A bequest to the university: a gift for the future
Have you considered including the Leiden University Fund in your will? This is a way to give future generations of scholars and students the opportunity to develop their talents and to make a valuable contribution to society, and ensures that your ideals live on in academic endeavour.
The government does not provide funding for all our academic education and research, therefore contributions from donors are essential. By including the Leiden University Fund (LUF) in your will, you give young scholars at Leiden University the opportunity in the future to conduct innovative research that will help to create a better world; or provide talented students with a grant, so that they can gain knowledge and experience abroad; or make it possible for student associations to organise study trips, symposia and cultural activities. On 7 November the LUF will be holding a lunch event about bequests to the university.
Society of the future
Former D66 politician and Leiden University professor Laurens Jan Brinkhorst describes his student days in Leiden as ‘exceptionally inspiring’. He is now in the autumn of his life and would like to give something back. ‘The students of the present will shape the society of the future. I would therefore urge anyone who, like myself, has benefited greatly from their studies, and has some financial latitude, to contribute to the continuity of education and research.’
If you don’t make a will, your estate will go to the people who are your heirs according to the law. If you would like to specify your beneficiaries yourself and, for example, leave a bequest to a charity, you need to make a will. This document will be drawn up by a civil-law notary, in close consultation with you.
A clearer picture of heart damage
Arti A. Ramkisoensing works as a cardiologist and researcher in the Heart Diseases department of the LUMC. She received a grant from the Den Dulk-Moermans Fund, which was established with a bequest from Mr. A.M. den Dulk. The aim of Ramkisoensing’s research is to gain a clearer picture of heart damage, so that biological therapies for the damaged heart can be developed. ‘Thanks to the grant, we could conduct a robust investigation of the environment of cardiomyocytes (cardiac muscle cells). This allowed me to partly answer a research question I have had for many years.’
Like many other charities, the LUF is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation (ANBI), which means that the LUF will not pay any inheritance tax on your bequest. Therefore everything you bequeath to the LUF will be used for the benefit of research, education and/or students.
Giving students a great opportunity
In 1971 a scholarship made it possible for Elly van Dongen to become the first member of her family to study at university. ‘There are still people who can’t go to university if a suitable scholarship isn’t available for them. I want to make a contribution so that students are given such a great opportunity to develop their talents, just as I was.’
By leaving a bequest to the LUF, you can support future generations of researchers, academics, administrators and alumni who make the difference in a wide range of positions in society. More information will be given during the lunch event on 7 November and can also be found on the LUF website. A campaign to promote bequests to universities, organised by all Dutch universities, will be launched on 16 November.