There are many thoughtful ways to leave a legacy gift to UNICEF.
Some are simple and straightforward while others will need to be take into consideration your unique personal circumstances, financial plans as well as how you wish to look after friends and family.
When making a Will – there are generally three different types of gifts you can consider – and the most common are:
- A specific amount of money
- A percentage of your estate
- A specific item (like property, jewellery, or artwork)
And this is a short explanation to help you understand the various options to consider.
A specific amount of money – or what is known as a Pecuniary gift – is a fixed sum of money – e.g. €5,000. It is a simple and direct way to support UNICEF’s work.
This is a piece of property such as a house, an apartment or it can be shares which you have had in a company. It could be a piece of valuable artwork or jewellery.
This can be left to UNICEF, and we will arrange to it sold to benefit our programmes for children.
This is where you can consider leaving all or a percentage of the residue of your estate.
What is the ‘residue’ of your residuary estate?
A simple explanation is that it is the value of your estate after all debts and taxes have been deducted.
Why choose a residuary gift?
- It ensures your loved ones are looked after first, and then the remainder can go to a cause close to your heart.
- The value of your gift adjusts naturally with your estate over time—so whether your estate grows or shrinks, the proportion you’ve chosen to gift stays the same.
- It offers peace of mind and may reduce the need to update your Will as your circumstances change.
Other less common considerations for legacy gifts are :
- Life Insurance Policy
You can name UNICEF as a beneficiary of your life insurance.
It’s a way to give a larger gift than you might otherwise have been able to during your lifetime.
You can arrange to include UNICEF to benefit from a portion of your pension fund.
This is a wonderful way of supporting children using assets which you may not need in later life /or haven’t drawn down.
Already have a Will and would like to add UNICEF to your existing Will?
If you have already drawn up a Will, you don’t need to draft an entirely new Will. You
can add UNICEF to your Will using a document called a Codicil.
What is a Codicil?
A Codicil is a simple way to make small changes to your Will—like adding a gift to UNICEF or changing your executor.
It carries the same legal weight as your original Will and have the same formal requirements of a Will – i.e it must be signed, dated, and witnessed, and then attached to your Will.
Specific wishes regarding how you would like your Legacy Gift used
In making a gift you may wish to have your gift used for a particular project or specific programme in a country UNICEF works in. However, this means that your gift becomes conditional and restricted.
While this is understandable, it’s important to know that legacy gifts are often received many years after a Will is written. Needs can change over time, and restrictions may limit how your gift can be used.
By allowing UNICEF to use your gift where the need is greatest – in pursuance of its charitable purposes – you ensure it reaches the children who need it most—whether that’s emergency relief, vaccines, education, or protection of children affected by conflict or climate change.
Letting UNICEF know about your decision.
Not only is it considered good practice to inform the charity, or charities, that you have decided to include a gift, but it also helps us plan and ensure that you have the resources and information to keep you up –to-date about our legacy events and programmes.
Tax on my estate
All gifts to a registered charity in your Will are exempt from tax and can help reduce the tax payable on your estate.
A gift is exempt from Inheritance Tax once the Revenue Commissioners are satisfied that it has been or will be applied to purposes which, in accordance with Irish law, are public or charitable.
In granting this exemption the Revenue Commissioners assigns the charity a CHY reference number.
You can find UNICEF’s details published on the Revenue Commissioners’ website at Charities with tax exempt status.
Contact Pauline to learn more
You can speak in confidence with our Legacy Gifts Manager, Pauline.
I will guide you through the process of how to make a Will and where to get started. Get in touch with me and I can share information about UNICEF’s Legacy Giving programme and support you on how to make your Will and discuss the various free will-writing services available to our UNICEF supporters.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01 878 3000
Start your legacy journey
By including UNICEF in your Will, you can help ensure that children everywhere are protected, educated and given the chance to thrive – not just today, but for generations to come.