Did you know that 67% of adults don’t have a legal will? If you’ve been meaning to create one but haven’t gotten around to it, you’re not alone.
That’s why August — National Make-A-Will Month — is the perfect time to finally check this important task off your list. Creating a will isn’t just about distributing assets; it’s one of the most meaningful ways to protect the people you love and leave a lasting legacy that reflects your values.
Why Your Will Matters
A will ensures your wishes are honored, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. But beyond personal planning, it’s also an opportunity to make a lasting impact on causes you care about — like protecting California’s state parks for future generations.
Many supporters of California State Parks Foundation, such as John, Mari, Kaylah, and Mark, have chosen to include our parks in their wills or trusts. These legacy gifts don’t affect your finances today, but they help safeguard the natural beauty and accessibility of our parks for years to come.
What Your Legacy Gift Could Support
- More accessible trails and inclusive programming
- Climate-resilient infrastructure to defend parks from wildfire and extreme weather
- Programs that connect underrepresented communities to nature
Getting Started is Easier Than You Think
If you’ve been meaning to make or update your will, we’ve gathered free tools to help you get started:
- Visit our Wills and Living Trusts page and download our free Guide to Making Your Will (you will need to share first and last name, email)
- In as little as one sentence, you can complete your gift
- Download our free Personal Estate Planning Toolkit
Already Included Us in Your Plans? Let Us Thank You!
If you’ve already included California State Parks Foundation in your estate plans and haven’t let us know yet, we’d love to hear from you so we can thank you personally and ensure your gift is honored as intended.
If you’re considering a legacy gift and have questions, we’re here to help. Reach out anytime to discuss your next steps.