BEQUESTS
Create a legacy that will support Ōtautahi and beyond, forever.
Leaving a gift in your Will to The Christchurch Foundation is one of the most powerful ways to support the people, places, and causes you care about — not just today, but for generations to come.
Whether it’s a percentage of your estate, a specific amount, or other assets like property or investments, your bequest can become a lasting force for good across the Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri districts
Why leave a bequest to the Christchurch Foundation?
Generational Impact
We invest your gift and grow it over time. The income generated is granted year after year to the causes and communities you care about — making your generosity work harder, and last longer. It's the gift that truly keeps on giving.
Local focus
We are your community foundation. We work for the people of this place – Ōtautahi and its neighbouring districts. Every gift stays local and makes a tangible difference here at home.
Tailored to your wishes
You choose the kaupapa that matters to you – whether that’s protecting our environment, advancing education, helping rangatahi thrive, supporting vulnerable whānau, or backing the arts. We work with you (and your lawyer or advisor, if you wish) to make sure your intentions are honoured.
Accessible and inclusive
You don’t have to be wealthy to leave a bequest. Many people find they can leave a more significant gift in their Will than they ever could during their lifetime. After providing for your loved ones, even a small percentage of your estate can make a lasting difference.
Strong stewardship
Your gift is pooled with others and professionally managed. With economies of scale and robust governance, we ensure your legacy is protected, wisely invested, and continually making a positive impact.
HOW IT WORKS
Leaving a bequest is a big decision, but once you've made the choice, we're here to make the process as easy as possible.
Talk to us
We can meet with you (and your whānau or advisors if you’d like) to understand your goals and provide the information you need to plan your gift.
Include a clause in your Will
You can leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residue after other gifts. You may also choose to support an existing fund or create a named fund in your honour.
Your gift is invested
Once received, your gift is pooled and invested through our endowment model. Each year, income from your fund is distributed to the causes you've chosen — forever.
Your values live on
We’ll ensure your legacy continues to reflect your values and creates the impact you intended — now, tomorrow, and 100 years from now.
Like to understand more?
David Christiansen of Momentum Waikato wrote a fantastic article for Stuff about how your will can support the community forever - read it here.
CREATE A FREE WILL ONLINE
At The Christchurch Foundation, our purpose is to enable generosity to shape our city’s future.
Now, with Gathered Here, we can offer you a meaningful way to plan ahead, protect your loved ones, and, if you choose, leave a legacy gift that helps future generations thrive.
Only around half of adult New Zealanders have a will. Many put it off, thinking they don’t have enough to leave, or that it’s too complicated or expensive. The process takes as little as 10 minutes using Gathered Here.
You don’t have to include The Christchurch Foundation in your will to access this service.
But should you decide to leave a gift, you’ll be helping us back more local changemakers, support vibrant community initiatives, and respond flexibly to the Christchurch region's emerging needs. Just 1% of your estate can make a powerful difference
We can’t see your personal information or what you choose to do through the platform. It’s private and secure, with clear guidance on how to make your will legally binding. And if your circumstances change, you can update it for free.
If you’ve been meaning to get your will sorted, this is your chance.
Click the link below, take 10 minutes, and create something that honours your intentions, for the people and places you love.
