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Leave a gift in your will—US

10 July 2024

Leaving a gift in your will is a wonderful way to ensure that you continue to make an impact in our community many years into the future.

 

August is National Make-A-Will Month in the US. Don't leave the most important things to chance. Having a will ensures that your loved ones and the causes you care about the most are well looked after.

HOW TO APPLY

Everyone leaves a legacy — what will yours be? 

 

It's not about the depth of your pockets, but the width of your heart.

Two women hug during graduation.

Leaving a legacy gift is deeply personal. It means leaving behind a part of yourself that you want to be remembered for.

By taking the time to plan and consider a legacy gift, you have ample opportunities to explore your giving intentions, ensuring your gift goes towards bringing about the future that you want for your loved ones and the world. 

Through leaving a gift in your will to the University of Canterbury Foundation in America, you don't just make an impact today. 

You are providing future generations of students with the tools and skills they need to break barriers, solve problems, and change the world. 

You also inspire others to be generous as well, magnifying your impact in years to come. 


 

Disclaimer: The information below is not intended as legal advice. For such advice, please consult a legal advisor. 

Taking care of what matters most


Wills aren’t just for millionaires and billionaires.

Having a will ensures that your family, friends, and pets are well looked after, and you can continue to make a difference for the causes you care about long into the future. 

A will not only covers the distribution of assets, but also the care and guardianship of minor children, other dependants, or pets. 

Some things to consider when making a will

  • Who will administer your estate and execute your will?
  • Who are the potential beneficiaries?
  • If something happens to your beneficiaries before you pass away, do you have back up choices?
  • Do you have any debts to pass on?
  • Is there something sentimental that you’d like a specific person to have?
  • If you have minor children or other dependants, who will be their guardian? 

Please consult professional advice when creating your estate plan. 

 

Gifts left to the UC Foundation in America support the work of the University and can come in many sizes and forms. Legacies do not need to be vast sums of money, or large percentages of an estate. 

Gifts can be directed to anything you choose, but traditionally they support five key areas:

  • Student support services and scholarships
  • Research and teaching
  • Libraries and collections
  • Buildings and facilities
  • General purposes  

The Office of Advancement can help you realise your vision for your gift and would welcome the opportunity to discuss your ideas at any time under no obligation. 

When you make a gift to the University of Canterbury Foundation in America, 100% of your donation goes directly to its intended purpose. The Foundation does not deduct any fees, so as a donor you can be confident that your generosity and foresight will help future generation of students and researchers. 

It is helpful for us to know if you have left the Foundation a gift in your Will. This allows us to plan ahead and ensures we can acknowledge your generous support during your lifetime.

You may want to discuss your wishes with your immediate family. We strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice when writing or altering your Will.

If you already have a Will, the suggested wording below will help your legal advisor prepare a codicil to reflect any changes you wish to make.

The same wording can be incorporated into your bequest clause if you are writing a Will for the first time.

"I hereby give, devise and bequeath.... (dollar or percentage) to the University of Canterbury Foundation in America (EIN 30-0213606) for the general purposes of the University of Canterbury." 

You can do this by requesting a change-of-beneficiary form from your policy administrator or download the form from your provider's website. 

A charitable gift annuity or a gift trust can provide you with stable income for life and you may receive an immediate income tax deduction. 

 


 

To find out more, please get in touch with: 

Charu Uppal, Associate Director of Advancement
Email: charu.uppal@canterbury.ac.nz
Ph: +64 27 451 8091

The University of Canterbury Foundation in America Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. 

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