Leaving a legacy for a good cause: what you need to know

Charitable Bequests: What Matters and What Donors Should Know

That’s what it’s all about

Would you like to use your inheritance for a good cause and leave a charitable bequest? If so, it’s important to choose a transparent and trustworthy organisation. We’ll show you how to recognise one. You can also find out more about the benefits of making a charitable bequest.
Massive rainforest tree at sunrise with golden light filtering through mist and dense foliage.

Article at a glance

  • Most well-known organisations in Germany are trustworthy and very transparent in their work and in their communications with donors
  • Non-profit organisations, in particular, are subject to strict quality standards, which are regularly reviewed
  • These quality standards will help you identify which organisation is a good fit for you and your values
  • As well as practical tax benefits, a charitable donation made through an estate or will offers further advantages
  • Clarity and (legal) certainty, advice and support, as well as the opportunity to pass on one’s own values, are some of the benefits of leaving a legacy to a good cause

1. In safe hands? How to spot a trustworthy organisation

Leaving part of one’s estate to a charitable organisation is a selfless and generous gesture. This is because the nature of inheritance applies only to a limited extent in this case: whilst you may share an organisation’s causes, commitment and values, the relationship of trust that exists with your closest family is difficult to establish with an organisation. 

With your family, friends and other relatives, you know exactly who will receive what from your estate. Perhaps you have a very clear idea of who would be delighted by what. 

To ensure that your generosity in the form of a bequest is reciprocated transparently and effectively, you should scrutinise the organisation you’re considering thoroughly. The following list of questions will help you determine whether an organisation aligns with your values and is trustworthy. 

  1. Are there any public annual or impact reports available?

    A reputable organisation provides regular updates, in the form of reports, on its activities, projects and how donations are used. 

    We publish this information in our Impact Report. 

  2. Does the organisation hold any (independent) certificates or quality marks?

    In addition to membership of the “Initiative for a Transparent Civil Society” or the PHINEO-Wirkt seal, there are other quality marks that may indicate a reputable and transparent organisation. Organisations bearing these seals voluntarily commit to strict quality standards regarding the use of their funds, advertising and financial reporting, in accordance with the criteria for awarding the seal. 

    Wilderness International is a member of the “Transparent Civil Society Initiative”, holds the “Wirkt” seal from PHINEO and has signed Transparency International e.V.’s 10-point voluntary commitment to disclose our activities. We have also established a strict Code of Conduct. 

  3. Are the articles of association available for inspection, and is the organisation’s charitable status enshrined therein?

    The articles of association form the cornerstone of a charitable organisation, setting out its fundamental rules, objectives, structures and charitable status. The articles of association should be published and made available for public inspection. 

    You can view our Articles of Association here.

  4. Is it possible to earmark your donation for a specific purpose?

    If you have a specific wish regarding how your bequest should be used, you can agree to earmark it for a particular purpose. The organisation of your choice should offer you this option. 

    We’d be happy to discuss with you the extent to which your donation can be earmarked for a specific purpose. The framework for this is set out in our articles of association. If, for example, you’re particularly passionate about a specific nature reserve, there’s nothing to stop you from earmarking your donation for that purpose. 

  5. Is the website comprehensive and detailed?

    A detailed and informative website is a sign of transparency and professionalism. The website should not only contain the articles of association and annual reports, but also present specific project descriptions, success stories and accounts of the organisation’s impact, and introduce the team. 

    You can take your time to browse the Wilderness International website via the homepage.

  6. Is it possible to arrange a face-to-face consultation, with no obligation?

    The opportunity to get in touch directly with the organisation and ask any questions you may have about bequests should be a prerequisite for your involvement. 

    We look forward to hearing from you and would be delighted to tell you more about our foundation and wilderness conservation in Peru and Canada.

  7. Does the organisation share information and updates on a regular basis?

    Charities are accountable to their donors. This also applies to information. That is why a credible organisation reports regularly on its projects, achievements and news. This ensures transparency and builds trust. 

    You can find Wilderness International on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube, where we share news with you, as well as in our magazine and via our newsletter. 

  8. Is there any concrete evidence of effectiveness?

    Concrete evidence of the impact of projects or achievements is an important sign of transparency. This allows you to see how donations are being used and whether they are having the intended impact in accordance with the organisation’s constitution. 

    Transparency, traceability and impact are crystal clear at Wilderness International: for every euro donated, we protect 1 square metre of old-growth forest – permanently. Our donors receive a certificate for every donation, showing the exact geographical coordinates of the protected forest area. Our ‘Wirkt!’ seal from Phineo also confirms our measurable successes in climate and species conservation.

  9. Are the administrative costs reasonable?

    Administrative costs are all expenditure that does not go directly towards the project objectives set out in the articles of association, but is necessary for the smooth and professional running of the organisation – such as IT, human resources management or marketing expenditure. 

    According to the DZI, the following administrative cost ratios apply: 

    • Less than 10 per cent: “low”
    • 10 per cent to under 20 per cent: ‘reasonable’
    • 20 per cent to 30 per cent: “justifiable”
    • Over 30 per cent: “unacceptably high”


    Our administrative cost ratio stands at 5 per cent. In practical terms, this means that for every euro donated, we use 5 cents for administrative purposes.

Aerial view of rainforest with large yellow flowering tree beside river at sunset, with small buildings below.
A view of the Peruvian rainforest and our research station. 

2. Benefits of a charitable bequest

Supporting an organisation – and, by extension, a vision – for life is not just a good feeling. It brings tangible benefits. We set these out below.

Passing on one’s own values

By making a bequest to a charitable organisation of your choice, you can support the causes that matter to you. Whether it’s nature conservation, animal welfare, intergenerational justice or sustainability – a bequest leaves a (lasting) legacy. 

For example, you can enable Wilderness International to preserve further protected areas in the Amazon rainforest and temperate rainforests for ever and to safeguard them for future generations. In this way, you pass on your values to those who come after you. 

Simple, simple

It’s easy to sort out your estate with a will. You can prepare well for writing it, and ultimately all you need is a pen and a sheet of paper. Settling an estate is usually straightforward too.

Relieved, safe and clear

Many people say that they feel almost liberated once they have sorted out their own estate. Knowing that everything has been clarified, divided up and will be dealt with reliably after their death is an enormous relief. 

Dealing with one’s own mortality in this matter-of-fact way
can also bring a sense of inner peace.

Not alone

Even though it is less complicated than it seems, coming to terms with one’s own mortality, German inheritance law and other formalities can be overwhelming. A key advantage of leaving a bequest to a charitable organisation is therefore that you receive sound advice at all times and do not have to go through this process on your own. 

We’re happy to be on hand to help with any questions, uncertainties or important matters you may have.

Committed for life

It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you can leave a lasting legacy through a bequest. Whichever project or organisation you wish to support, most charitable organisations are designed to be long-lasting. 

This is particularly true of Wilderness International: your bequest protects forests, animals and plants – down to the exact square metre – for ever. You’ll even know in advance exactly how large your protected area will be.

Tax benefits

Tax benefits should not be overlooked. Bequests to charitable organisations are always exempt from inheritance tax. This benefits everyone involved: 

  • As a donor, you know what cause you are supporting and that your legacy is in good hands.
  • As the beneficiary, the organisation receives the full amount – without any deductions or tax.
  • For your other heirs, the individual tax burden may be reduced.

Guide: How do I write a will?

Further reading on this topic: Estates, charitable bequests and charitable inheritance