Bequests

What is a bequest?

A will is the best way to safeguard the future of the people and causes important to you. A bequest is simply a gift, usually to a charity, that is provided for in a will. Bequests are made to the Swartland and West Coast SPCA because people recognise that the numbers of unwanted, abandoned and stray animals are growing daily.

A bequest can take many forms. People commonly leave cash, real estate, personal property, or the residue of an estate, i.e. whatever remains once provision has been made for loved ones. You could even sign over an existing life insurance policy or take out a new one naming the Swartland and West Coast SPCA as the beneficiary. Every donation helps, no matter how small.

How do I do this?

It is important to get good advice when drawing up a will to ensure that it is correctly and legally constituted. Your bank, lawyer, accountant or financial consultant can help you. It is also important to review your will periodically to keep it in line with legislation and your changing financial situation.

All you have to do to update your will is to write a Codicil which is a legally binding instruction that changes your will without having to re-draft a new one. Under the Estate duties act of 1955, bequests to charities are deductible for estate duty purposes.

When making out a will it is essential that you specify the Swartland and West Coast SPCA as the beneficiary. If you do not specify a recipient the NSPCA can allocate your bequest to another SPCA not necessarily intended by you.