Making a Will is highly personal, and there are many reasons why individuals choose UCC among the causes they care so deeply as to include it in their plans:

• a belief in the transformational impact of education for future generations
• a desire to find solutions to the biggest challenges of our time such as climate change, the rights of children, or improving patient outcomes for those with debilitating conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Cancer
• a way of giving more generously than possible in your lifetime
• reducing or eliminating inheritance tax liability

Yes, both words refer to a gift made in your Will. In some countries the term “planned gift” is also used.

You can make a Will at any stage of your life. We recommend that you start by contacting a solicitor who will be able to give you professional advice based on your personal circumstances and answer any questions you might have.

Yes. It is important that you review your Will regularly and it is easy to change. This change is called a ‘codicil’ and can be easily drawn up by your solicitor.

Legacies are often unrestricted gifts, allowing UCC to use the funds wherever the need is greatest at that particular time. However, if you have a particular area of interest that you’d like to benefit please contact foundation@ucc.ie or call 021 420 5400 to discuss your intentions in confidence.

We will always try to understand what you hope to achieve from the legacy and to document your wishes for the future. This confidential discussion is helpful as it can help your executors when administrating your estate.

There are three ways, and your solicitor will be able to provide you with advice on which option best suits your wishes and personal circumstances:

• The first is a residuary bequest, which is when the remainder (or part of the remainder) of your estate is bequeathed to the charity once all of your family and loved ones have been taken care of.
• The second type is a pecuniary bequest, which is a specific sum of money that you would like to donate to the charity or charities of your choice from your estate. You can ask for this donation amount to be index linked to ensure that its value remains the same over time.
• The third way is a specific gift of property such as jewelry, household items, or shares.

If you would like to remember UCC in your Will, it’s important to specify the charity’s registered name, address, and charity number:

Registered name: Cork University Foundation
Registered address: c/o Alumni & Development, University College Cork, 2.12 Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, T12 XF62
Registered charity number (RCN): 20033385

In addition, your solicitor may find the following wording helpful:

Ireland
"I give Cork University Foundation University College Cork - Registered Charity No. 20033385 [ the sum of €_____ ] or [ _____% share of my residuary estate ] or [ the item/s specified ] for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of the treasurer or other proper officer shall be full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy."

If you would like to be more specific about how your gift is used, then please add the following wording: "I express the wish, without creating any trust or imposing any other legally binding obligation, that... <preference be given to medical research in Ageing/ research in APC Microbiome Ireland /undergraduates studying social sciences/postgraduate students in Access Plus>" etc.

United Kingdom
Please contact foundation@ucc.ie or call 021 420 5400

United States of America
USA taxpayers should contact foundation@ucc.ie for details on which organisation UCC is working with in regard to charitable status under section 501(c)(3) of the USA Internal Revenue Code, should you wish to offset a donation against your tax bill. The following example may be tailored to best suit your particular financial circumstances.

To create a bequest for immediate use, the preferred phrase is: "I give [ the sum of $_____ ] or [ _____% of my estate ], to <tbc>, a 501(c)(3) charity, for the benefit of Cork University Foundation (if your bequest is for a specific purpose, state the purpose at University College Cork), although I understand that this request is not binding on the part of the Trustees."

Canada
If you are resident in Canada, notifications should be sent to Cork University Foundation. A bequest to University College Cork is deductible for estate tax purposes, and there is no limit on the amount of the estate tax charitable deduction. The suggested wording of a Canadian bequest is:

"I direct my Estate Trustee to transfer as a gift to University College Cork (an educational institution specifically designated for charitable donations under the Income Taxes Act (Canada) and Regulations [Section 3505] thereto) [ the sum of $_____ ] or [ _____% of my estate ], to be used for the benefit of University College Cork."

Rest of the World
UCC is the fortunate beneficiary of legacy gifts from around the world. If you wish to talk to us about an international legacy gift, please get in touch with Cork University Foundation and we can help you plan your future gift to University College Cork.

You can specify what the money is to be used for, e.g. “UCC’s area of greatest need,” “scholarships,” “establishing a student prize in perpetuity,” “funding cancer research,” ”financing the work of scientists who are trying to find a cure for Parkinson's,” or “to support the operational activities of the Glucksman Gallery,” etc.

This is completely up to you. No matter the amount of your gift, the University is very grateful. If you choose to leave a fixed sum of money to Cork University Foundation, do bear in mind that inflation may decrease its value over time.

Can I leave a legacy in-memory of someone? Yes. If you wish to make your legacy gift in memory of someone close to you, please contact foundation@ucc.ie or call 021 420 5400 and we would be happy to discuss what may be possible to honour this.

It is useful for the university to fully document your wishes and make a connection for the benefit of your family and executors. The team also welcomes the chance to meet, get to know and thank everyone who has chosen to support UCC in such a special way. In other words, informing UCC is not required, but it is very helpful and meaningful.

No, we are not allowed to act as executors. We recommend that you speak to a solicitor who will help you consider different scenarios and all eventualities.

You should contact Cork University Foundation c/o UCC’s Advancement Office at foundation@ucc.ie or by calling 021 420 5400. The Foundation is responsible for oversight of all fundraising for UCC, and the independent Board members help steward all gifts and donor relationships.

When you confirm your intention to leave a legacy to Cork University Foundation for the benefit of UCC, you will be invited to join a legacy society – you and your fellow-minded supporters will be invited to a special event of Thanks each year.