Consider leaving us a bequest so we can continue to do all the things you love about BATS for future generations to come.
A bequest is a gift left in a will. Most bequests are made by everyday people who want to make a positive difference to their community after they're gone. It can be as much or as little as you want, a percentage or a set amount. The good news is that including a charity like BATS in your will is easy.
Without the generosity of the BATS community, we wouldn’t be able to do the things we do. Bequests form the financial basis of many New Zealand charities and are essential for ensuring the good work they do continues into the future, so why not include BATS!
A will is the only way for you to say how your money should be used after your death. A will also means less confusion and heartache for your loved ones in their time of grief. If you don’t make a will, part or all of your estate may end up going to people you never intended to benefit.
Cherie Jacobson and Bevin Linkhorn are two awesome peeps who have BATS in their wills. This is what they have to say about why they have left a bequest for BATS.
BATS has been an important part of my life as a theatre maker, a staff member, and an audience member. I’ve learned so much at BATS and worked with lots of amazing people. So, when I thought about which organisations I might like to support through a bequest in my will, BATS was an obvious choice. As someone who has worked at BATS and now works in a museum, I know how challenging it can be to meet operational funding needs – lots of funding providers want to fund specific projects and new initiatives rather than the day-to-day ongoing costs. So, I didn’t want my bequest to be attached to anything specific – I trust that as long as BATS stays true to its purpose and its role in the community, then the people running it will know what to do with my bequest when the time comes. I’m not someone who is particularly comfortable thinking about death, but it’s nice to know that I can make a contribution to an organisation that’s important to me after I’ve gone. Plus, as someone who has worn the producer hat many times, I like to be organised! Cherie Jacobson
We don’t think about death a lot, and fair enough. It can feel like a big scary monster. And when it comes to our own death, ideally it will happen far, far, far into the future after we’ve lived a happy and productive life. SURELY! But it will happen, so it’s good to be prepared. I recently updated my will and it got me thinking about who and what organisations I might want to support with a bequest when my time comes. BATS has made it into my will because I’ve learned so much working there as an actor, writer, theatre maker, and producer and I’ve enjoyed watching the work of others. I want to see BATS continue to support emerging and successful creatives for a long, long time, but BATS can only do that with support and funds from its community. You can’t take your money with you when you’re gone, so think about who could benefit from it when the time comes. Bevin Linkhorn
For those considering a gift to BATS in their will, BATS has partnered with local law firm Succeed Legal to offer a free standard will (up to the value of $800). Please contact our Partnerships Manager, Lyndee-Jane Rutherford [email protected] to arrange a meeting to discuss this very special arrangement with Succeed Legal.
FAQ
What is BATS Theatre’s full name and charity number?
BATS Theatre Ltd and our registered charity number is CC20220. You will need these details to give to your lawyer in order to make a bequest.
Will my family and friends miss out if I leave a bequest to BATS?
Including a charity is not about excluding your family. You can consider both.
Do you have to be rich to leave a bequest?
You don’t have to be “wealthy” to include BATS in your will. Anyone can leave a charitable gift. A bequest, big or small, can make a big difference to a cause that is important to you.
I want to include BATS but I don’t know where to start?
Your lawyer/solicitor can help you prepare a will or amend your current one. BATS has partnered with local law firm Succeed Legal to offer a free standard will (up to the value of $800). Please contact our Partnerships Manager, Lyndee-Jane Rutherford [email protected] to arrange a meeting to discuss this very special arrangement with Succeed Legal.
Do I have to tell BATS I’m leaving a gift?
If you've arranged to make a gift to BATS, we would love to hear about it. That way we’ll have the opportunity to thank you personally and perhaps discuss how we might invest your future gift. Letting us know what you've done also helps give us an idea of how many people are planning to leave a gift in their will, which helps us plan for the future. If you’d like to remain anonymous, your request will be honoured.
If you have any further question or you’d simply like to discuss, please contact BATS Theatre’s Partnerships Manager, Lyndee-Jane Rutherford [email protected]
