Learn about leaving a gift in your will

What is a Gift in Will/Bequest?

Leaving a gift in your will is called making a bequest. This is a future charitable donation. Leaving a gift in your will to Tearfund enables your lifetime passions to live on without affecting your day to day living. Bequests are for everyday people just like you, and can be as much or as little as you wish.

Why is leaving a gift in my will to Tearfund important?

Since 1975, faithful friends like you have made it possible for Tearfund to act for justice to relieve poverty among the world’s most vulnerable people. Working together, you make it possible for Tearfund to transform lives and communities through social justice, and to renew hope, restore dignity and provide life-giving opportunities. This work would simply not be possible without people like you.

Your gift, large or small, can have a lasting impact well beyond your lifetime and make a transformational difference in the lives and communities of those Tearfund serves for future generations. Leaving a gift in your will is another way you can support the fight against injustice and poverty well into the future.

Where will my gift be used?

Your gift will be used to benefit our projects serving people where it is needed most (unless you specify otherwise in your will). This means your gift will be maximised through our inspirational global partners to make an impact around the world, and will not restrict which project or country your gift is spent on. It will allow Tearfund to continue its life-giving work with communities, implementing holistic aid and development programmes. Your generosity will enable Tearfund to respond quickly to those in urgent need and provide long-term, locally run, sustainable solutions to the underlying causes of injustice, poverty, disasters, and emergencies.

How do I leave a gift in my will to Tearfund?

When you choose to leave a bequest to Tearfund you need a will. We lay out how to do this in our additional FAQs below. We strongly recommend seeking legal advice when drafting, updating or amending your will to include a gift to Tearfund.

See more FAQs

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Stories of generosity

Some of our Supporters explain why they have decided to include Tearfund in their wills.

Meet Rachel

"It seemed a no-brainer to include Tearfund as one of the charities in our will when we were thinking about what we wanted to accomplish after a life-time of God’s blessing to us."
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I’m a long-time supporter of Tearfund. When I was looking for a charity to give through, I recognised that Tearfund is an organisation set up by New Zealand churches, and has many years of expertise in responding to need around the world. They understand the global context and have the smarts to deliver effective assistance on my behalf. I trust their knowledge of complex poverty issues and know that the solutions are delivered through partners that work in the name of Jesus. (That part is especially important to me!)

I’ve given to Tearfund in many ways over the years. I have supported sponsor children that matched the age and gender of each of my own three children—plus one for me! Now that those sponsorships are complete, I am enjoying giving to ‘where most needed’. It seemed a no-brainer to include Tearfund as one of the charities in our will when we were thinking about what we wanted to accomplish after a life-time of God’s blessing to us. Whether it turns out to be a lot or a little, I know it will mean a huge amount to those who receive it.

We’ve travelled quite a bit around the world over our lives, and seen a lot of poverty in various regions. The enormity of need sometimes feels overwhelming, and it is hard to know how to respond. How do you really understand what’s going on for people and what interventions are really going to be catalysts for long-lasting and real help? I wanted to know more about responding to need in the world, so I completed a post-graduate diploma in Development. Having been involved in community development for over 10 years now, I know that the aid we give is making a difference in the world. Targeted interventions can help loosen the grip of poverty and enable people to live with more options and freedom.

Rachel Vince

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Meet Kate

"I decided to leave a bequest to Tearfund as I believe their work is making a difference in fighting injustice and alleviating poverty around the world."
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I’ve had the pleasure and the privilege of being involved in child sponsorship with Tearfund through my local church and also personally. I have sponsored children through Tearfund for many years, and until recently, have been very involved in a monthly garage sale at my church. Some of the money raised supported our regular sponsorship of a child in Ethiopia.

I’m also very supportive of Tearfund’s Protect work, which seeks to compassionately combat human trafficking, slavery, and the exploitation of poor and vulnerable people.

I support Tearfund as I believe the financial funding raised through donations and bequests is well stewarded and administered wisely. Both of these things are very important to me.

I decided to leave a bequest to Tearfund as I believe their work is making a difference in fighting injustice and alleviating poverty around the world. They are putting faith into practical action and achieving results that transform lives and local communities. I know anything that I leave them will be well used and help those in greatest need.

Kate Turner

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Meet Peter Yarrell

"It was an easy decision in choosing to leave behind a good bequeath to Tearfund knowing that as I go on to the next adventure, my reach on this planet continues in one of the most meaningful ways I can think of."
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In 2010 I had a dream. I saw a peloton of bike riders racing over seven days throughout New Zealand and at the same time helping Tearfund pump up their resources to fight global child sex trafficking, as they so effectively do.

Having fifty years in the Insurance business with hundreds of clients has given me real insight into the world of charity effectiveness. Tearfund (plus a few others) stood out as compassionate, thoughtful and effective operators, making a measurable difference in this world, with every member on their staff focused and inspired, personally, spiritually and practically.

2012 arrived, and along with it the first Tour of New Zealand cycle race. We found the competitors could pump in some needed cash by gaining sponsorship, and several hundreds of thousands dollars later the effectiveness of Tearfund and the rescue of girls multiplied.

When I walk into the next life I want to have written on my headstone, “I hope that you are looking forward to joining me in a few years as much as I will be in welcoming you”.

It was an easy decision in choosing to leave behind a good bequeath to Tearfund knowing that as I go on to the next adventure, my reach on this planet continues in one of the most meaningful ways I can think of.

Peter Yarrell

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Recent gifts

Gifts in Wills of any size will help Tearfund fight injustice and find lasting solutions to poverty around the world. Your gift will make the kind of difference that extends far beyond your lifetime, just as the gifts below are doing.

$6,500

has been gifted to Where Most Needed, which allows a quick response to those in urgent need.

$59,000

has been gifted to stand against Modern Slavery and help in the urgent fight against human trafficking and exploitation.

$110,000

has been gifted to our Sri Lanka Dairy Project helping families work their way out of poverty.

A message from Ian McInnes, CEO Tearfund

Being able to leave a gift that endures beyond a life time is a generous act that will transform the lives of many people, people who are otherwise forgotten and left on the margins.

FAQs

We’ve found that people often have similar questions about leaving a gift in their will. The information below answers some of these questions.

  • How will my gift be used?
    How will my gift be used?

    Your gift will help Tearfund plan, fund, and manage its future strategic projects with confidence. It will allow Tearfund to continue its life-giving work with communities, implementing holistic aid and development programmes. Your gift, after a lifetime, will help transform communities around the world with access to healthcare, education, nutrition and sustainable livelihoods. It will help build communities after disaster strikes, and shine a light into the darkest places on earth.

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    Please supply your details in the fields below. A member of our team will be touch with the resources you request.

  • What if I want to support a project with my gift?
    What if I want to support a project with my gift?

    Since Tearfund is unlikely to receive your gift until further into the future, it’s most beneficial to those we are helping if its terms are as general as possible given that needs, priorities, and projects change over time. Your gift would allow Tearfund to apply it to the areas of greatest need. Contact us to discuss any specific wishes you may have.

    Request this resource

    Please supply your details in the fields below. A member of our team will be touch with the resources you request.

  • How do I leave a gift in my will to Tearfund?

    How do I leave a gift in my will to Tearfund?
    When you choose to leave a bequest to Tearfund you need a will.  A will lets you say how you want your property dealt with when you pass away.  Because of the importance of your will, the law says it must be made in a prescribed manner. We strongly recommend seeking legal advice when drafting, updating or amending your will to include a gift to Tearfund.
    If you already have a will there are a couple of simple ways to amend it:
    • Draft a new will
    A new will, as when written, voids any preceding wills.  We recommend you write your will with the help of your solicitor, the Public Trust Office or a trustee company.
    • Create a codicil to include your gift
    If you already have a will, and wish to include a gift to Tearfund, all you need to do is update your existing will to include a bequest to Tearfund. 
    A codicil is a document used to make simple additions or amendments to an existing will, like a change in the amount of a gift of money, or the addition of a gift. We recommend you write this with the help of your solicitor, the Public Trust Office or a trustee company.
     

    Request this resource

    Please supply your details in the fields below. A member of our team will be touch with the resources you request.

  • How do I update my will?
    How do I update my will?
    If you already have a will and wish to include a gift to Tearfund, all you need to do is update your existing will to include a bequest. Alternatively, a codicil can be added to your existing will.
    We recommend that you discuss the type of gift you would like to leave and your proposed codicil with your solicitor, the Public Trust Office or a trustee company.
    Suggested wording:
    I give and bequeath (choose one of the four options)
    ………..……% of my estate
    The residue of my estate
    The sum of $..................
    Description of assets or property
    To The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund (Tearfund), PO Box 8315, Symonds St, Auckland 1150, Registration CC 21725 for the general purposes of Tearfund. I declare that the official receipt of the Chief Executive or other duly authorised officer shall be full and sufficient discharge to my Trustees.
     

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    Please supply your details in the fields below. A member of our team will be touch with the resources you request.

  • Do I need to tell you that I have included Tearfund in my will?
    Do I need to tell you that I have included Tearfund in my will?
    We’d love to hear if you’ve chosen to include Tearfund in your will. This will enable us to thank you personally in your lifetime and allow us to keep you informed of any relevant gift in will information and changes you should be aware of.
    It will also help us keep you connected to the work your gift will make possible. If you wish to remain anonymous, your request will be honoured.

    Request this resource

    Please supply your details in the fields below. A member of our team will be touch with the resources you request.

  • What are my giving options?
    What are my giving options?
    Leaving a gift in your will to Tearfund can take various forms depending on your preference and situation. Talk to your lawyer about the type of gift that will best suit you and your estate.
    A gift in your will may be:
    • Residual
    A gift of a portion of, or the total remainder of your estate after all other bequest and financial commitments have been honoured. This ensures your loved ones are taken care of, whilst ensuring your future gift to charities of your choice.     
     
    • Percentage or fractional
    A gift expressed as a percentage or fraction of the value of your estate.
     
    • Pecuniary or Specific
    Pecuniary gift: A specific sum of money designated in your will. Given as a lump sum, it is important to specify this amount in your will.
     
    Specific gift: Specific items are gifted, such as the proceeds of a life insurance policy, shares, homes, art works and more.
     
    • Whole Estate
    This comprises your entire estate and is usually left by those without dependents or by those wanting to achieve something very significant.

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    Please supply your details in the fields below. A member of our team will be touch with the resources you request.

  • What is Tearfund’s address and Charity Registration Number?
    What is Tearfund’s address and Charity Registration Number?
    The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund (Tearfund)
    PO Box 8315
    Symonds St
    Auckland 1150
     
    Charity Registration Number: CC 21725

    Request this resource

    Please supply your details in the fields below. A member of our team will be touch with the resources you request.

Contact us

If you have any questions about leaving a gift in your will, would like further information or to discuss your wishes in confidence, contact:


ros-circle.png

Engagement Manager – Gifts in Wills
Roslynn Shearman
giftsinwills@tearfund.org.nz
09 621 1054
Mon-Wed 8:30am - 4:45pm

 

Memorial donations & In lieu of flowers

Making a memorial donation to Tearfund or a donation in lieu of sending flowers to funerals is a wonderful way to honour the memory of friends and loved ones. In doing so, you will be providing opportunity, dignity and a hope more powerful than poverty to individuals and communities in need around the world.