Donations

Bequests and legacies

Bequests and legacies help the ICRC to help the victims of conflict. They are an essential source of funds for the ICRC, enabling us to restore hope and dignity to millions around the world.

Overview

Two examples of what your bequest or legacy can do

Help children find their families

Keeping families together is an essential part of human dignity. Every year, the ICRC and the National Societies help hundreds of thousands of people to restore contact with their families or find out what has happened to missing relatives.

Provide water and shelter for people affected by war

All over the world, ICRC engineers restore water and sewerage systems and rebuild hospitals damaged by conflict.

How to include the ICRC in your will

The requirements for a will vary widely from one country to another. In Switzerland, for instance, a signed, dated, handwritten document, stating the place of signature, constitutes a valid will.
You should consult a professional, such as a notary public, lawyer, bank official or financial consultant, to make sure that the will says what you want it to and that it complies with the law, especially as regards the entitlements of family members.
The ICRC is exempt from taxation on bequests and legacies in most Swiss cantons. Please feel free to consult us regarding the tax situation in your country, or for any other information.
Because the term "Red Cross" is open to a variety of interpretations, it is essential to state the ICRC's full name and address in your will:

International Committee of the Red Cross
19, Avenue de la Paix
1202 Geneva
Switzerland