Give a gift in your Will
Together we can make transformative discoveries in vision science that can help to preserve sight in present and future generations.
How to make a gift in your Will
Vision Research Foundation respects that the content or your Will is a very personal decision, and not one to be made without considerable reflection and thought.
Remember that it is important to look after your family, whānau and friends first. Once that has been taken care, you could consider a small percentage such as one to 10%, which can make a huge difference to Vision Research Foundation. Importantly, this type of gift won’t loose it’s value over time.
Why make a gift in your Will to Vision Research Foundation?
A gift in your Will to Vision Research Foundation will aid the next generation of bright new vision researchers. A gift in your Will is also known as a Bequest. For non-profit organisations, bequests are an important source of funding. Gifts in Wills can be large or small, and no amount is too little. Vision Research Foundation is dedicated to fostering vision research that expands the frontiers of science, supporting paradigm-shifting projects and discovering new, inventive ideas that will shape the future of eye health. A gift in your Will to Vision Research Foundation can make a powerful difference to the lives of others, beyond your own lifetime. It can help us fund fund talented researchers to make ground-breaking discoveries in vision science, create patient solutions such as new treatments to improve the lives of many in Aoteoaroa New Zealand.
What’s involved in making a gift in your Will?
Before you make or update your Will, we encourage you to talk to your family, whānau and friends about your decision. If you choose to leave a gift in your Will to Vision Research Foundation you can see a solicitor or Trust, Wills or Estate provider to manage the paperwork on your behalf. They can advise you how to make a gift in your will, or making an amendment to your current Will (a codicil) while still making sure your family, whānau and friends are taken care of. If you already have a Will, your solicitor can add a ‘codicil’ that provides an update of your wishes.
Type of gifts you can leave in your Will
Your solicitor, Trust, Wills or Estate provider can help you choose the gift that best reflects your wishes. Here are some types to consider;
Percentage gift
Leaving a gift as a percentage rather than a fixed amount will ensure that inflation doesn’t erode the value of your gift over your lifetime. It can also be used if you wish to divide your estate among a number of people or organisations. Five percent could make a real and significant difference to our work. A percentage of your Kiwisaver or superannuation can be left in your Will.
A residual gift
After your loved ones have been provided for and expenses have been deducted you can leave what’s left. This gift is the remainder of your estate (or a percentage) to Vision Research Foundation. This sort of gift will keep its value over time.
A fixed specific gift
You can leave possessions to Vision Research Foundation, like property or shares.
Pecuniary or a fixed cash gift
This gift is a specific amount. You can leave a fixed amount of money to Vision Research Foundation. Because of inflation, the value of a fixed cash gift will decrease over time, so you may want to review cash gifts from time to time.
Wording your gift
If you are kind enough to include a gift to Vision Research Foundation (Registered Charity CC59798) in your Will, please discuss the matter with your solicitor or Trust, Wills or Estate provider, and make sure you include the wording below. If you already have a Will, you can update this by way of a codicil, using the same wording.
“I give and bequeath to Vision Research Foundation registration number CC59798., the sum of $xx, (or) xx% of my estate, (or) the residue of my estate free of all charges, to be used where most needed, and the official receipt of Vision Research Foundation will be sufficient acknowledgement of having received this gift.”
If you would like the gift in Will to be designated to a specific area or Research Arm e.g. Glaucoma, Neurological, Oculomics, or Community Engagement, please note this in place of “to be used where most needed” above.
We are very grateful when people make the thoughtful decision to include a gift to Vision Research Foundation in their Will. Over the years, these contributions, large and small, have contributed significantly to our work. A gift in your Will helps ensure that bright researchers can stay in New Zealand to achieve scientific breakthroughs. It is one way of making a positive difference beyond your lifetime.
Let us know so we can thank you
We understand that making a Will is a very personal matter. However, if you do intend to leave a gift in your Will to Vision Research Foundation, please communicate your wishes to your family, whānau and friends so they understand why leaving a gift in your Will to Vision Research Foundation is important to you. Please also consider telling us about your gift so that we can thank you. Letting us know does not alter your right to change or update your wishes if circumstances change but it does help us plan for the future.
Do you have a question about leaving a gift in your Will?
We are here to speak with you confidentially and answer any questions you may have. For more information regarding wording or making a gift in your Will, you can contact us directly by completing the form below or contact us via email: info@vrf.org.nz
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in leaving Vision Research Foundation a gift in your Will!
Such a gift would help us carry out ground-breaking research transforming the lives of New Zealanders – for many years to come. Vision Research Foundation is extremely grateful for gifts of any size.
