This August, Make Your Will Count In Kitsap

Strong communities are built one thoughtful decision at a time. Whether it's supporting a local nonprofit, volunteering with a neighbor, or planning for your family's future, the choices we make today shape what tomorrow looks like.

That's the idea behind National Make-A-Will Month, observed every August as a reminder to create or update your will. It's a task most people mean to get to, and one that's easy to keep putting off because it feels complicated, expensive, or like something to deal with later.

Through our partnership with FreeWill, later can be today. The platform is free, secure, and takes about 20 minutes, no attorney required.

A will isn't only about what happens to your things. It's about what you want to keep going: your family, a favorite local cause, or the community that shaped your life here in Kitsap County. Here's what that looks like for a few of your neighbors:

"No one should go hungry in a community like ours. That's why we're leaving a gift in our will to our local food bank, so families in need will always have a place to turn." – John & Maria S., longtime Kitsap volunteers

Last year, nearly 45,000 people in Kitsap County received food assistance, and need has continued to grow.

"We've always wanted to give back to the community that helped make our business successful. By leaving a gift in our will to support local children's programs, we know future generations will have the same opportunities to thrive." – Patty M., longtime Kitsap resident

"Libraries ensure access to books, and we want to make sure future generations have the same access to knowledge and imagination. Our designated beneficiary gift in our IRA will help keep our local library strong for years to come." – Anne R., retired teacher and book lover

"Some of our best memories are hikes with our kids and quiet moments by the water. A gift in our will ensures Kitsap's trails, beaches, and wild spaces remain protected for the next generation." – Mark & Dana L., outdoor enthusiasts

"Every pet we've had has brought so much love into our lives. Our gift in our will to the animal shelter will help care for animals and connect them with forever families." – Emily T., animal lover and advocate

Whatever it is, a gift in your will doesn't need to be large to matter. Giving just 10% can make a lasting difference.

Everyone deserves comfort, community, and the causes that matter to them. This August, you get to decide what yours will support.

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Want to talk it through in person?

Join Tina O'Brien and Jon Allen for a free Community Conversation: Estate Planning 101 on Wednesday, August 12, 2:30–4:30pm at Kitsap Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (4418 Perry Ave, Bremerton). You'll learn about the four estate planning documents everyone should have, how wills and trusts work, donor-advised funds, and how to create a free will in just 20 minutes.

Getting started:

• RSVP (by clicking here) for our free Community Conversation: Estate Planning 101 on August 12

• Create or update your will for free at FreeWill.com/kitsapfoundation.

• Working with a professional advisor? We're happy to share bequest language, just get in touch.

• Already included Kitsap Community Foundation in your will? Let us know so we can say thank you.

  
  

This August, take 20 minutes for the people and causes you care about most.