Leave a Bequest

Man’s highest duty is to protect animals from cruelty. – Emile Zola

One of the most important things our generation can do is to provide the means for the continued prevention of cruelty to animals in the future. By including a gift to the Franschhoek SPCA in your Will or setting up a life insurance policy, you can help ensure that our vital work continues to protect and care for animals in our community. Your generosity will be pivotal in helping us achieve our mission, and will make a real difference in the lives of animals who need our help.

Email us at info@spcafhk.co.za today to discuss how you can make a lasting difference.

How do I start this process?

Bequests are critical to the long-term viability of animal welfare organisations. If you would like a Franschhoek SPCA representative to come to your home and discuss with you the possible options for a bequest, please call us at +27 83 745 5344 or send us an email at info@spcafhk.co.za.

What forms can a bequest take?

A bequest is simply a gift of money or property left to a person or organisation after your death. It can take many forms, including a specific sum of money, a percentage of your estate, or even a specific asset such as property or investments.

A specific sum of money

This is the simplest form of a bequest, but it makes no allowance for the effects of inflation or any changes in the value of your estate. Over time, the purchasing power of your gift may be eroded by inflation, which could reduce its impact on our work. If you choose this option, you need to review your will regularly to ensure the bequest remains relevant. This may involve updating the amount or adjusting the terms of your will to reflect changes in your estate.

Specific items

Valuable items such as real estate, motor vehicles, antiques, artworks, jewellery, and other unique possessions can be bequeathed to the SPCA.

A percentage of your estate

A percentage of your estate will be distributed fairly among all the beneficiaries, regardless of any changes that may occur after your passing.

The residue of your estate

Whatever is left over after all taxes, liabilities and other bequests have been paid is known as the residue. You can bequeath the whole of the residue, or a percentage of it.

A life insurance policy

You can choose to name the SPCA as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy.

How do I change my existing Will?

Changes in tax law and your financial situation make it essential that you review your Will regularly. All that is required to update your Will is a simple Codicil, which is then attached to your Will. A Codicil is a legally binding instruction that effectively changes your Will without having to draft a new one, but it must be signed and witnessed with the same legal formalities as a Will.

Who is qualified to draw up a Will?

Bankers, accountants, attorneys and financial consultants are skilled in drawing up Wills. However, it’s recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney who is a conveyancer to ensure your will is legally binding and accurately reflects your wishes.

In your Will, it’s important to include the Franschhoek SPCA as a beneficiary and to describe the gift in sufficient detail. We recommend that you take the wording suggested below to your advisor for their information:

“I bequeath to the Franschhoek SPCA, registered NPO number 037-649NPO, of 6 La Provence St, Le Roux, Franschhoek, 7690, Western Cape, and I express the wish that such estate be used for the general purposes of the Franschhoek SPCA.”

Can I request that my gift goes towards a specific area of work?

It is preferable that your Will does not specify a restriction as to how the funds should be used. Instead, we ask that you allow the SPCA to decide how your gift will best protect animals in need, at the time it is received. Our long-term plans are subject to change, as animal welfare needs can evolve over time. If there is a specific area of our work that holds a special significance for you, please let us know so we can ensure that your gift is used in accordance with your wishes.

Your legacy for the animals

We would appreciate it if you could share your intentions with us. Any information you provide will be kept confidential, as we respect the trust and confidence that our donors have in us. If you have made a decision regarding your gift, please write to the Franschhoek SPCA at info@spca.co.za