We welcome bequests of all kinds, and have put together this simple guide on how to write your bequest. A bequest is a simple, short paragraph, but it is essential that it contains the following 4 elements, and that it is lodged with your will executor or solicitor.
Writing your bequest
1) Determine what you are seeking to bequest
– To bequest specific items, stocks, dollar amounts, begin with “I give [list the items/amount]…“
– To bequest the remainder of your estate after settling all other payments, gifts, etc, begin with “I give 100% per cent of the residue of my estate…“
– To bequest a percentage of the remainder of your estate after settling all other payments, gifts, etc, begin with “I give [xx]% per cent of the residue of my estate...”
2) State who the bequest is benefiting
“… to Gender Minorities Aotearoa (Charity Registration: CC57053) for…”
3) State what the bequest is to go towards
– To bequest for it to be used for our general purposes “… its general purposes.”
– To bequest for it to be used in any way we see fit (ie, perhaps not our own operations) “… for any purposes they see fit.”
– To bequest for it to be used for a specific initiative, project, event, purchase “… for the purpose of [initiative/project/event/purchase].”
4) Finish the bequest clause with
“I declare that the receipt of the secretary, treasurer or other proper officer of the nominated beneficiary will be a full discharge for my trustees who will not be bound to see its application.”
Examples
I want to bequest $10,000 for the binder project.
“I give $10,000 to Gender Minorities Aotearoa (Charity Registration CC57053) for the purpose of the binder project. I declare that the receipt of the secretary, treasurer or other proper officer of the nominated beneficiary will be a full discharge for my trustees who will not be bound to see its application.”
I want to bequest 50% of what’s left after other payments for general purpose.
“I give 50% per cent of the residue of my estate to Gender Minorities Aotearoa (Charity Registration CC57053) for it’s general purposes. I declare that the receipt of the secretary, treasurer or other proper officer of the nominated beneficiary will be a full discharge for my trustees who will not be bound to see its application.”
Lodging your bequest
After writing a bequest, lodge this with your solicitor, will executor, or other appropriate legal authority.
