A sizeable bequest has surprised and delighted Presbyterian Support Otago chief executive Gillian Bremner.
Money given through a person's will is becoming a more important component of the funding mix for charity organisations.
In a year when recession has made other revenue sources less certain, an unexpected gift of $174,057 to Presbyterian Support Otago from the estate of Grace Christian has been greeted as a wonderful and timely surprise.
"We are absolutely delighted,'' Mrs Bremner said.
"The funds will be used for something substantial, perhaps a building or a new initiative, rather than operating expenses.''
Public Trust estate manager Rob Bailey said little was known about Miss Christian, who was born in London in 1928.
She came to Dunedin in 1957, was not married and had no children.
"Ideally, we like to develop a relationship with people who are leaving us money in their will,'' Mrs Bremner said.
"In this case we have not had that opportunity.'' A bequest was often the single biggest monetary donation a person made.
"They tend to represent their hopes, dreams and values.''
The Giving New Zealand report estimated not-for-profit organisations received about $75 million from bequests in 2006.
Bequests were a small part of the fundraising mix in New Zealand but overseas experience suggested they would become increasingly important, PSO communications and fundraising director Lisa Wells said.
"The people who are our current donors are ageing and it is these people who have a lifetime habit of supporting causes in their communities,'' Mrs Wells said.
"The challenge is for organisations to show these potential bequestors that a gift in their will can continue the work which they supported in their lifetime.''
PSO anticipated receiving about $120,000 a year in bequests. Last year it received bequests totalling $380,000.
"Bequests tend to be invested until we can honour the donors' instructions.''
