Gifts in Wills – FAQs
Your Will is a very personal document and everyone’s circumstances are different. However there are some questions that seem to be asked more frequently, and so we’ve put together this information to hopefully answer some of them for you.
How will NZ Spinal Trust use my gift?
We will use your gift where it will have the most impact to support positive futures for people with an SCI. It may be for immediate needs, such as paying our Peer Support or Vocational Rehab teams as they help someone navigate their journey; or covering travel costs as our Community Peer Support team help someone adjust to life at home. It may be held in capital reserves with the interest used for day-to-day operating expenses. Or it may be added to our building reserves to be used at a future date when we replace the purpose built facility we lost post-earthquakes.
What if I want to support a specific programme or community?
Community needs and programmes can change over time. For this reason we recommend that before leaving a specific or restricted gift in your Will you, or your lawyer, contact us to discuss the best way to word this. That way we can ensure your intentions can be honoured.
What sort of gift is best to leave?
The best gift is one that has been thought through, discussed with family, and written in to your Will. The form the gift takes will depend on your circumstances – we are very appreciative of a gift of any size as it will help us to support our SCI community. After providing for your family, whanau and friends, you could either leave a percentage share of your estate (a residual gift), an exact sum of money (a pecuniary gift) or a specified gift (an asset, eg property, shares, insurance policy, etc). A residual gift is unlikely to be diminished by inflation and less likely to need updating.
What if I already have a Will?
A gift to NZ Spinal Trust can be included by adding a simple Codicil to your Will. To ensure your Codicil is legal, we recommend it is approved by a legal advisor.
What if I don’t have a Will?
A Will is important as it is a legal document that ensures your last wishes will be carried out the way you intended. It ensures the people and causes you care about will be provided for. If you die without a Will, the law dictates how your assets will be divided.
What’s the wording for leaving a gift in my Will?
If you decide to leave a gift to NZ Spinal Trust in your Will your lawyer will need:
- Our official name; New Zealand Spinal Trust
- Our Charity Registration number: CC43195
- Our address: Private Bag 4708, Christchurch 8140
Here’s an indication of the accepted wording:
“I give and bequeathe the sum of $______ (or) ___% of my estate, (or) residue of my estate, (or) property or assets as follows ____(description)____ free of all charges to the New Zealand Spinal Trust, to be used where most needed (or specific programme). The official receipt of the New Zealand Spinal Trust is an absolute discharge to my executors.”
Do I need to tell you that I have included NZ Spinal Trust in my Will?
There’s no requirement to tell us, but we would really appreciate knowing. It would give us the opportunity to thank you personally, and keep you informed of our work.
Deciding to tell us about your gift can also be a good thing if your Will is challenged. If we’re able to demonstrate that we have a relationship with you, your wishes are less likely to be amended by the court.
If you do choose to let us know, it does not bind you to support us in any way, Your Will can be changed at any time. Any information you share with us will be treated with the strictest confidence.
Thank you for considering leaving a gift in your Will to NZ Spinal Trust.
If you have any more questions or would like more information, please contact Hans Wouters CEO or Su Marshall National Fundraising Manager, or phone our office on 03 383 6881.
