As planned giving programs continue to evolve, nonprofits are increasingly turning to digital estate planning platforms to empower their donors and unlock long-term giving potential. Two names often surface in these conversations: FreeWill and Trust & Will. Both platforms aim to simplify the estate planning process—but the partner experience, donor support, and depth of services they offer are not created equal.
If your team is weighing its options, here’s what you need to know before committing to a planned giving partner.
FreeWill vs. Trust & Will: What’s the Difference?
FreeWill is widely recognized for offering a free Last Will & Testament tool that helps donors include charitable bequests. Their platform focuses on encouraging giving to their nonprofit partners through a simplified, no-cost estate planning flow. It’s an accessible option—but it’s also limited in scope and post-donor engagement.
Trust & Will goes far beyond basic document creation. As the nation’s leading digital estate planning and settlement platform, we offer a full suite of customizable services that support donors not only during planning, but long after their estate plan is complete. Members can create estate plans that are inclusive of their families, with future generations in mind. Our model supports not only charitable gifts but multigenerational planning that could benefit nonprofits for decades to come.
To learn more about the key differences between FreeWill and Trust & Will’s platforms and services, click here.
Key Differentiators for Nonprofit Partnerships
1. Exceptional Donor Support
Trust & Will provides every donor with access to a real human team—including our dedicated member support team and optional Attorney Support that is available in the majority of the U.S. If your donor has a question or needs help understanding their plan, we’re here to assist—whether they’re setting up guardianship or updating beneficiary information.
FreeWill, by contrast, does not offer donor support beyond the platform experience. No attorney access. No live help.
2. More Than a Will: A Full Estate Planning Suite
Trust & Will includes comprehensive Will and Trust Plans (for both individuals and couples) that include important documents such as power of attorney and healthcare documents. This matters because many high-value donors need trusts to meet their planning goals—especially those with complex assets or blended families.
We also help donors take the next steps that matter:
Trust funding assistance
Deed transfer services
Access to mobile notary services for seamless and convenient document execution (in supported states)
These aren’t “nice to haves”—they’re critical to ensuring the donor’s plan is executed correctly, increasing the likelihood that their charitable intentions are fulfilled.
3. Built-In Tools for Long-Term Engagement
Trust & Will offers every member a Digital Vault, Estate Plan Storage, and Asset Inventory tools to help them stay organized and proactive about their legacy. These features encourage ongoing interaction with their estate plan—and with your organization.
This kind of long-term engagement is key for nurturing planned gifts. When donors return to their plan regularly, they’re more likely to remember and sustain their charitable commitments.
4. A Brand Your Donors Know and Trust
Trust & Will is the official estate planning benefit provider for AARP members, and we’ve been featured by national media and endorsed by top-tier financial institutions. Donors who see our name feel a sense of familiarity and confidence, knowing they’re working with a nationally recognized, attorney-approved platform.
While FreeWill is widely used within nonprofit circles, Trust & Will brings the added weight of consumer trust—an important factor when donors are making deeply personal, sometimes complex legacy decisions.
The Takeaway: Choose a Partner That Grows With Your Donors
FreeWill may offer a simple entry point to estate planning, but Trust & Will delivers a comprehensive, high-touch experience that meets the needs of today’s donors—and tomorrow’s.
If your planned giving team is seeking a partner who can provide donors with the guidance, tools, and long-term value they deserve, Trust & Will offers more than a product—we offer peace of mind.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re exploring estate planning solutions for your donors, our Partnerships Team is here to help. We’ll walk you through our nonprofit offering and show you how we support giving programs like yours. Contact us to schedule a demo and find out how we can create a unique planned giving program for your nonprofit.
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