‘Gifts in Wills’ initiative launched in Newry

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has launched an innovative new match funding initiative in Newry this week to support giving to local communities through gifts in Wills. 

The ‘Gifts in Wills’ fund will match charitable gifts at 50%, up to a maximum of £50,000 to enable people to leave a legacy far into the future.

Marcus Cooper, Fund Development Manager at the Community Foundation said “The Community Foundation has developed a new initiative, through which people are encouraged to leave a gift in their Will that can benefit local communities and the causes they care about. Any gift left to the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland will be matched through this fund enabling you to increase the impact of your gift.

“This new way of giving back to our communities is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and has been developed in consultation with professional advisors and the Law Society to make the process as smooth as possible.     

“We welcome and encourage any donation, large or small through our ‘Gifts in Wills’ initiative. For many people, the fund will make it much easier to support the places or causes they care about well into the future. For others, it will be a real alternative to setting up a charitable trust.

“We were delighted to be able to introduce both solicitors and financial advisors to this programme in Canal Court Hotel, Newry and those who attended certainly recognised the benefits of this exciting new fund.”

David Crozier, Director at Navigator Financial Planning commented "There is immense potential for the legacy match funding, it’s a win for the individuals giving and a win for the charities involved. The impact is wonderful, not only will the charity receive a donation but they will receive 50% extra which makes a real impact to the lives of those who need it.

"I encourage those in this field of work to take advantage of this scheme which will give their clients significant added value.”

 If you would like to receive more information on this programme please contact Marcus Cooper at the Community Foundation or check the Community Foundation’s website at www.communityfoundationni.org