In addition to remembering your own family in your Will, you can make a lasting impact on a family of refugees trying to resettle in Ireland through a thoughtful gift to the Irish Refugee Council.

We can’t predict the wars, conflicts, or oppressive regimes that will force people to seek asylum in the future. But a gift in your Will could make sure that anyone seeking protection can build a new life here in Ireland. Leaving a gift in your Will is an act of kindness that will change the world for the better and ensure that your values live on in our work.

What is a gift in my will?

A gift in your will is a distribution from what you own to a charitable organization through your last will and testament. Some people choose to leave a gift to a cause close to their values or of their loved ones'. When you choose to leave a gift to the Irish Refugee Council, you do not leave a simple gift; you give hope: hope to have a brighter future in Ireland. 

There are three types of gifts you can leave:

• A residual legacy is a share or percentage of your whole estate. Usually, it is shown as a percentage of your estate once all expenses, debts, and specific gifts have been taken out. 
• A pecuniary legacy is a fixed sum of money. 
• Specific gifts or bequests are personal possessions, including property. 

Leaving a gift in your will is an extremely tax-efficient way to give to a charity, as legacies are entirely free of inheritance tax. It means that should you decide to leave a gift to the Irish Refugee Council, 100% of your gift will go directly towards helping refugees. 

Why leave a gift in my will?

Making your will is one of the most important decisions of your life. It will represent your legacy and memory for years to come. 

Leaving a gift to the Irish Refugee Council could :

• Support women in the international protection process to find a job that gives them confidence and stability for the future;
• Secure safe housing for a family who just arrived in Ireland;
• Ensure that unaccompanied children receive the protection they need and are empowered to reach their full potential;

We promise to use your gift wisely and resourcefully to champion refugee rights and transform the lives of people seeking protection here in Ireland for many years.

How can I leave a gift in my will?

Making your will is a very straightforward process, and it will give you peace of mind that your family, friends, and charities of your choice will benefit as per your wishes. The steps you should take to put a gift in your will are the following:

1. Make a detailed list of your assets (financial, real estate, vehicles...) and decide how much you want to give to the Irish Refugee Council. 
2. Set up an appointment with your solicitor, who will help you to write your will. If you do not have a solicitor or financial advisor, please contact us; we will help you find one. If you already have a will and wish to amend it, you can ask your solicitor to add a codicil.
3. Contact us to let us know how you would like your gift to be used and your memory to be honoured.  

Want to learn more? Download our Legacy Giving Brochure below. 

For more information on how you can make a long-lasting impact for people seeking protection in Ireland, you can email [email protected]