Making a bequest

The lasting impact of bequests is nowhere more evident than in the Rhodes Scholarships themselves.

Including the Rhodes Trust in your will is simple and straightforward. Many Rhodes Scholars think it especially fitting that the beneficiaries of one of the world's most remarkable bequests should themselves help to secure and improve the Rhodes Scholarships for the future through their own bequests.

A gift from your will to the Rhodes Trust may reduce the amount of tax payable from your estate. This varies from country to country so please seek advice from your solicitor or financial advisor.

The Rhodes Trust is a UK registered charity, with the number 232492.

Suggested language:

For an outright bequest:  "I give the sum of ________ (in figures and words) to the Rhodes Trust, and I declare that the receipt of the Warden or other duly authorised officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors."

For a residual bequest:  "I give the whole (or a percentage share) of the residue of my estate to the Rhodes Trust, and I declare that the receipt of the Warden or other duly authorised officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors."

Suggested specific required language for UK taxpayers:                

For an outright bequest:  "I give free of tax the sum of £________ (in figures and words) to the Rhodes Trust to be used for its general charitable purposes, and I declare that the receipt of the Warden or other duly authorised officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors."

For a residual bequest:  "I give the whole (or a percentage share) of the residue of my estate to the Rhodes Trust to be used for its general charitable purposes, and I declare that the receipt of the Warden or other duly authorised officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors."

Suggested specific required language for US taxpayers:

For an outright bequest:  "I give and bequeath to Americans for Oxford for the benefit of the Rhodes Trust the sum of ______________ exclusively for the advancement and support of the Rhodes Scholarships.

For a residual bequest: 'All (or%) of the rest, residue,and remainder of my estate which I own or am entitled to at the time of my death, I give, devise and bequeath to Americans for Oxford for the benefit of the Rhodes Trust exclusively for the support and advancement of the Rhodes Scholarships.

Let us know your intentions:

The details of your will are naturally a private matter. We would, however, be grateful if you were willing to complete the notification form and return it to the Trust, or to contact Krista Slade at krista.slade@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk or on +44 (0) 1865 270952.

Your communication will allow us to include you as a member of the Rhodes Society, the society of bequestors to support the Rhodes Scholarships. Members of the Rhodes Society will be recognized in publications and honoured at an annual event at Rhodes House.

Planned giving:

For information on other planned giving opportunities, including charitable remainder and lead trusts, please email development@rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk or contact Krista Slade, Director of Development, on +44 (0) 1865 270952.