My decision to bequest my entire estate to the Northern Rivers Community foundation was an easy one.

Having been involved with NRCF since Megan Edwards talked to me about the concept and worked on the first business plan, I am aware that a huge amount of pro bono effort has been expended to make sure that the organisation has robust systems and processes. Some of our community’s finest minds have been working on the governance, investment strategy, giving policy and marketing amongst the many areas that are so important.

As an NRCF Ambassador, I have had the confidence to introduce others to the Foundation and watched them derive satisfaction in the way their money was so wisely invested and the earnings used for such a wide range of community benefits.

Whilst my background has been in business both large and small, my passion has been in community affairs, so I have seen the need for our Foundation to support the social enterprises that do so much to alleviate poverty and suffering. The roll call of recipients has been astounding and there are many community organisations that have been assisted and enhanced by the Foundation’s grants.

I have served on several community associations including Durrumbul Hall, Tweed Brunswick Catchment Care Committee, CLIC, CAN, and currently am Vice Chair of the Byron Community Centre. I know how important it can be for these organisations to receive external funding to continue their great work. As governments continue to cut back on recurrent funding for charities, the Foundation’s work becomes increasingly important.

Therefore, building a corpus that is preserved in perpetuity with the earnings disbursed to the needy in the community makes perfect sense.

There are many special sub funds in NRCF, including youth, education and wildlife conservation. I have chosen to donate to the General Giving Sub Fund so that the foundation has maximum flexibility to fill community needs. I have decided to bequest the entirety of my estate, but others may choose to commit a part to NRCF with the remainder going to family, friends or other charities.

For me, the decision to bequest my estate to NRCF was an easy and one with which I am very comfortable. My bequest will help to build the cash reserves, make the Foundation more viable and continue to help the community far into the future.

My thanks go to John Bennett for helping me to come to this decision and his guidance in its implementation. My thanks also to all the Board and committee members who, over the years, have put so much work into building such a great organisation.

For more information on how you can leave a Bequest to the Foundation, visit the ‘Giving’ Page on our website or contact info@nrcf.org.au, and we’ll put you in touch with our Bequest Ambassador John Bennett.