We all know we’re supposed to write a will, but in reality, only 55% of New Zealanders have, and just 6% of them include a charitable bequest. Over the next 25 years, $1.6 trillion will change hands in deceased estates in Aotearoa New Zealand and at current levels, only 1.3% of these inheritances go to charities or other for-purpose organisations.
Just think what a difference it would make to the not-for-profit sector in Aotearoa New Zealand and to your community, if we could increase the rate and value of charitable bequests to 3%; we could reach a value of $2.5 billion given annually to charities within 20 years.
JBWere have just released The Bequest Report that unpacks these figures. It’s a great resource to help us understand the options that are available when we leave a bequest and encourages us to think more deeply about our lifetime’s achievements and what we could accomplish beyond them.
The Christchurch Foundation was asked to contribute to the report and we shared Karen Koed’s story. Karen has set up the Koed Lymphoedema Treatment and Research Support Fund to make treatment of lymphoedema accessible to everyone and to support research into the condition. She has included a bequest in her will to add to the fund. Karen’s legacy will continue to provide for lymphoedema patients in the Christchurch region for years to come and we thank her for her generosity.
By leaving a bequest to the Christchurch Foundation, no matter what size, your gift can be invested and grown into an ongoing source of funding for a cause that matters to you. If you’d like to learn more about how you can set up a bequest with the Christchurch Foundation, please contact Lynne Umbers at lynne.umbers@christchurchfoundation.org.nz