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 Descanso Gardens Foundation 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
- Financial accounts
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Brokerage accounts
- Crypto and NFTs
- Personal property
Make your will online – for free!
Descanso Gardens Foundation 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.
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
No. We’ve partnered with FreeWill to give you an easy way to create a will or trust at no cost. Many people use FreeWill to complete their plans, while others use it to get organized before meeting with an attorney, who may charge a fee to finalize documents. However you choose to proceed, including Descanso in your plans is a meaningful way to nurture the gardens for generations to come.
Yes. We respect that some supporters prefer to keep their plans private. If you wish, your gift can remain completely anonymous. If you’d like to be part of our Legacy Society, you may also choose how you are recognized-or opt to be listed simply as “Anonymous.” Either way, your generosity will help ensure Descanso continues to flourish for future generations.
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. We respect that some supporters prefer to keep their plans private. If you wish, your gift can remain completely anonymous. If you’d like to be part of our Legacy Society, you may also choose how you are recognized—or opt to be listed simply as “Anonymous.” Either way, your generosity will help ensure Descanso continues to flourish for future generations.
No. We’ve partnered with FreeWill to give you an easy way to create a will or trust at no cost. Many people use FreeWill to complete their plans, while others use it to get organized before meeting with an attorney, who may charge a fee to finalize documents. However you choose to proceed, including Descanso in your plans is a meaningful way to nurture the gardens for generations to come.
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.
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.
Already included us in your estate plan? Let us know
More ways to make an impact
Beneficiary designations
Designating Descanso as a beneficiary of your 401(k) or IRA is an easy way to create a lasting impact while potentially reducing taxes for your loved ones.
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.