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 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 the Detroit Zoological Society 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
- Brokerage accounts
Make your will online – for free!
The Detroit Zoological Society 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
If you’d prefer to work with a lawyer, here is some suggested language that will ensure your gift is carried out as you intended. If there is a specific program or purpose you’d like your bequest to support, please contact us to explore ways your gift can reflect your wishes.
Most bequestors choose to either leave a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of their residual estate.
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.
Ignite Positive Change for Animals and Nature
When you include the Detroit Zoological Society in your estate plans, you help create meaningful connections between people, animals and the natural world so all can thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wildlife Legacy Circle is a group of thoughtful and caring supporters who are committed to sustaining the Detroit Zoological Society for years to come. Members of the Wildlife Legacy Circle receive an invitation to an annual on-site event and receive recognition annually in Habitat Magazine. Once you notify us that you have included the Detroit Zoological Society in your estate plans, you are automatically enrolled into our legacy society, the Wildlife Legacy Circle!
Learn moreIf there is a specific area of our mission that you would like to support, please contact us to explore ways your gift can reflect your interests and address a need at the Detroit Zoological Society.
For other ways to make an impact on the Detroit Zoological Society, visit our ways to support page.
Yes! Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated. Many people choose to leave a percentage of their estate, which allows for flexibility in the distribution of assets at the end of your life.
Yes! Please let us know if you’d like to remain anonymous.
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.
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: Nora Rhein
Title :Individual Philanthropy Coordinator
Phone: 248-336-5725
Email: nrhein@dzs.org
Have you already included the Detroit Zoological Society 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.