Make an impact: bequest

You can make a tangible difference by bequesting to Voice Arts. You will contribute to the participation, self-discovery, connection and wellbeing that Voice Arts provides for people across Wellington.

Bequests aren’t just for the rich – anyone can contribute to our work and any amount is a wonderful gift.

You can help keep our work going by leaving a bequest for Voice Arts in your will. Your bequest is an enduring gift that becomes part of your legacy.

How a bequest works

A bequest is the gift of money or other assets to an individual or organisation through your will. After you die, the executors of your will make sure that your wishes are carried out. Gifts left to charities in your will are exempt from inheritance tax and capital gains tax.

By specifying a bequest to Voice Arts, you are helping us to continue our work connecting communities where everyone has a voice and everyone can be heard.

Types of bequests

  • Residual or residuary: this is the gift of whatever is left in an estate after all other gifts have been distributed.
  • Percentage or fractional: a percentage or fraction of your estate. Leaving even 1% of your estate can make a difference without you having to compromise on making sure those closest to you receive something significant as well.
  • Specific or pecuniary: a specified gift which can be an amount of money or item of property.
  • Whole estate: this is usually left by people who don’t have other beneficiaries or who want to achieve something very significant.

Talk to your lawyer about the type of gift that would best suit you and your estate.

How to make a bequest

Your solicitor or trust company can help you make a will. If you already have a will you can have a codicil (addition or amendment) to your will drawn up to include Voice Arts.

Here are the details you will need in order to make a bequest to Voice Arts:

  • Full name of the charity: Voice Arts Trust
  • Registration number: CC21803

Sample wording

Here are some examples of the wording you can use in your will or codicil.

Pecuniary or Specific Bequest

I leave to Voice Arts Trust of Wellington, New Zealand, (Charity Registration Number: CC21803): [description of item] absolutely for the general purposes of the said charity and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other duly authorised officer shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executors.

Residuary Bequest

I leave to Voice Arts Trust of Wellington, New Zealand, (Charity Registration Number: CC21803): 1% of the residue of my estate [or other percentage or proportion] for its general purposes and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other duly authorised officer shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executors.

Talking about bequests

Wills and bequests are very private and talking about them can stir up lots of emotions. However, it’s a good idea to mention to your friends and family if you are planning to make a bequest, so they can support the achievement of your charitable goals when the time comes. 

It’s up to you whether you want to let us know if you are planning a bequest to Voice Arts. If we do know your intentions, that means we can thank you in your lifetime.

If you want to talk in detail about how your bequest can make a difference for Voice Arts, please get in touch with us.