Upset With the World? The Middle Class Philanthropist Has Your Answer on National Philanthropy Day

Upset With the World? The Middle Class Philanthropist Has Your Answer on National Philanthropy Day

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

November 14, 2025

November 15th marks National Philanthropy Day, a time when we celebrate the incredible generosity that fuels countless charitable missions across the globe. President Ronald Reagan officially proclaimed the first National Philanthropy Day on November 15, 1986, with the signing of Proclamation 5571. The proclamation followed a joint resolution passed by Congress and was intended to recognize the enormous achievements of the millions of Americans engaged in charitable giving and volunteerism. Reagan emphasized the literal meaning of philanthropy—"affection for mankind"—and celebrated the American tradition of voluntarism as one of the country's greatest strengths.

As our nation prepares to celebrate another National Philanthropy Day this weekend, it is impossible not to acknowledge a deep sense of frustration many of people feel about the current state of the world—whether it’s political gridlock, social unrest, or economic uncertainty. It’s easy to feel powerless and anxious when the issues feel too big and complex for any single person to influence. If you are discouraged by the constant stream of negative news, consider that proactive planning is a powerful antidote to anxiety.

In a world that often feels out of control, your estate plan is the one area where you have absolute authority. When you dedicate a portion of your estate—even a small percentage—to a cause you believe in, you are not just writing a future check. You are legally and definitively stating: "This is what I value. This is what I want to sustain." Transform your frustration into positive, future-oriented action. By integrating charitable giving into your Will or Trust, you ensure that even when you are gone, your life’s earnings continue to support the values you couldn’t fully fund in the present. You are building a permanent counter-narrative to the negative headlines.

I am aware that when most people hear the word "philanthropy," they picture the ultra-wealthy—the foundations, the big names on university buildings or urban concert venues. This perception is exactly what I sought to change back in 2013 when I self-published the small book, Middle Class Philanthropist: How Anyone Can Leave a Legacy.  The core premise of the book remains vital today: legacy giving is not a luxury; it is an accessible choice.

Philanthropy simply means "the desire to promote the welfare of others." From a legal perspective, achieving this through a legacy gift means including a charity in your estate plan. This could be:

• Decluttering your home during life and donating the unneeded items to a nonprofit's thrift store;
• Designating a nonprofit organization to receive gifts in lieu of flowers at a funeral or memorial service;
• Leaving a percentage of your retirement account or life insurance to your favorite nonprofit organization;
• Establishing a donor-advised fund (DAF) that is funded upon your death; or
• Writing into your will or trust a directive to give a certain percentage of your estate to a cause that you hold dear.

Every amount, no matter the size, represents a significant final vote of confidence in the causes you care about. This November 15th, do not let frustration define you. Let your legacy define the future. If you have already created a will or trust, use this National Philanthropy Day as a prompt to pull out those documents. Does your current plan still reflect your values and, specifically, include the causes you want to champion?  If you have not yet created an estate plan, consider the immense satisfaction and peace of mind that comes from knowing you have formalized your final wishes.

Decluttering outdated school supplies - a great donation
to the Dane County Humane Society Thrift Store

Thank you for reading.  If you enjoyed this post, consider sharing it on your favorite social media platform.  Keep in mind that a blog is not legal advice; it is meant to spark thought and reflection.  Reach out the an attorney in your home state for counsel specific to your organization.  Be well!