Unity in the Enduring Spirit of Optimism: A Celebration of Common Purpose
In recent years, Italy has witnessed a growing trend in charitable bequests, with more individuals choosing to support non-profit organisations like Lega del Filo d'Oro in their wills. This shift is partly due to increased awareness and promotion by charities themselves, as well as legal reforms offering tax incentives for charitable giving.
Lega del Filo d'Oro, a prominent Italian non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting people with sensory disabilities, has actively encouraged this movement. The organisation has been advocating for legacy giving as part of its fundraising strategy, raising public awareness about the impact of charitable bequests and encouraging donors to include them in their wills.
Through educational campaigns, media outreach, and personalised support for potential legacy donors, Lega del Filo d'Oro has seen a significant increase in bequests. In 2024 alone, the organisation received 130 legacies, a testament to the growing support for its mission.
A legacy gift is a donation specified in a will, drawn up by any adult of sound mind. Assets that can be allocated include money, TFR quotas, shares, investment funds, movable assets such as jewellery or works of art, or immovable assets like apartments, land, or offices.
This growing trend aligns with broader European trends of philanthropy through wills and testamentary gifts. In Italy, awareness of charitable bequests has grown by 12% over the past five years, with more than half a million Italians already including charitable bequests in their arrangements.
Moreover, 6.3 million Italians have a positive orientation towards charitable bequests, and 68% of those planning charitable bequests would involve their closest relatives in the decision. For 77% of the surveyed sample, the Third Sector is considered the most active in improving quality of life.
Lega del Filo d'Oro, which has been a significant reference in Italy for deaf-blindness and psycho-sensory disability since 1964, strengthens its services to users and expands its structures with the support of testators through legacy gifts. The organisation supports the autonomy of deaf-blind individuals and provides care to about 1,250 people each year.
For those interested in learning more about charitable bequests and Lega del Filo d'Oro, contact Alessandra Carancini at [email protected] or 071 7245328. It's a bequest of hope that allows continued support for a cause one believes in, making a difference for organisations like Lega del Filo d'Oro, which commits to supporting deaf-blind individuals daily.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that legacy gifts are not subject to tax and do not affect the legitimate shares of one's loved ones. Leaving a part of one's assets to a non-profit organisation is a bequest of hope that allows continued support for a cause one believes in.
In 2018, the total value of charitable bequests increased by 32% compared to 2015, amounting to €137 million for 149 organisations. As awareness and participation in charitable bequests continue to grow, it's clear that this form of giving will play a significant role in the future of philanthropy in Italy.
Work in the science of philanthropy has shown that legacy giving, a type of health-and-wellness-focused charitable bequest, has been experiencing a surge in Italy over the past few years. This trend is particularly evident in organizations like Lega del Filo d'Oro, which encourages its supporters to leave a portion of their assets to the organization upon their death, contributing to its mission of supporting individuals with sensory disabilities.
