National campaign about bequeathing to science and young talent

In the campaign, seven donors to different university funds appear with a blank cut-out of themselves. In a way, it symbolize the emptiness they leave behind when they are no longer there. On that empty space they write their reason for leaving a legacy to 'their' university. With their legacy, their ambition in life, lives on. The reasons are quite diverse and strictly personal: 'Because here, I learned that we humans are part of nature', one reads. "Because I believe we need breakthroughs for muscle diseases," says another. Their bequests will one day support a variety of social themes, such as innovation, medical research, talent development, democracy, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. "Everyone has their own reason for leaving a legacy, what is yours?" the campaign concludes. In this way, the university funds hope to make people think about to include their university in the will—whether alongside others or exclusively.

A legacy can make a significant difference for (prospective) students, researchers, and entrepreneurs at WUR when regular funding is not possible. To make a personal and well-considered choice for a specific cause, interested parties can talk to Harry Verwaaijen, relationship manager Legacies at the University Fund, the supporting fund of Wageningen University & Research (WUR).

"A legacy is not an everyday subject. People are rightly thinking it through," says Verwaaijen. "Many donors want to leave something that really suits them. I like to think along with them to see how their legacy can effectively contribute to topics that WUR is strong in and that the donor is concerned about or for which he or she sees future opportunities." The passion of the donor is leading for the conversation, but the wishes in the will must be feasible to execute by WUR, especially if it is expected to be a long time before someone passes away. "Bringing both interests and insights together usually turns out to be a beautiful, valuable journey of discovery - for both parties."

By including a donation to University Fund Wageningen in a will, people can contribute to groundbreaking research and education at WUR in the fields of climate, biodiversity, food, and the living environment to improve the quality of life for future generations. Because the university fund is an independent ANBI foundation, 100% of the inheritance will benefit the cause that the donor has in mind. In this way, their legacy will help future generations of researchers, students, and starting entrepreneurs to find and realise solutions to tomorrow's social issues.