More people are including a university foundation in their will to support science. The thirteen universities involved believe that many more people would be willing to consider this if they were aware that university foundations are charities with recognised ANBI status to which you can bequeath (part of) your estate if you set this out in a will drawn up by a solicitor. This has prompted them to join forces and launch the national campaign ‘Leaving a Legacy to University Foundations’.
Under the slogan ‘Enable essential research, education and talent development’, seven people explain why they are leaving (part of) their inheritance to a university foundation. They want to make a lasting impact and inspire others to do the same. Their personal stories symbolise all alumni, current and former employees, and committed Dutch citizens who wish to contribute to the knowledge and solutions of tomorrow.
A crucial role
The campaign is an initiative of the university foundations of the participating Dutch universities. The university foundations are working together to demonstrate the impact a bequest can have on future generations. The foundations enable projects for which regular funding is not always sufficient. These include groundbreaking research, innovative teaching programmes and support for promising talent.
More on the impact of the Radboud Foundation
Seven personal stories
At the heart of the campaign are seven people, each with their own reasons for leaving a legacy to a university. Their legacies support a wide range of societal themes, such as innovation, medical research, talent development, democracy and sustainability. The campaign invites people to reflect on the question: what is your reason for leaving a legacy to a university fund?
Future generations
By including a gift to a university foundation in a will, people donate to knowledge, science and talent, and can continue to contribute to the causes they held dear even after their death. As university foundations are independent ANBI foundations, 100 per cent of what is bequeathed goes towards exceptional research and educational initiatives. In this way, bequests help future generations of researchers and students to find solutions to the societal challenges of tomorrow.