In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution supporting the designation of National Estate Planning Awareness Week, observed each October. You’ve likely heard of this, and you may know that October 19 through 25 is the week in 2026. Chances are, though, you’ve not recently (or ever) looked at the actual resolution.
The preamble outlines several reasons why estate planning deserves this annual spotlight. Here are three worth noting:
- “Whereas careful estate planning can greatly assist Americans in preserving assets built over a lifetime for the benefit of family, heirs, or charities.”
- “Whereas estate planning involves many considerations, including safekeeping of important documents, documentation of assets, operation of law in the various States, preparation of legal instruments, insurance, availability of trust arrangements, charitable giving, inter vivos care of the benefactor, and other important factors.”
- “Whereas alternatives to disposition of assets after death, such as planned gift-giving, may accomplish a benefactor’s goal of providing for his or her family and favorite charities.”
What’s especially noteworthy is the intentional inclusion of charitable giving throughout the resolution. For attorneys, CPAs, and financial advisors, National Estate Planning Awareness Week is a good time to remind yourself to ask each client a question that can open an important dialogue sometimes overlooked in the estate planning process:
“Are there charitable causes you would like to include in your estate plan?”
Sounds simple, right? It’s just thirteen words. Still, advisors may not address charitable giving as consistently or thoroughly as clients would like, according to the 2026 TPI Study of the Philanthropic Conversation, which surveyed high-net-worth clients and wealth advisors, trust and estate attorneys, accountants, and other tax professionals.
Here’s what stands out in the findings:
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80% of HNW clients agreed that advisors have an obligation to engage them in conversations about charitable activity.
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93% of clients who discussed philanthropy with advisors considered the advisor’s role important.
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While 99% were satisfied overall, only 61% reported being very satisfied with charitable planning discussions.
The key takeaway: There’s room to go deeper!
Keep in mind that even clients who have never thought of themselves as philanthropists may welcome the opportunity to fully discuss and structure their charitable intentions beyond their lifetimes, such as through a charitable bequest to a favorite organization or a fund at The Erie Community Foundation, or by naming a charity as the beneficiary of retirement assets.
Raising the subject in more than a cursory way can also lead to broader conversations about family, values, getting the next generation involved, and legacy—conversations that deepen your understanding of what matters to your clients.
For clients interested in incorporating charitable giving into their estate plans, The Erie Community Foundation offers opportunities to create a lasting legacy while supporting the causes and organizations most meaningful to them.
So ask the thirteen-word question—“Are there charitable causes you would like to include in your estate plan?”—but don’t stop there. If the client answers “yes,” listen closely to what they say.
A smart next step in the conversation is to suggest that you involve The Erie Community Foundation team as a sounding board. Our experienced professionals are here to help you and your client review giving vehicles and approaches that align with the client’s intentions while you continue to guide the overall legal, tax, and financial planning.
We’re Here to Help
Your client does not need to have every detail decided before beginning the conversation. We would be happy to sit down with you and your client, listen to what matters most to them and explore options that fit with the financial and estate-planning work already underway.
We respect the relationship you have built with your client and see our role as a partner in the charitable planning process.
Together, we can help your clients inspire generosity, engage the people and causes they care about, and empower communities across our region, today and tomorrow.
For more information, contact Steve Weiser, Vice President of Philanthropic Services, at SWeiser@ErieCommunityFoundation.org or 814.413.7345.
The Erie Community Foundation does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Donors should consult their professional advisors to determine how charitable strategies may apply to their individual circumstances.