Today, Dutch universities and their university foundations are jointly launching a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the possibility of contributing to scientific research, education and talent development through a will.
More and more people are including a university foundation in their wills to support academic research in their name. The universities involved believe that many people would be willing to consider this if they were aware that university endowments are charities with recognised ANBI status to which you can bequeath (part of) your estate if you have this recorded by a solicitor. This has prompted them to join forces and launch the national campaign "Leaving a Legacy to University Endowments".
Under the heading "Enabling essential research, education and talent development", seven people explain why they are leaving (part of) their estate to a university fund. They want to make a lasting impact and inspire others to do the same. Their personal stories represent all alumni, current and former staff, and committed Dutch citizens who wish to contribute to the knowledge and solutions of tomorrow.
'Much of the knowledge, innovation and talent on which our society is built has been made possible in part by people who look beyond their own generation'
Professor Annelien Bredenoord
Chair of the Executive Board of Erasmus University Rotterdam
The campaign is an initiative of the university endowment funds of the thirteen participating Dutch universities. The university endowment funds are working together to raise awareness of bequests to science and to demonstrate the impact a bequest can have on future generations. The funds enable projects for which regular funding is not always sufficient. These include groundbreaking research, innovative teaching programmes and support for promising and exceptional talent.
'Universities play a crucial role in finding answers to the major challenges of our time,' says Professor Annelien Bredenoord, Chair of the Executive Board of Erasmus University Rotterdam. 'Much of the knowledge, innovation and talent on which our society is built has been made possible thanks to people who look beyond their own generation. With this campaign, we want to show that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to the future of science and education through a bequest.'
Seven personal stories
At the heart of the campaign are seven people, each with their own reasons for leaving a legacy to a university. Their legacies support a wide range of social causes, such as innovation, medical research, talent development, democracy, sustainability and entrepreneurship. The campaign invites people to reflect on the question: what is your reason for leaving a legacy to a university fund?
One of them is Annemieke Rijke, an alumna of Erasmus University Rotterdam. She decided to dedicate her estate to younger generations and hopes, in doing so, to help create opportunities for students and those starting out in their careers. 'When the Erasmus Trust Fund Foundation – Erasmus University Rotterdam's support fund – drew my attention to the possibility of using my inheritance to benefit younger generations, it became about more than just thinking about "the end of life". I am involved in initiatives for students and those starting out in the labour market, and I can see how meaningful that is, both for them and for me.'
'Through my legacy, I am helping young people to develop innovative ideas.'
Everyone has their own reason for leaving a legacy to a university fund.
What’s yours?
Enable essential research, education and talent development.
Go to the website of Erasmus Trust Fund Foundation
Provide cover from behind
'By setting up a named fund, I am ensuring that my legacy will continue in perpetuity to support what is close to my heart: providing a safety net for a generation that is building its life. This fits perfectly with the Erasmus Trustfonds and with me. I hope to encourage others to think about it in this way. Drawing up your will can be inspiring and meaningful. It even led me to decide to contribute money to "my" fund whilst I'm still alive. Now it's no longer about the end of life, but about giving many young people a meaningful start in life.'
Her decision was not limited to the future. The campaign also prompted her to contribute to her fund whilst she was still alive. 'For me, it's no longer about the end of life, but about giving many young lives a meaningful start. I hope to inspire others to think about their legacy in this way too.'
Future generations
By including a bequest to a university fund in their will, people contribute to knowledge, science and talent, and can continue to support the causes they held dear even after their death. As university funds are independent ANBI foundations, 100 per cent of any bequest left to a university fund goes towards exceptional research and teaching initiatives. In this way, bequests help future generations of researchers, students and innovators to find solutions to the societal challenges of tomorrow.
'Anyone who leaves a legacy to a university is not only investing in knowledge, but also in the society of the future,' said Bredenoord. 'How wonderful it is to be able to make a difference for generations to come with your legacy.'
- More information
Please contact Gwen van Loon, Senior Relationship Manager for Major Gifts and Legacies at the Erasmus Trust Fund Foundation, the university's support fund, on 010 411 0596 or at g.vanloon@trustfonds.nl, or contact the press office at Erasmus University Rotterdam at press@eur.nl.
- Related content
- Related links
- More information about the campaign
Bequests to the Erasmus Trustfonds
