Creating A Legacy

Girton was founded on a principle of excellence and inclusion, and the challenges of this year have presented many opportunities for the College community to continue to show leadership and compassion.

From its response to the A-Levels results upheaval in the summer of 2020, to the recent announcement that the College is to be among the first to host students for the Cambridge Foundation Year—an innovative new programme offering talented students from backgrounds of educational and social disadvantage a new route to undergraduate study—the College is opening its doors wider and for more talented scholars than ever before. To achieve all that Girton has, it depends on a world-class Fellowship, dedicated staff, and the generosity of many Girtonians and friends. Bursaries and Fellowships are being endowed, the reach of hardship grants is extending, and more postgraduates are able to take up their hard-earned places thanks to new scholarships. Gifts in Wills are vital to these achievements and will be essential for the College’s future plans and growth for generations to come.

Gifts in Wills have played a central role in the success of A Great Campaign, both in terms of income received and pledges for the future. These future pledges, to be realised over the long term, have grown significantly over the course of the Campaign and we owe a deep gratitude to all those who have included the College in their Will. Every gift is appreciated, no matter the size, and every gift is acknowledged. If you have joined or are considering joining this special group of supporters in helping Girton to deliver its world-class educational experience, please get in touch. The College recognises that such pledges and estimates are not binding, and that circumstances can change, but they help us to say thank you and find out more about the aspects of Girton that are important to you.

Making a Gift in your Will

You can choose to make a cash gift or donate a proportion of your estate (even 1% can make a big difference). Girton College is a registered charity (Registered Charity Number 1137541) so including the College in your Will may reduce your estate’s Inheritance Tax liability. When making a Will we suggest that you use the following wording:

‘I give to the Mistress, Fellows and Scholars of Girton College, Cambridge (Registered Charity Number 1137541) [the residue of my estate] [_____% of the residue of my estate] [the sum of _________] free of tax for the Unrestricted Permanent Endowment Capital of the College and I declare that the receipt by the Bursar or other authorised Officer of the College shall be good and sufficient discharge to my Executors.’ We recommend that you seek professional advice when making or amending a Will.

For a confidential conversation please contact the Development Director on +44 (0)1223 339893, d.easlick@girton. cam.ac.uk, or the Legacy Officer on +44 (0)1223 338901, e.cornwall@girton.cam. ac.uk. Information regarding Gifts in Wills, including information on planned giving for our US- and Canadian-based alumni and supporters, is available on our website: www.girton.cam.ac.uk/legacy.

Recognising your Generosity

An invitation to join the 1869 Society is extended to all those who choose to notify the College of their intention to remember Girton in their Will. In addition to a purple lapel pin, members receive invitations to special events from time to time.

By including Girton in your Will you are supporting a pioneering institution with a stellar past and an exciting future— thank you.

The 1869 Society

Thank you! We hope that this sentiment is communicated successfully to Girtonians and our friends but in these extraordinary times it must be repeated loud and often as the College has experienced such extraordinary levels of support.

This is best illustrated by the fact that the 1869 Society has welcomed over 80 new members this last year. The society is dedicated to those whose forethought and generosity extends to notifying the College of their intention to include Girton in their Will. The society’s membership is broad (covering matriculation years from 1930s to 2018) and passionate about all things Girton. We have welcomed the opportunity to host members at special events from time to time. These events have featured exhibitions, stunning performances by world-class musicians (including private recitals), talks from current students and Fellows, and stimulating company.

Performance of Bach’s St John Passion in Hall

In addition to these remarkable events, members receive a Christmas card each year that includes a brief biography of an influential benefactor whose contributions are recognised at the annual Commemoration of Benefactors Ceremony. A wide range of lively personalities whose gifts and energies have transformed the fortunes of the College have been featured in this ceremony including our founders Emily Davies and Barbara Bodichon and, most recently, Alfred Yarrow—a prolific inventor and engineer who recognised the importance of scientific research by women and men alike.

This moving Ceremony is completed by the recitation of names of our founders and benefactors including those whose Gifts in Wills the College has received. The recitation brings together voices from across the College as the names are read out by Girtonians, Honorary Fellows, Fellows, MCR, JCR and staff representatives. This year the Commemoration of Benefactors Ceremony was recorded and it can be viewed on the College’s website: bit.ly/CofBC2020

If you would like to receive more information about remembering Girton in your Will, or receive an invitation to join the 1869 Society, please do not hesitate to contact Emma Cornwall in the Development Office (e.cornwall@ girton.cam.ac.uk, +44 (0)1223 338901). Emma would also welcome hearing from 1869 Society members who would like to lend their voice to the dedicated section of the College website:

www.girton.cam.ac.uk/alumnisupporters/give-girton/legators-and-theirstories

1869 Society lapel pin