sets a new standard for legacy giving programs. Through the Evaheld Legacy Vault, supporters are provided with a secure, private space to record all their wishes, including bequests, messages, and personal values. This tool is not about asking for a bequest—it’s about empowering donors to organise their legacy on their own terms.

Charities can promote the Evaheld Legacy Vault through a co-branded journey, positioning themselves as facilitators of legacy planning rather than solicitors. The partner dashboard offers insights into program engagement, allowing for better bequest management and forecasting, all while maintaining donor privacy and autonomy.

Donor-centric: Puts supporter needs and dignity first
Supportive, not solicitous: Avoids high-pressure tactics
Builds trust: Strengthens long-term donor relationships
Enhances forecasting: More documented intentions for better planning

By reframing bequest programs from asking to supporting, charities can create a legacy giving journey that is respectful, empowering, and ultimately more effective.

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The Power of Private Digital Tools in Growing Bequest Intentions

The landscape of planned giving is evolving rapidly, with nonprofit technology now playing a central role in how charities support their donors’ legacy journeys. Rather than focusing on the traditional approach of “asking for a bequest,” innovative organisations are shifting towards empowering supporters to take ownership of their legacy planning. By providing donors with a free, private digital estate plan tool, charities can nurture bequest intentions in a dignified, donor-centric manner—without direct solicitation.

Empowering Donors Through Private Digital Estate Planning

A key strategy for modern legacy and bequest programs is to offer supporters a secure, easy-to-use platform to organise their wills and legacy details. Tools like the Evaheld Legacy Vault exemplify this approach, giving donors a confidential space to document their wishes, store important documents, and reflect on their legacy—all at their own pace and in complete privacy.

Within these digital platforms, intuitive prompts are naturally embedded to encourage consideration of charitable bequests. For example, as a donor revises their will online, the system might gently ask, “Would you like to leave a gift to a cause you care about?” This approach is subtle, respectful, and places the donor’s values at the centre of the process.

Building Trust and Reducing Barriers

Privacy and security are paramount when it comes to legacy planning. Many supporters hesitate to discuss their intentions due to the sensitive nature of the topic or concerns about confidentiality. By offering a private digital estate plan tool, charities demonstrate respect for donor autonomy and build trust. Donors are more likely to document their intentions when they feel secure and unpressured, leading to a higher rate of bequest intention documentation.

Digital estate planning also removes much of the complexity and embarrassment often associated with legal matters. Supporters can explore their options, ask questions, and make changes without fear of judgement or misunderstanding. This ease of use is a significant factor in increasing engagement and ultimately growing planned giving outcomes.

Co-Branding and Data-Driven Insights

Charities that co-brand or promote private digital tools like Evaheld’s Legacy Vault see measurable benefits. When supporters access a charity-endorsed platform, they recognise the organisation’s commitment to providing genuine value, not just seeking donations. This strengthens the relationship, fosters loyalty, and encourages donors to share their intentions more openly.

Additionally, the charity’s partner dashboard within the Evaheld ecosystem provides valuable insights into program engagement. While donor privacy remains protected, aggregate data on tool usage and bequest consideration rates enables more accurate forecasting and strategic planning. This data-driven approach transforms bequest marketing from a transactional “ask” into a valued, ongoing service.

Scenario: A Supporter’s Journey

Consider the experience of a dedicated supporter who decides to update their will using a digital estate planning tool promoted by their favourite charity. As they progress through the platform, they encounter gentle, well-timed prompts about leaving a legacy gift. The process is private, secure, and entirely under their control. Without any direct solicitation, the supporter is empowered to reflect on their values and, if they choose, document a bequest intention—knowing their wishes are respected and protected.

Free, private tools add tangible value to the donor experience.
Natural prompts encourage bequest consideration without pressure.
Privacy and security increase donor confidence and trust.
Digital estate planning simplifies complex legal processes.
Co-branded platforms drive higher engagement and intention documentation.

By strategically leveraging nonprofit technology like the Evaheld Legacy Vault, charities can support donors’ legacy journeys in a way that is sensitive, empowering, and highly effective for growing bequest intentions.

Leveraging Co-Branded Legacy Journeys for Better Bequest Tracking

Australian charities are reimagining their approach to legacy giving by shifting the focus from direct bequest solicitation to supporting supporters’ legacy planning journeys. This donor-centric strategy not only respects the dignity of supporters but also enhances engagement and trust. By integrating co-branded digital legacy tools, such as those offered by the Evaheld ecosystem, charities are providing real value to their communities while improving bequest tracking and donor management.

Transforming Legacy Giving into a Valued Service

Rather than simply asking for a bequest, forward-thinking organisations now offer supporters a free, private platform to organise their entire will and legacy wishes. Tools like the Evaheld Legacy Vault allow donors to manage their intentions in a secure, confidential environment. Within this journey, supporters are naturally prompted to consider charitable bequests, making the process less transactional and more supportive.

This approach reframes legacy fundraising as a service, not a request. Supporters feel empowered and valued, which deepens their connection to the cause and increases the likelihood of both legacy and lifetime giving.

Co-Branded Legacy Tools: Enhancing Bequest Tracking and Donor Management

When charities promote co-branded legacy planning tools, they create a seamless experience that aligns the supporter’s journey with the organisation’s mission. The Evaheld partner dashboard, for example, enables charities to monitor donor engagement and bequest tracking in real time. This centralised data hub acts as a fundraising CRM, capturing key metrics and automating workflows for efficient program management.

Improved Data Capture: Every interaction within the legacy tool is securely logged, providing a rich source of donor insights.
Enhanced Reporting Analysis: Automated reporting tools allow for precise analysis of bequest intentions, enabling charities to forecast future income with greater accuracy.
Personalised Donor Management: Tracking engagement metrics helps identify trends and donor segments, supporting tailored stewardship and outreach strategies.

Case Study: Uplift in Documented Bequests

A leading Australian charity recently launched a co-branded digital legacy tool in partnership with Evaheld. Within the first year, they recorded a 30% increase in documented bequest intentions. This uplift was attributed to the ease of use, privacy, and perceived value of the legacy planning service, combined with the charity’s proactive promotion of the tool.

Building Trust through Transparency and Data

Transparency is fundamental to building lasting donor relationships. By providing supporters with a secure, private space to manage their legacy plans, charities demonstrate respect and trustworthiness. Meanwhile, the charity’s partner dashboard delivers actionable insights into donor behaviour and program engagement, supporting ongoing refinement of legacy strategies.

“Centralising legacy data not only streamlines bequest management but also empowers charities to engage more meaningfully with their supporters.”

With robust bequest tracking and reporting analysis, charities can identify which legacy messages resonate, which donor segments are most engaged, and where to focus stewardship efforts. This data-driven approach ensures that legacy programs remain responsive, efficient, and donor-focused.

Optimising Legacy Programs with Automation and Insight

Automation of workflows and performance metrics through platforms like Evaheld reduces manual administration and human error. The result is a more agile, scalable bequest program that delivers better outcomes for both supporters and the organisation.

Centralised data supports strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
Automated alerts and reminders keep supporters engaged throughout their legacy journey.
Integrated fundraising CRM features enable seamless donor management and stewardship.

By leveraging co-branded legacy journeys and advanced tracking tools, Australian charities can transform their legacy giving programs into trusted, data-driven services that benefit both supporters and the organisation.

Building Lifetime Donor Relationships Through Trusted Tech

A transformative approach to planned giving is emerging, one that places donor relationships at the centre of every interaction. By leveraging process automation and sensitive digital tools, charities can shift from simply “asking for a bequest” to genuinely supporting a supporter’s legacy planning. This donor-centric philosophy not only deepens trust but also increases engagement and lifetime value.

From Solicitation to Support: A New Paradigm in Planned Giving

Traditional bequest programs often focus on direct solicitation, which can feel transactional and impersonal. Today’s leading charities are reframing this approach by offering supporters a dignified, empowering experience. Providing access to a free, private tool—such as the Evaheld Legacy Vault—enables donors to organise their entire will and legacy in a secure environment. This service-oriented approach naturally prompts consideration of charitable bequests, without pressure or discomfort.

When a charity promotes a co-branded or partner-supported journey, supporters are more likely to document their intentions. This not only enhances forecasting for the organisation but also demonstrates respect for the individual’s autonomy and wishes.

Deepening Donor Relationships Through Process Automation

Process automation is a key driver in maintaining and strengthening donor relationships. Automated workflows allow charities to:

Send timely, personalised communications based on donor milestones
Deliver ongoing reminders and educational content about legacy planning
Track engagement and respond to supporter needs in real time

These touchpoints foster a sense of ongoing support, rather than a one-off transaction. For example, a donor who initially made small annual gifts was introduced to the Evaheld Legacy Vault through their favourite charity. The donor appreciated the privacy and control offered by the platform, and over time, their engagement deepened. With regular, sensitive follow-ups and easy access to legacy planning resources, the donor ultimately included a significant bequest in their will—far exceeding their previous giving.

Legacy Vaults: Increasing Lifetime Giving and Advocacy

Research consistently shows that strong, trust-based relationships lead to higher donor lifetime value and commitment. Donors who use digital legacy vaults often increase their giving during their lifetime, not just in their bequests. The sense of being supported and understood encourages donors to advocate for the charity within their networks, further expanding the organisation’s reach.

The Evaheld ecosystem exemplifies this approach. Donors use the Legacy Vault as a private space to record their wishes, store important documents, and reflect on their legacy. Charities, through their partner dashboard, can promote this resource and gain valuable insights into program engagement—transforming bequest fundraising from a request into a valued service.

Continuous Engagement and Emotional Connection

Ongoing communication—enabled by process automation—ensures that donors feel remembered and valued throughout their journey. Automated reminders, updates, and invitations to educational events keep the relationship active and meaningful. This level of support reflects genuine respect for the donor’s intentions and strengthens the emotional connection between the supporter and the charity.

Trust-based relationships also help mitigate donor attrition. When donors feel their wishes are honoured and their privacy respected, they are more likely to maintain their commitment and even encourage others to consider planned giving. In this way, a tech-enabled, donor-centric bequest program not only secures future gifts but also builds a community of lifelong advocates.

Technical Considerations: Choosing the Right Legacy Giving Technology

For Australian charities seeking to innovate their bequest programs, the right technology is more than a tool—it is a bridge to deeper supporter relationships and sustainable growth. Selecting a legacy giving platform requires careful attention to technical considerations, especially as the sector shifts from direct solicitation to empowering donors in their legacy planning journey. The following key factors will help organisations choose technology that balances donor privacy, data management, process automation, and compliance with gift acceptance policies.

Prioritising Privacy, Security, and User Experience

Legacy giving is inherently personal. Donors must feel confident that their intentions are handled with the utmost discretion and respect. When evaluating digital legacy planning tools, privacy and security are paramount. Platforms should offer:

End-to-end encryption to safeguard sensitive donor information
Clear privacy policies that reassure supporters their data is never shared without consent
A user-friendly interface, ensuring supporters of all ages and backgrounds can easily navigate the process

By providing a secure, private environment—such as the Evaheld Legacy Vault—charities offer genuine value, supporting donors to organise their wishes at their own pace, without pressure. This donor-centric approach builds trust and dignity into every interaction.

Centralised Databases for Robust Data Management

Effective data management underpins every successful bequest program. Centralised databases allow charities to:

Track and document bequest intentions in real time
Maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
Generate accurate forecasting data for long-term planning

Integration with a charity’s existing fundraising CRM system is essential. This ensures supporter journeys are seamless, and all legacy interactions are captured alongside other engagement data, providing a holistic view of each donor’s relationship with the organisation.

Process Automation: Efficiency Through Smart Workflows

Modern legacy giving technology should automate routine tasks, freeing up staff to focus on relationship-building. Key process automation features include:

Automated reminders for donors to complete or update their legacy intentions
Workflow automation for internal approvals and documentation
Scheduled stewardship communications to nurture ongoing engagement

These tools not only improve operational efficiency but also ensure that no supporter is overlooked, enhancing the overall donor experience.

Gift Acceptance and Compliance

Adhering to gift acceptance and conflict of interest policies is non-negotiable. The chosen technology must support:

Customisable workflows to review and approve bequest intentions
Automated checks for compliance with organisational and legal requirements
Secure documentation and audit trails for every legacy gift

This safeguards both the charity and its supporters, ensuring every bequest is managed ethically and transparently.

Evaheld: Exemplifying Best Practice in Legacy Tech

The Evaheld ecosystem sets a new standard for nonprofit legacy fundraising. Supporters benefit from the private, dignified Evaheld Legacy Vault, where they can organise all their wishes in one place. Charities, meanwhile, access a dedicated partner dashboard, enabling them to:

Promote the legacy planning resource in a co-branded, supportive way
Gain real-time insights into program engagement and bequest intentions
Transform legacy marketing from an “ask” into a valued donor service

By choosing technology that empowers supporters and delivers actionable organisational insight, charities can build scalable, future-proof bequest programs that inspire confidence and lasting generosity.

Wild Card: Imagining a Future Where Legacy Giving is Seamless

Legacy giving is on the cusp of a digital revolution. As nonprofit technology evolves, the opportunity to make legacy giving a seamless, dignified part of a supporter’s life has never been greater. Instead of focusing on “asking for a bequest,” forward-thinking charities are shifting towards supporting a supporter’s legacy planning—a donor-centric approach that respects privacy and autonomy while providing real value.

Empowering Donors with Digital Estate Planning

Imagine a world where every supporter can confidently manage their entire digital estate plan, including not just traditional assets, but also crypto holdings, social media accounts, and online subscriptions. With the right nonprofit technology, donors can organise their wishes in a secure, private space—such as the Evaheld Legacy Vault—without feeling pressured or intruded upon. This approach reframes legacy giving as a natural extension of personal financial planning, rather than a transactional request.

AI-Powered Personalisation Without Intrusion

Artificial intelligence is set to transform the legacy giving program landscape. Picture an AI-driven tool that guides donors through personalised legacy options, gently suggesting philanthropic opportunities based on their values and life stage. There’s no direct solicitation—just supportive prompts and education, allowing donors to explore legacy giving at their own pace. This not only increases comfort and trust but also leads to more meaningful, well-documented bequest intentions.

Gamification: Making Legacy Engagement Inviting

Consider a hypothetical scenario: a charity-branded app that uses gamification to encourage legacy engagement. Supporters could unlock badges for completing sections of their digital estate plan, receive gentle reminders to revisit their wishes, or participate in community challenges that celebrate giving back. This approach transforms legacy planning from a daunting task into an empowering, even enjoyable, experience—one that naturally includes charitable bequests as part of the journey.

Multi-Channel Marketing for Holistic Donor Experiences

Seamless legacy giving requires a multi-channel approach. By integrating email, social media, webinars, and in-person events with digital estate planning tools, charities can create holistic donor experiences. For example, a supporter might attend an online seminar about digital assets, then receive a personalised invitation to explore the Evaheld Legacy Vault, followed by supportive check-ins via their preferred communication channel. This coordinated strategy ensures donors feel supported at every step, increasing both engagement and trust.

Normalising Legacy Conversations

As digital estate planning becomes mainstream, legacy conversations will be normalised as part of everyday financial management. Charities can play a pivotal role by offering free, private tools that help supporters organise their wishes—making legacy giving as routine as superannuation or insurance planning. This not only supports donors’ broader life goals but also positions the charity as a trusted partner in their long-term wellbeing.

Pioneering Donor-Centric Bequest Programs

Now is the time for Australian charities to pioneer new models of donor-centric bequest programs. By leveraging nonprofit technology like the Evaheld ecosystem, organisations can offer supporters a private, secure space to manage their digital estate plan, while gaining valuable insights through a partner dashboard. This transforms legacy fundraising from a traditional “ask” into a valued service, deepening relationships and providing better forecasting data for the charity’s future planning.

Innovative, donor-focused technologies are redefining what’s possible for legacy giving programs. By embracing digital tools, AI, and multi-channel engagement, charities can ensure that legacy giving becomes a seamless, dignified, and valued part of every supporter’s journey.

Conclusion: Transforming Bequest Programs Into Valued Donor Services

The landscape of legacy giving is evolving, and so too must the strategies that charities use to engage their supporters. The traditional approach to bequest programs—often centred around direct solicitation—no longer aligns with the expectations of today’s donors. Instead, the future of legacy giving lies in transforming bequest programs into supportive, donor-centric services that respect and empower individuals on their legacy journey.

A critical shift is underway: moving from “asking for a bequest” to “supporting a supporter’s legacy planning.” This approach is not only more dignified, but it also places the donor’s needs, values, and autonomy at the heart of the bequest program. By providing supporters with free, private tools to organise their entire will and legacy, charities offer genuine value. These digital solutions allow donors to consider their options in their own time and space, naturally prompting them to include charitable bequests if they so choose. This is a far cry from the transactional nature of traditional fundraising—it is about building trust and offering meaningful support.

Technology acts as a powerful bridge in this transformation. Donor-centric tech, such as the Evaheld Legacy Vault, enables charities to deliver a seamless, sensitive, and secure legacy planning experience. The Evaheld ecosystem stands as a model example: donors have access to a private, comprehensive space to document their wishes, while charities can promote this resource through a co-branded journey. This approach not only increases the rate of documented bequest intentions—providing charities with better forecasting data—but also deepens the relationship between organisation and supporter. The result is a more accurate, data-driven understanding of donor intentions, which empowers smarter fundraising and long-term planning.

Importantly, this new model of donor management is not just about the organisation’s benefit. When charities prioritise donor dignity and autonomy, they foster deeper trust and loyalty. Supporters who feel respected and valued are more likely to maintain a lifelong relationship with the cause, potentially increasing their overall giving. Legacy giving, then, becomes a journey rather than a single transaction—a process where the donor’s story, wishes, and values are honoured every step of the way.

The Evaheld Legacy Vault exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to create a sensitive, secure, and empowering legacy giving experience. Through the partner dashboard, charities gain valuable insights into program engagement, allowing for continuous improvement and innovation. This data-driven approach ensures that bequest programs remain relevant, effective, and aligned with donor expectations.

For Australian charities and non-profits, the call to action is clear: embrace supportive technology with empathy and innovation. Experiment with new tools, learn from donor feedback, and continuously refine your bequest program design. By doing so, you not only enhance your organisation’s sustainability but also provide a valued service that genuinely benefits your supporters.

In summary, the future of bequest programs is bright for those willing to reimagine legacy giving as a supportive, innovative service. By leveraging donor-centric technology, respecting donor autonomy, and focusing on relationship-building, charities can transform legacy fundraising into a trusted, valued part of every supporter’s journey. The result is a win-win: donors feel empowered and respected, while organisations gain the insight and loyalty needed to thrive in an ever-changing fundraising landscape.

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TL;DR: Shifting from solicitation to support by leveraging private digital tools like Evaheld for bequest programs boosts donor trust, improves data tracking, and fosters lifetime giving.

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Supporting Bequests Through Digital Legacy Tools