How to leave a gift in your Will
How you go about making your will, and what you include in it, is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The good news is that making, or updating, your will is simple and affordable, so everyone can do it.
A will is the only way for you to say how your money, possessions and assets should be used after you have gone. A will also means less confusion and heartache for your loved ones in their time of grief. If you don’t make a will, part or all of your estate may end up going to people you never intended to benefit.
Including a charity in your will is easy, request your free Will Information Pack (right) or follow these simple steps:
1. Choose your charity
Decide which charity or charities you would like to help. Perhaps it is an organisation you have supported for years, or maybe there is a cause you have always wanted to support but have never been able to. Make a list, and decide who you would like to benefit from your bequest, and remember that gifts in wills come in all sizes, big and small. Visit our search pages to help you with choosing a charity to gift to.
2. Contact your charity
Ask your preferred charities for more information on leaving them a bequest (you can find their contact details here). Arrange to meet or call them for a confidential, no-obligation chat about how your bequest can make a difference. The charity will be able to tell you how your gift will allow them to continue their work, and they will appreciate your notification that it is your intention to leave them a gift in your will.
You will need the full name of the charity/charities (and their registered charity number) for the next step (you can find that information for many of New Zealand's favourite charities by searching here).
3. Speak with your lawyer/trust company
Speak to your solicitor/trust company about making a will, or changing your existing will to include a charity or charities of your choice. If you already have a will you can have a codicil (or an addition or amendment) to your will drawn up. It's an easy process, you can read more about this in the preparing your will section.
4. Tell your family and friends
Speak to your family and friends about your decisions, so they can support the achievement of your charitable goals when the time comes.
It is up to you whether you tell the charities you have chosen. It is a very private matter, but it is very helpful for the charities to have this information when they plan their future work and so they can thank you in your lifetime. Telling them now means you start supporting them now and it means that you will be kept a part of the charity's planning.
For more information see the following page links:
Important things to consider when preparing your will
Different types of gifts and sample wording