Leaving a Gift to FOUR PAWS
Your promise today helps us protect animals tomorrow
A Will is more than just a legal document; it is a vital step in making sure your final wishes are honoured. It enables you to:
Without a valid Will, your estate is handled according to the Intestate Succession Act, which may not align with your intentions. This can lead to delays, additional costs, and disputes among family members. It may also prevent your chosen beneficiaries, such as beloved charities, from receiving the support you intended to give.
The value of professional guidance
The Law Society of South Africa strongly recommends that you have your Will drafted by a qualified attorney. Attorneys have the expertise to ensure your Will is both legally valid and tailored to your unique needs, while also advising you on any potential legal complexities.
What to consider when writing your Will
Thinking about your legacy and drafting a Will can feel overwhelming, but it is an important step in ensuring that your wishes are respected and carried out after you’re gone.
A helpful place to begin is by asking yourself a few key questions:
- What assets do I have? Start by listing your assets. These may include your home, vehicle, bank savings, retirement annuities, life insurance policies, and any other valuable possessions.
- Who would I like to inherit these assets? After making provision for your loved ones, you may choose to leave assets to family members, friends, or charitable organisations such as FOUR PAWS.
- Who will carry out my wishes? Your Executor is responsible for administering your estate and ensuring that it is distributed according to your instructions when the time comes.
How to include FOUR PAWS in your Will
To include FOUR PAWS in your Will, you may use the following wording:
“I (your name and surname) give (specify amount/asset) to FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare Foundation South Africa, Registered NPO Number: 151993, FOUR PAWS in South Africa, 9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park, The Green Building, Cape Town, 7945, for its general charitable purposes.”
If you would like your gift to support a specific area of our work, please contact us in advance to ensure that your wishes can be fulfilled.
Our details
To ensure your bequest is correctly directed, please include the following information:
- Legal name: FOUR PAWS Animal Welfare Foundation
- Address: 9B Bell Crescent, Westlake Business Park, The Green Building, Cape Town, 7945
- Registration number: 2006/039176/08
- PBO number: 930025282
- NPO number: 151993
- Contact person: A designated FOUR PAWS representative whom your Executor can liaise with
Types of gifts
There are three different types of gifts you can leave in your Will to support the important work of FOUR PAWS:
- A percentage of your estate: This is typically a portion of what is left after you have remembered family and friends (a residuary gift).
- A sum of money (a pecuniary gift)
- A specific item, such as an antique, painting, property or shares that we would sell.
Don't leave it to chance
Dying without a Will means losing control over who inherits your assets. It also increases the risk that sentimental items or valuable possessions could go to individuals you may not have intended to benefit. Worse still, organisations that depend on public support, like animal welfare NGOs, could be excluded altogether.
By preparing a valid Will, you not only protect your family and assets but also leave a legacy that reflects your values.
