Make us a beneficiary of your IRA or other “non-probate” assets
Why beneficiary designations are so powerful
Assets not included in your will are called non-probate assets. Examples are 401(k)s, IRAs, life insurance policies, and other accounts. Designating the Descanso Gardens Foundation as a beneficiary can have a big impact and may avoid unwanted taxes for your heirs.
Charitable benefits
Common gifted assets for beneficiaries
- IRA
- 401(k)
- Life insurance
- Joint bank accounts
Designate Descanso Gardens Foundation as a beneficiary to one or more of your accounts.
We have partnered with FreeWill to offer this free online platform that will walk you through the process of setting up your beneficiaries. These gifts have a big impact and can often prevent unwanted taxation.
Planned giving helps Descanso Gardens grow our mission
A gift in your will helps ensure Descanso Gardens can continue connecting people with nature and one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
A non-probate asset is an account or other asset that won’t be governed by the decisions you make in a will. Instead, these accounts commonly have an assigned beneficiary that you choose. Types of non-probate assets include many retirement accounts, life insurance, some bank accounts and some assets (like a house or vehicle) that you jointly own with another person.
The most commonly gifted non-probate asset is an IRA or 401(k). This is because these accounts are always taxed (even for people below the estate tax threshold). Giving these accounts to charity keeps your heirs from having to pay unexpected taxes.
Yes! Even if you have a will in place you still need to designate beneficiaries for your non-probate assets.
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.
No. You can usually make these easily and at no cost to you.
Yes. You are always free to revise or update your estate plans.
Yes. Your estate plans are entirely your own, and you can revise or update them at any time as you wishes change. Many supporters find comfort knowing their plans can grow and adapt along with them.
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.
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
More ways to make an impact
Gifts in a will or trust
Donations in your will or trust are the most popular type of planned gift to support Descanso Gardens. Learn more, or get help starting your will or trust— for free!
Popular tax-smart gifts
Giving non-cash assets—like stocks, IRA gifts, or donor-advised funds—can be a simple way to make a meaningful impact at Descanso Gardens while offering potential tax benefits.