When most people think about writing a will, they think about protecting the people they love. That's exactly what a will is designed to do.
But for many people, it's also an opportunity to continue supporting the values that have shaped their lives.
For over a century, Sailors, Marines, veterans, military families, and friends of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society have chosen to include NMCRS in their estate plans. They are not motivated by recognition. Instead, they want to make sure future generations of Sailors and Marines have somewhere to turn when life throws them a curveball.
Imagine a young Marine receiving urgent financial assistance so they can get home to a family emergency. A Navy spouse learning to build a budget with confidence. A new military parent receiving encouragement from one of our Visiting Nurses. Those moments happen every day because someone decided compassion should outlive them.
That's what a legacy gift can do.
Leaving a gift to NMCRS in your will doesn't have to be complicated or require a large estate. Some people choose to leave a specific dollar amount. Others leave a percentage of their estate or a portion of what remains after taking care of loved ones. Every gift, regardless of size, becomes part of a lasting legacy of care.
If you've been meaning to create or update your will, there's no better time than now during August—National Make-a-Will Month. Life changes, families grow, circumstances evolve, and it's important that your plans reflect what matters most to you. As part of our commitment to making this process easier, NMCRS partners with FreeWill to provide a complimentary online resource to help you create or update your will.
One of my favorite parts of our planned giving program is the Clarence Dillon Society.
Named in honor of one of NMCRS's earliest champions, the Clarence Dillon Society recognizes the generous individuals who have included Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society in their wills, trusts, or other planned gifts. We are grateful for their commitment to supporting Sailors, Marines, and their families for generations to come. Members receive a certificate signed by our President and CEO along with a small token of appreciation, but more importantly, they become part of a circle of people whose compassion will continue making a difference long into the future.
One story from a donor's family has stayed with me. After a retired Navy commander's passing, his daughter shared why he chose to remember NMCRS in his will:
"My father was very grateful for the help he received from NMCRS. He included the Relief Society in his will to honor his duty and service to our country. I hope his gift will help others to be successful, just as he was, and to better the lives of military families."
What a powerful reminder that generosity has a ripple effect.
Whether you've supported NMCRS for decades or recently discovered our mission, I hope you'll consider the kind of legacy you'd like to help shape. A planned gift is one more way to ensure that Sailors, Marines, and their families will always know that compassionate support is never far away.
Because some gifts do more than change lives today. They continue changing lives for generations to come.
Interested in learning more?
If you'd like to explore including NMCRS in your estate plans or you've already done so, we'd love to hear from you. Our Development team is happy to answer questions and help you learn more about joining the Clarence Dillon Society or other ways you may wish to support our mission. You can reach us at giving@nmcrs.org or 800-654-8364.