Leaving a bequest to Nazareth House in your Will

Most of us get great satisfaction from doing good, from making the world a better place, from changing the lives of others for the better. Not all of us, however, are able to give to the extent we might wish during our lifetime.

That's where making a bequest to an institution such as Nazareth House can be the best way of making a difference in this world, ensuring your memory lives on, and bringing you great personal satisfaction.

It costs nothing now. Only when you no longer need it is your money put to work to bring comfort, help and hope to those most in need – keeping your spirit of compassion and generosity alive for years, even generations, to come.

Why make a Will?
For most of us, death isn’t something we choose to think about. But being prepared by having a legal and valid Will is a way of showing we care, and brings its own satisfaction and peace of mind in knowing that our affairs are in order.

Some people don't bother to make a Will because they're not 'wealthy enough' or they believe (sometimes wrongly!) that their possessions will automatically go to their spouse or children.

Even if you have no family, it makes sense to leave your possessions to a friend, someone who has served you well, or to an organisation like Nazareth House – rather than to the State, which is what can happen if you die without making a Will.

Your estate will also take a long time to wind up, and attract the maximum amount of tax.

For all these reasons, it makes sense to have your Will drawn up without delay. Your accountant, attorney or financial consultant is the best person to advise you. Many banks will draw up a Will free of charge, provided they are named as executors.

What kind of bequest is best?
There are many different ways of structuring a bequest, depending on your circumstances.

A specific sum of money is the simplest bequest, but it makes no allowance for the effects of inflation, nor any future changes in the value of your estate.

By leaving a percentage of your estate, you ensure a fair distribution amongst all the beneficiaries in your Will, regardless of any changes in the value of your estate.

Another popular way of leaving money to charity, is to bequeath the residue of your estate – whatever is left over after family and friends have received their portion. You can also allocate a percentage of the residue among several beneficiaries.

Another form of bequest is to cede a life insurance policy, which is no longer needed by loved ones, to an organisation like Nazareth House. Alternatively, a new policy may be taken out, naming Nazareth House as the beneficiary.

Specific items may also be bequeathed, e.g. a house or other real estate, motor vehicles, antiques, artworks and items of jewellery.

Whatever form of bequest is right for you, and whatever its value, it will make a difference.

If you already have a Will
You can add a bequest to Nazareth House to an existing Will, simply by completing a codicil and keeping it together with the original Will. Click here to download a codicil form.