Why do people like making planned gifts?
Planned gifts (most commonly a donation made in your will or trust) cost nothing today and allow you to make an incredible impact, which is why so many people choose to make them.
There are some other exciting but less common gifts — scroll down to learn more!
Popular gifts for the future
See what types of gifts people choose to make. These gift types can be used to honor a loved one or to show what’s important in your life.
Gifts in a will or trust
Donations in your will or trust are (by far) the most popular type of planned gift. Learn more, or get help starting your will or trust — for free!
Beneficiary designations
Gifting assets not covered by your will — like 401(k) or IRA accounts — may help your heirs avoid unwanted taxes, even if you’re below the estate tax threshold.
Popular gifts for today
Many people love these donation options because they fit with their personal circumstances and financial goals.
Gifts that pay you back
Give assets while providing yourself or others with income for a period of time or distributions at a later date.
Stocks and securities
Donating stocks or mutual funds is a popular choice because it may help you avoid paying capital gains taxes.
Donor-Advised Funds
Easily recommend grants to Animal Legal Defense Fund for tax-efficient giving.
Qualified Charitable Distributions
Use your IRA to make tax-free gifts that benefit you and our mission.
Please let us know if you’ve already included us in your estate plans!
Letting us know is incredibly helpful to our team and helps to make sure your gift is used the way you want it to be.
Leave a Legacy for Animals
A legacy gift to the Animal Legal Defense Fund is essential for enabling animal protection to flourish in the decades ahead. We could not continue making legal strides for animals without your generous support. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, we do! We accept real estate or property that is included in a will or trust that will be sold as part of the administration of an estate. We then accept the proceeds that are distributed to us.
Although we would like to be of help, it is our policy to decline acting as an executor or trustee to individuals. This is for a few reasons but mainly due to the conflict of interest to both oversee the needs of the estate/trust and to gift our portion to our own organization. Other beneficiaries or individuals could take an issue with such a role, and we would not want the estate/trust to encounter any legal delays or unnecessary costs. These costs could take away from your beneficial wishes which we also want to protect. If you do not have a family member or friend who can fulfill this role, you may want to ask your personal attorney or a bank to administer your estate for a fee.
Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which scales up or down with your estate size.
Yes! Knowing in advance about your intentions is quite helpful to our staff, but you are always welcome to not share your name.
We’ve partnered with FreeWill to help you make a will or trust at no cost to you. You can use this to complete your plans, or you may choose to use the same tools to get your affairs in order before visiting an attorney (who is likely to have a fee associated with finalizing your plans).
Yes! You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.
Yes! FreeWill will never share your personal information without your permission.
We’re here to help you meet your goals!
Our team would be happy to speak with you in confidence about your giving goals, with no obligation.
Name: Jenna Benton
Title :Planned Giving Officer
Phone: 707-795-2533 ext. 1034
Email: estates@aldf.org
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know.