Throughout our lives, we work hard to provide for our families and keep them safe. In writing a Will, we leave a legacy and make sure that the protection we offered in life can continue in the years to come.
But millions of children across the world don’t have this security. For them, hunger, disease, conflict and exploitation can be everyday facts of life.
You can remember these children too, by simply pledging a gift to World Vision in your Will.
If you're considering leaving a gift in your Will and would like to talk through the options, you can call our team on 01 498 0800
World Vision and Wills
The Impact of Legacy
Children's centre, South Africa
In Tebogo's area, many children were orphans because of HIV and AIDS.
At age 11 he was living alone with his younger brother, and nobody could locate their parents. He was going to sleep hungry every day, collapsing at school and getting thinner and thinner. Some days he considered taking his own life.
Tebogo and his brother were just two of more than 70 vulnerable children who were helped by the drop-in centre. They received school uniforms, nutritious food, and could talk to caring adults. Their teachers saw big improvements.
Gifts made in Wills provided the start-up capital for the children's centre and provided resources like a water tank for the garden and training for the centre’s staff.
What will your legacy be?
Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do to help the causes you care about. Leaving a gift in your Will is very easy.
You just speak to your solicitor about leaving a gift to World Vision Ireland in your Will and they will guide you through the process.
Making a Will allows you to take care of your family after you are gone and it’s also an opportunity to help support a charity that matters to you.
FAQs
Can I talk to someone about leaving a legacy?
Call our supporter engagement team 01 498 0800 for help and advice. They are not legal or financial advisers, but they can explain how a gift in your Will can help our vital work with children, the various types of gifts that you can include in your Will and their benefits. They can also help you find a solicitor in your area to talk you through the practical steps involved in making or changing a Will.
Why do I need a Will?
Making a Will means you can control what happens to your money and property after you die and appoint an executor to deal with your affairs in the event of your death. If you die without a valid Will your estate will be distributed according to the laws of intestacy, which would mean that only your nearest family would benefit. However, the division between your close family under the intestacy rules may not be what you would have wanted and other family members, friends and favourite causes you might want to benefit would receive nothing. It could also lead to an unwanted and unavoidable tax bill on your death.
Can I chose what my gift is spent on?
The legacies we receive are usually unrestricted gifts, allowing us to use the funds wherever the need is greatest at that particular time. However, we also gladly accept gifts for an area of our work that is close to your heart. If you would like to discuss any specific intentions you have, please call one of our trained legacy advisers on 01 498 0800 – we will do our utmost to honour your wishes.
I want to leave a gift to World Vision, but how will my family feel?
We understand that family and friends come first. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a share of whatever is left in your estate once all your specific wishes have been carried out.
How can I be sure my money gets to those in need?
World Vision only works within countries where we have our own offices so we can be sure that we can account for all the money that we receive and how it is used. We have audited accounts that are publicly available at any time. As a charity, we're regulated by the Charities Regulator – a legal body, which oversees all Irish charities and their activities. We are a not-for-profit organisation, and we know that the continued support we receive is dependent on our efficient use of supporters’ money. See our Annual Reports here.
I want to leave a gift to World Vision, what do I tell my solicitor?
We strongly advise that you use a qualified solicitor to amend an existing will or to include a gift in a new will. Our legacy brochure, contains some suggested wording you could take to your solicitor. Find our Gift in Wills Guide here or call 01 498 0800
Can I leave a gift to my sponsored child in my Will?
World Vision Child Sponsorship works by changing a child’s life through changing the world in which they live. Sponsorship brings change to more than just one child — the benefits you help provide extend to each child’s family, their community, and other children in need. Naming your sponsored child in your will is not recommended as children and their families may leave the area and no longer be participating in the programme. Please call us on 01 498 0800 so that we can advise you further.
Isn't this a private matter?
Yes. Your will is a very private document and you’re not under any obligation to tell us anything. Of course, if you do want to let us know your intentions, we would love to hear from you so that we can thank you for your generosity. Please call us on 01 498 0800 to request a legacy brochure.
Do you have any resources for legacies and Wills?
Yes. We have information you can give to your solicitors and executors, you can download our World Vision codicil and download a form to continue your child sponsorship after death.
What does World Vision spend the money on?
World Vision has helped millions of children and families out of poverty and we are often first on the ground when a crisis strikes. Our integrated approach includes water, healthcare, education, child protection, and income generation. Our approach allows every child to fulfil their God-given potential. If you'd like more information, read how donations are spent.