Make an impact while planning for your future
We also offer the ability to create a free Revocable Living Trust
Everybody needs a will
Whether you’re 18 or 108, everyone should have a will in place. People use wills to choose who gets their property, name guardians for minor children, provide a plan for pets, and more.
Through a will, many people also choose to leave a part of their estate to Animal Legal Defense Fund and make an impact on the causes they love, for years to come.
Why give in your will?
Common gifted assets in wills and trusts
- Personal property
- Financial accounts
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Brokerage accounts
Make your will online – for free!
Animal Legal Defense Fund has partnered with FreeWill to offer an online estate planning tool that makes it easy and cost-free to make your plan. In as little as 20 minutes, you can help support our mission for future generations.
We also offer the ability to create a free Revocable Living Trust
Popular resources
Sample bequest language for your will or trust
This language may help you and your attorney as you consider a gift that will meet your financial and personal goals.
Sample codicil
When it’s time to update your will, you can use a codicil — an addition or supplement that explains or modifies your existing will.
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.
More ways to make an impact
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 tax-smart gifts
Many people are increasingly choosing to give non-cash assets, so they can have a bigger impact at less cost to them.
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.