Donations and bequests to KU Leuven by KULeuven_publications

DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS TO KU LEUVEN

Together, we open the future

A LONG TRADITION OF PHILANTHROPY

At the beginning of the 20th century, KU Leuven was funded exclusively by private individuals. Affluent citizens made donations to support the University.

In 1911, KU Leuven acquired legal personality. This was also when the government started funding higher education and research, thus replacing private donations.

From 1985, a new approach meant that private benefactors could again support research. This also led to the establishment of the system of endowed chairs, whereby private sector partners support a particular research project at the University for at least three years.

In 2000, KU Leuven celebrated its 575th anniversary. The sponsorship fund set up on this occasion attracted no less than 1.5 million euro in donations.

By 2010, 2.2 percent of research at KU Leuven was funded by private individuals, companies and organisations.

Today, more than ten years later, that figure has grown to 21 million euro or 3.7 percent, and donations have become an indispensable part of the University's resources.

KU LEUVEN, A HUMAN ENDEAVOUR*

13,590 KU LEUVEN STAFF

9,326 LEUVEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL STAFF

8,157 PROFESSORS AND RESEARCHERS

64,151 STUDENTS

15,510 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

319,700 ALUMNI

11,119 DONORS

* figures from 2023

TEACHING UNDERPINNED BY RESEARCH

Leading scientists and scholars as professors

Excellent visiting professors

Interdisciplinary approach

High-tech facilities

Support for entrepreneurship

Dear reader,

KU Leuven has over 8,000 researchers, all of them bold thinkers and doers. They have passion, discipline and perseverance, and often a lot of patience. The results of their research inform our academic education, to which they contribute as lecturers.

Their efforts do not go unnoticed. For years, KU Leuven has been proud to be ranked the most innovative university in Europe. Even more than in rankings, the impact of our research manifests itself in our daily lives. For example, it contributes to reduced social inequality, the valorisation of heritage, improvements in education, technological progress and better healthcare for more people.

If people are the proverbial engine of our research institution, resources are the fuel driving them. Like our staff, they are indispensable. KU Leuven is funded by various public and private sector partners, and in addition can draw on a long tradition of philanthropy. For many years, KU Leuven has been able to rely on loyal benefactors who provide our University with much-needed resources. In 2023, we received no less than 21,465,401 euro in donations. In recent years, the share of donations in our overall financial resources has steadily increased, from 2.2 percent in 2010 to 3.7 percent today.

These donations reflect our donors’ trust in our University, which is a source of pride for us. Every donor has their own personal reasons for supporting the University, but what they have in common is their altruism and their determination to challenge the status quo. Rest assured: your contributions make an impact. Whether you help establish an endowed chair, make a bequest to KU Leuven in your will, or think of us when celebrating a major life event. Every contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference. On behalf of the entire KU Leuven community, I would like to thank you sincerely for your trust and support. Together, we open the future.

Professor Luc Sels, KU Leuven Rector

MANIFESTO

Driven by a desire to discover. Resolute and refusing to give up. Determined to make the world a better place.

Our professors and researchers push boundaries in search of a breakthrough. Inspired by the extraordinary and armed with knowledge of the past, they bring the future closer. Not necessarily by giant leaps, but step by step they succeed in what was previously considered unthinkable.

All our campuses are brimming with talent, knowledge and enthusiasm. Our academics’ inventiveness is the engine of progress. They do not limit themselves to what is possible, but try to achieve what seems impossible. Through the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office, we support them in this endeavour. We are equally driven and tenacious. And unreservedly optimistic.

We want to help shape the future. Not just a little, but fundamentally and worldwide. Replenish our planet. Reinvent education for future generations and make it accessible for all. Accelerate economic prosperity. Reduce social inequality. And guarantee health for all.

Our University is among the most innovative in the world. This fuels our ambition. Together, we open the future.

DO YOU CARE ABOUT THE FUTURE?

KU Leuven's projects cover a wide range of socially relevant issues, with a focus on five key areas.

WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH

We support researchers doing groundbreaking work and striving for sustainable innovation, and try to increase our social impact through a broad range of projects.

FUTURE-ORIENTED EDUCATION

To encourage students and widen access to higher education, we award a variety of grants, scholarships and prizes.

OUTSTANDING HEALTHCARE

Together with its hospitals and research centres, KU Leuven is the driving force behind efforts to continuously improve the quality of healthcare.

STRONG INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS

We are strongly committed to in-depth structural cooperation, based on sustainable capacity building and international partnerships.

SUSTAINABLE CARE FOR HERITAGE AND CULTURE

KU Leuven manages a rich collection of heritage assets. By investing in our valuable heritage, we preserve it for future generations.

The COVID-19 crisis did not prevent enthusiastic volunteers and KU Leuven fund managers from organising successful fundraising activities.

© UZ Leuven

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT US?

Since it was founded in 1425, KU Leuven has set very high ambitions for itself. As a university, we want to help shape the future and move beyond boundaries, looking for the next big breakthrough. Every day, our professors and researchers work tirelesslysometimes step by step, but always with unreserved optimism - to make the unthinkable possible. The donations made to the University through the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office are invaluable in this process.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE 10

Donors are indispensable to our University. Your help enables us to push the boundaries of research and create new opportunities.

MAJOR GIVING –OPENING THE FUTURE 12

If you are considering supporting KU Leuven with a major gift, the Opening the future team is here to help you.

SET UP A FUND OR PHILANTHROPIC PROJECT 17

Would you like to help shape the future by supporting a project or cause that matters to you? If so, you can set up a fund or a philanthropic project and work small miracles, as in the more than 160 active funds and countless other projects being run by KU Leuven. Of course, you can also support existing funds and projects.

SET UP AN ENDOWED CHAIR 20

Creating an endowed chair allows you or your company to support an ambitious research or educational project. Currently, over a hundred endowed chairs are held at KU Leuven.

LEAVE A BEQUEST TO KU LEUVEN IN YOUR WILL 23

Include a bequest to KU Leuven in your will. As a testator, you can specify the purpose for which your bequest should be used.

CONSIDER A DONATION ON THE OCCASION OF A MAJOR LIFE EVENT 33

Are you hosting a birthday or wedding party, a baby shower, graduation or retirement party in the near future? Perhaps this is a good occasion to support research at KU Leuven?

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE MAKE A DONATION TO KU LEUVEN

Would you like to support KU Leuven and its University Hospitals? If so, you only need to decide what and how to donate, and our legal advisors will take care of the rest. Tailor-made advice is offered in complete confidentiality. Each donor is personally assisted by our professional team from start to finish.

There are three different ways to make a donation.

MANUAL GIFT

Would you like to donate a painting, or a collection of coins or books to KU Leuven? This can be arranged through a manual gift, for which a notarial deed is not required. You simply hand over the property to KU Leuven. Our legal advisors will prepare the necessary documents to acknowledge receipt of the gift.

GIFT BY BANK TRANSFER

Would you like to donate a sum of money to KU Leuven? This can be arranged via bank transfer. Again, a notarial deed is not required. You can simply transfer money from your bank account to KU Leuven’s philanthropy account with account number BE45 7340 1941 7789 (BIC code: KREDBEBB). You can also donate securities. When making the transfer, include the structured payment reference of the cause you wish to support. This information can be found on our website. For amounts exceeding 10,000 euro, please contact our legal advisors in advance.

DONATION BY NOTARIAL DEED

A notarial deed of gift is a legal document executed before a notary. A deed is required for any gift of immovable property and can also be used when donating movable property, although this can also be done via a manual gift or by bank transfer.

Gift tax rates are as follows: 6.6 percent for tax residents in the Brussels-Capital Region and 7 percent for tax residents in the Walloon Region.

Good news! As of 1 July 2021, gift tax is no longer due in the Flemish Region if KU Leuven is the beneficiary of the gift, nor is any inheritance tax due if the donor passes away within three years of making the donation.

CAN YOU GET TAX RELIEF?

If you donate 40 euro or more to KU Leuven over the course of a year, you will receive a tax receipt. This will be sent to you automatically in the Spring and will entitle you to a tax reduction of 45 percent of the donated amount.

In the case of private individuals, the total amount of donations for which tax relief is granted must not exceed 10 percent of their net income, with a maximum deductible amount of 408,130 euro (for tax year 2024, assessment year 2025).

For companies, the total amount of donations for which tax relief can be granted is limited to 5 percent of their net profit with a maximum deductible amount of 500,000 euro.

A tax receipt is only issued for cash donations, not for donations in kind.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE FROM ABROAD?

Do you live abroad, or is your company based abroad? You can still help KU Leuven fulfil its social mission of education and research. As a legal entity, KU Leuven can be the beneficiary of your donation without any problem, wherever you are based in the world. However, contact our legal advisors first before donating from abroad.

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

If you would like to receive detailed personal and tailor-made advice, please contact Nadine Loenders, Elke Gilgemyn, Elsie Laes or Lotte Rudel, Legal Advisors at the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office, for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. You can contact them on + 32 16 32 37 39 or at legalfondsenwerving@kuleuven.be.

MAJOR GIVING OPENING THE FUTURE

If you are considering supporting KU Leuven with a major gift, the Opening the future team is here to help you.

NEED FOR INNOVATION

Established in 2013, Opening the future aspires to unravel complex diseases and thus to help solve pressing social issues. To this end, Opening the future actively seeks to secure large donations to fund research into neurodegenerative diseases (disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's) as well as different types of cancer. This financial support allows scientists from KU Leuven and its hospitals to conduct cutting-edge research and develop effective treatments that will significantly improve the quality of life of thousands of patients.

The Opening the future team provides assistance to every donor wishing to support KU Leuven with a major donation.

You can:

• make a lump sum donation or spread your donation over several years;

• donate as a private individual, legal entity, or both;

• support KU Leuven as a family and spread your donations over several family members.

During lab visits, donors can meet the researchers involved to find out more about their work.

Opening the future is expertly guided by chairman Urbain Vandeurzen, Rector Luc Sels, Professor Koenraad Debackere, Baron Jacques Delen, Professor Wim Robberecht, Esquire Duco Sickinghe, Dominique Valcke, Baron Frans van Daele, Titia Van Wayenberge and Frank Vlayen. Pictured here: Professor Koenraad Debackere and chairman Urbain Vandeurzen.

A UNIQUE ALLIANCE

Opening the future is a community of enterprising donor families who - as loyal friends of KU Leuven and Leuven University Hospitals - maintain close ties with the University authorities and with our researchers. Exclusive meetings and personalised encounters create a warm bond as well as unique opportunities for cross-fertilisation between donors, researchers, and the members of the KU Leuven management bodies.

YOUR CONTACT PERSON

Would you like to receive more information on major donations? If so, please contact Bram Canniere, Fundraising Advisor Major Giving at the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office. All inquiries will be treated confidentially. You can contact him on + 32 16 37 90 35 or at bram.canniere@kuleuven.be.

During the academic year 2020-2021, a number of talented candidates received an excellence grant from the Roger Dillemans Fund.

The purpose of your donation

When making a donation, you can decide which cause to support or you can leave this choice to KU Leuven. Do you want to contribute to world-class research, future-oriented education, quality healthcare, heritage, international cooperation, or scholarships? All of this is possible. At KU Leuven and Leuven University Hospitals, there are hundreds of ongoing projects that could really use your support. Below, we present the various options available to you.

EARMARKED DONATIONS

You can make a donation to support a specific research field and/or educational area. In that case, you dedicate your donation to a specific cause. Just a few of the many possibilities:

• scholarships for financially disadvantaged but talented students in Belgium or abroad;

• specific funds, such as the Library Fund, the America Europe Fund and the Bone4Kids Fund;

• specific philanthropic projects, such as the archaeological research conducted at Sagalassos, the KU Leuven Brain Institute, the KU Leuven Cancer Institute, or KADOC, the Documentation and Research Centre for Religion, Culture and Society.

DONATIONS WITHOUT A SPECIFIC PURPOSE

If you make a donation without specifying the purpose, you leave the choice to KU Leuven. This is also valuable as it allows us to support a number of less obvious initiatives. So even if your donation is not earmarked for a specific purpose, you can still contribute to the development of research, education and public service at KU Leuven.

Impact stories

The Pas-Wegner family donated a special bird collection to KU Leuven

In 2020, KU Leuven was privileged to receive an extraordinary bird collection, which was added to the zoological collection of the Biology Department. The collection was assembled over many years by the Pas-Wegner family from the Northern Kempen region.

In early December 2020, Mr Frans Pas, husband of Ms Hilda Wegner and a passionate bird collector for many years, explained the reasons for the donation the family had made to KU Leuven: “From a young age, I was keen to know more about nature and particularly birds and their habitat. My father, Jan Pas, was a birdwatcher and an active member of the Wielewaal birdwatchers’ club in Turnhout (now a part of Natuurpunt, a nature conservation society) as early as 1935. During his lifetime, he had built up a small bird collection which I have gradually expanded, inspired by the expertise of others and by my own explorations.”

“My wish is for the collection to remain intact. That’s why, as a KU Leuven alumnus, I have decided, with the approval of my wife and my children, to donate this collection to the University. We hope that the collection will be of biological and social value not only to students and researchers, but to all those interested in Europe's birdlife.”

Luc Jansen, notary public and KU Leuven alumnus, has generously funded scholarships at KU Leuven

“‘He who opens a school door, closes a prison’ is a quotation attributed to Victor Hugo. Education is a key lever for the development of knowledge, but also for altruism. The older I get, the more I am aware of that. Going to university is such an enriching experience, and this is not limited to your academic development but also encompasses personal and relational growth. It gives you the opportunity and the strength to develop sound judgment and to raise your level of awareness, allowing your ego to mature while also exploring more beautiful, deeper dimensions.”

“A fund such as the Roger Dillemans Fund is an excellent means of achieving this. I’ve also donated towards other scholarships, hoping to enable as many young people as possible to develop their knowledge and skills. It’s one of Roger Dillemans’ favourite sayings: ‘Knowledge is power, but sharing knowledge is strength.’”

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

Do you have any questions about donations, funds, or philanthropic projects? If so, please contact Griet Dobbelaere (Humanities and Social Sciences & Science, Engineering and Technology) and Gert-Jan Bakx (Biomedical Sciences), Philanthropy Advisors at the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office. You can contact Griet on + 32 16 37 34 59 or at griet.dobbelaere@kuleuven.be, and Gert-Jan on + 32 16 37 45 93 or at gert-jan.bakx@kuleuven.be.

SET UP A FUND OR PHILANTHROPIC PROJECT

Currently, KU Leuven manages more than 200 funds and philanthropic projects, which support scientific research, patients and educational projects, and award prizes and scholarships.

Is there an initiative or cause you care about? If so, you can support an existing fund or philanthropic project or set one up yourself.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FUND AND A PHILANTHROPIC PROJECT?

When a fund is established, by-laws need to be drawn up. In addition, a starting capital of at least 25,000 euro is required. Whenever a new fund is launched, a formal inauguration is held. In contrast, a philanthropic project can be set up for a smaller amount.

YOU DECIDE ON A NAME

A fund or philanthropic project can be named after the donor, the person in whose memory the fund or project is being set up, or the purpose for which money is being raised.

Estée Lauder Companies donated 100,000 euro to a research fund of the KU Leuven Cancer Institute for the development of innovative care for cancer patients.

YOU GET A FRONT ROW SEAT

A fund or philanthropic project is part of KU Leuven and does not have separate legal personality. A managing committee plays a steering role and determines how the funds raised will be allocated in line with the wishes of the founders. In addition to a majority of KU Leuven representatives, the donor may also sit on this committee, and thus remain closely involved.

STRONG AND UNITED

A fund or philanthropic project starts with a donation by a benefactor. But it need not end there. The Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office assists initiators in raising funds from friends, family, companies, foundations and organisations.

Funds in the spotlight

COVID-19 Fund

All over the world, researchers are working hard to curb the impact of the coronavirus. In close collaboration with these international experts, top researchers at KU Leuven and Leuven University Hospitals have joined forces to explore the effect of COVID-19 on humans, to develop and apply new cures, and to develop an effective vaccine.

This not only requires basic researchers but also highly driven clinicians who can efficiently translate research findings into evidence-based care for patients. Together, they have already made considerable progress.

Researchers at KU Leuven and Leuven University Hospitals are developing a COVID-19 vaccine.

Inauguration of the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund.

Multiple Myeloma Fund

Multiple myeloma is also known as Kahler's disease, a malignant disease of the bone marrow. In Belgium, about 600 people are diagnosed with multiple myeloma each year. It is the second most frequent bone marrow cancer.

The Fund wants to offer each patient an optimal treatment plan, i.e. 'tailored therapy'. Developing these therapies requires a combination of basic scientific research and innovative clinical studies. In addition, the Fund seeks to improve the quality of life of patients affected by this disease.

An overview of all funds and philanthropic projects with an online donation platform can be found at giving.kuleuven.be.

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

Do you have any questions about donations, funds, or philanthropic projects?

Please contact Griet Dobbelaere (Humanities and Social Sciences & Science, Engineering and Technology) and Gert-Jan Bakx (Biomedical Sciences), Philanthropy Advisors at the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office. You can contact Griet on + 32 16 37 34 59 or at griet.dobbelaere@kuleuven.be, and Gert-Jan on + 32 16 37 45 93 or at gert-jan.bakx@kuleuven.be.

SET UP AN ENDOWED CHAIR

Would you or your company like to support an ambitious research or educational project? Do you want to encourage KU Leuven's most talented lecturers and their assistants, and thus express your interest in knowledge transfer? If so, you could consider setting up an endowed chair.

YOUR OWN ENDOWED CHAIR?

Currently, over a hundred endowed chairs are held at KU Leuven. You can help make a difference.

YOU DECIDE ON THE GOALS

Individuals, companies and organisations can take the initiative to establish a chair. An annual capital of 70,000 euro is needed to fund the chair for at least three years. As a donor, you decide on the purpose of the chair in consultation with the University governing bodies. An endowed chair can be set up to encourage fundamental research, but it can also serve educational purposes, for example by organising lectures or high-quality conferences. In this way, Belgian and international researchers can create a sustainable social impact. The holder of the chair is appointed by the Rector in consultation with the donor.

YOU DECIDE ON A NAME

As a donor, you can choose the name of the chair, either your own name, that of your company or association, or the name of someone you wish to honour.

YOU DECIDE ON THE TYPE OF FUNDING

There are three options for funding a chair:

• You can make a donation, in which case you will be issued a tax receipt which entitles you to a tax deduction.

• You can enter into a sponsorship agreement, in which case you will receive an invoice on which VAT is payable.

• A third option is to enter into a grant agreement

A unique example

Renson and KU Leuven have joined forces to create a healthy indoor climate

In October 2020, the Renson Chair for Data-Driven Servitization in Creating Healthy Spaces was launched. This chair represents a strategic collaboration between KU Leuven and Renson, a Waregem-based pioneer in innovative sun protection, ventilation and outdoor living solutions. The funding provided will allow the University to look for a comprehensive solution for healthy and comfortable living, and to investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to this.

The research activities funded by the chair are mainly carried out by researchers at KU Leuven’s Kulak Kortrijk Campus and the Ghent Technology Campus with support provided by Renson. Thanks to the involvement of different campuses and the high degree of interdisciplinarity, this is a unique story.

“For us, this is an extremely important cooperation,” says Paul Renson (CEO Renson). “As an innovative knowledge company, we continually strive to uphold our tagline 'Creating Healthy Spaces'. Investing in research allows us to raise the bar in order to deliver results in a user-friendly, smart, sustainable, and circular way. That is why we are funding this chair.”

Professor Katleen Vandamme, chairholder of de Straumann Chair: the Digital Workflow

Professor Katleen Vandamme at the inauguration of the Straumann Chair

"Endowed chairs support scientific pioneering and give scholars the financial breathing space to do research freely. Stimulated by an endowed chair, they embrace sustainable ambitions and transform innovative insights into practical impact. All this is possible thanks to the donor, who closely follows the advances of the research and is credited in relevant publications. With such strategic partnerships, the university strengthens its knowledge position and innovative power."

Endowed chair in the spotlight

Vitaflo Chair for “Ketogenic Therapy in Children”

This chair represents a three-year collaboration between KU Leuven and Vitaflo (International) LTD (Liverpool, UK), a company that develops innovative specialised nutrition products. Thanks to this chair, the University can become the ketogenic diet reference centre for children with refractory epilepsy, and the effectiveness of this therapy can be further investigated.

An overview of all endowed chairs can be found at giving.kuleuven.be/chairs.

YOUR CONTACT PERSON

For information about endowed chairs, please contact Gert-Jan Bakx, Philanthropy Advisor at the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office, on + 32 16 37 45 93 or by email to gert-jan.bakx@kuleuven.be.

LEAVE A BEQUEST TO KU LEUVEN IN YOUR WILL

Making a will allows you to choose who will inherit your assets. If you are unmarried and have no children, you can dispose of your estate as you wish. If you have children and/or are married, your children and surviving spouse are entitled to a share of your estate, the so-called ‘compulsory share’. The surviving spouse is entitled to the usufruct of half of the estate. Each child is entitled to an equal part of the reserved estate (50 percent of total estate), regardless of the number of children. For example, if you have two children, they are each entitled to a compulsory share of one fourth of your estate.

A will needs to be carefully and accurately worded. Ask a notary or the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office for advice. Our legal advisors will be happy to help you.

Different types of will

You can choose between three types of will.

NOTARIAL WILL

A notarial will is executed before a notary in the presence of two witnesses. This type of will offers the greatest certainty. The notary will ensure that all legal formalities are complied with and that the content is accurate. The costs for drawing up a notarial will are minimal.

INTERNATIONAL WILL

An international will is a typed or handwritten document which you submit to a notary, who drafts a notarised statement in the presence of two witnesses. This type of will is particularly convenient if the will is extensive or if you own property abroad.

HOLOGRAPHIC (HANDWRITTEN) WILL

A holographic will must be written entirely in the testator’s handwriting, dated and signed. It is recommended that you consult a notary and leave the will there for safekeeping.

Types of bequests

UNIVERSAL BEQUEST

If you wish to bequeath your entire estate to KU Leuven, you should make a will containing a universal bequest. You can use the following wording: “I designate KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, as my universal legatee.” A universal bequest does not prevent you from leaving a sum of money or an object to your heirs or to others. In that case, you should also include a special bequest in your will.

BEQUEST UNDER UNIVERSAL TITLE

If you do not wish to bequeath your entire estate, but a sizeable share, you can leave a bequest under universal title to KU Leuven:

• a fraction or percentage of your entire estate;

• all your movable or immovable property;

• a fraction or percentage of your movable or immovable property.

You can use the following wording: “I bequeath to KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, all my movable property.” Or: “I bequeath to KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, 70 percent of my estate.”

A holographic will from the 16th century.

SPECIAL BEQUEST

Would you like to leave a specific collection, sum of money, or real estate to KU Leuven rather than your entire estate or part of it? In that case, you should include a special bequest in your will. We suggest using the following wording: “I bequeath to KU Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, my collection of books, my Rik Wouters paintings, a sum of 100,000 euro, my house located at ..., etc.”

A DUAL BEQUEST (‘DUOLEGAAT’) NO LONGER OFFERS A TAX BENEFIT IN THE FLEMISH REGION

A dual bequest is an instrument whereby a bequest is made to a charity, such as KU Leuven, on the condition that the charity pays the inheritance tax payable by the other beneficiaries.

As a result of the Flemish Decree of 19 March 2021 on the reform of the gift and inheritance tax, using a dual bequest is no longer a favourable option in the Flemish Region (since 1 July 2021) and is therefore in many cases even impracticable. This change in the law applies not only to new wills but also to existing wills that include a dual bequest.

Hence, we recommend reconsidering any existing dual bequest. If it remains unchanged, the dual bequest might not be accepted, meaning that your will might not be administered as you intended. This is a scenario that KU Leuven wants to avoid at all costs. Our highest priority is to respect your wishes. Consult your notary if you wish to change your will.

Emeritus Professor Walter Pintens is KU Leuven’s portfolio manager for donations and bequests.

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS APART FROM A DUAL BEQUEST?

If you are a tax resident in the Flemish Region and have included a dual bequest in your will not just for tax purposes but also for philanthropic reasons, leaving an ordinary bequest to KU Leuven remains a valid estate planning technique. For instance, you could combine bequests, allowing you to support the people and causes close to your heart. Furthermore, the specific features of this technique (as described below) will have a positive impact when you have passed away.

MAXIMISE THE IMPACT OF YOUR ESTATE

Recently enacted legislation offers a promising alternative to anyone driven by philanthropic motives. As of 1 July 2021, you will be able to make tax-free bequests to KU Leuven.

You can still leave (part of) your estate to KU Leuven through an ordinary bequest, which will then be left to the University in its entirety without any inheritance tax. In this way, you can significantly reduce the (overall) tax burden on your estate. In addition, your assets can have a greater impact: your beneficiaries will pay proportionally less taxes, and KU Leuven can dedicate your entire bequest towards socially relevant and valuable goals that matter to you.

If you wish to benefit certain people after your death, you do not want them to lose an excessive amount to inheritance tax. When a brother, sister, distant relative, or friend receives a bequest in excess of 75,000 euro, a rate of 55 percent applies. This means that more than half of what they inherit will need to be paid to the tax authorities. By splitting your assets and bequeathing a part to KU Leuven, the highest tax bracket is capped for your brother, sister, distant relative, or friend. This will reduce their taxable base, and therefore also the inheritance tax bill they might otherwise face. In conclusion, a smaller part of your assets is lost to taxes since bequests to KU Leuven are no longer taxed.

Illustration: tax savings through philanthropy

The testator has an estate worth 350,000 euro. He has no legal heirs, only a close friend, X, and considerable admiration for KU Leuven. We present two hypothetical scenarios. In the first scenario, the testator leaves all his assets to X in a universal bequest. In the second scenario, the testator opts for a combination of bequests, bequeathing half of his assets to X and the other half to KU Leuven.

Scenario 1: no combination of bequests and hence no philanthropy

Inheritance tax

- 35 000 euro at 25 %

euro

- 40 000 euro at 45 % 18 000 euro

- 275 000 euro at 55 % 151 250 euro

Total inheritance tax 178 000 euro Net bequest

000 euro

Conclusion: X is left with a net sum of 172,000 euro, i.e. the testator's net assets to be distributed. An amount of 178,000 euro will have to be paid in inheritance tax.

Scenario 2: combination of bequests, so philanthropy and tax savings of 96,250 euro

Inheritance tax

Due on bequest to friend X:

- 35 000 euro at 25 % 8 750 euro

- 40 000 euro at 45 % 18 000 euro

- 100 000 euro at 55 % 55 000 euro

Due on bequest to KU Leuven:

- 175 000 euro at 0 % Nil

Total inheritance tax 81 750 euro

Conclusion: X receives a net amount of 93,250 euro. A net amount of 175,000 goes to KU Leuven. The testator’s net assets to be distributed amount to 268,250. Inheritance tax amounts to 81,750, which constitutes a saving of 96,250 compared to the first scenario.

MINIMISE HASSLE FOR YOUR BENEFICIARIES

When a dual bequest was set up, KU Leuven was often appointed as a universal legatee, in combination with other (special) legatees to whom KU Leuven distributed a certain portion of the deceased’s estate. A universal legatee replaces the deceased and thus assumes all rights and obligations by accepting the estate. As a result, the universal legatee is the person who ensures the proper administration of the estate. This includes a lot of administrative formalities as well as a number of tax and legal steps to be taken within four months after the death, which is the tax deadline for filing the declaration of inheritance.

No doubt you wish to spare your loved ones from such administrative hassle. If you appoint KU Leuven as your universal legatee, with your heirs as special legatees, our legal advisors will handle these matters professionally and accurately. You can rely on their legal expertise and well-established cooperation with notaries across the country. Since the main purpose of a will is to provide peace of mind, we would like to emphasise that you can put your trust in KU Leuven as a universal legatee, given our extensive expertise. In particular, our legal advisers will handle your estate in a considerate and empathetic manner, guided by the specific nature of your assets, your personal wishes and, if required, those of your beneficiaries.

Our legal advisors have extensive expertise in the administration of estates. They will handle all practical and legal matters flawlessly, so that your beneficiaries can simply wait for the payment of their part of the inheritance, without needing to worry about the practical details.

“As a legal advisor at KU Leuven, I have frequently handled the administration of estates in which KU Leuven was appointed as a universal legatee. This is a responsibility I take very seriously. I recognise the trust that is placed in me, first and foremost by the deceased, but also by their heirs. The last wishes of the deceased - as stipulated in the will - always serve as a guiding principle. My role is to help ensure that these wishes are respected. In my opinion, there is never a one-size-fits-all solution, as we always need to consider the specific circumstances as well as the interests of possible other beneficiaries of the inheritance. And then, of course, there are the recipients at KU Leuven: for our researchers and professors, these bequeathed funds always come as a pleasant surprise, a windfall, something they had not counted on or hoped for. And that is what makes my job so rewarding.”

Lotte Rudel, Legal Advisor

IN THE BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION AND WALLOON REGION, A DUAL BEQUEST STILL OFFERS A TAX BENEFIT

In the Brussels-Capital Region and in the Walloon Region, it is still possible to include a dual bequest in your will in a tax-friendly manner. Using the right wording is important. It is recommended that you bequeath at least 50 percent of your assets to KU Leuven. Seek advice from your notary or from the legal advisors at KU Leuven's Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office.

Illustration: A calculated example with and without a dual bequest in the Brussels-Capital Region.

The testator has an estate worth 350,000 euro. He has no legal heirs, only a close friend, X, and considerable admiration for KU Leuven. We present two hypothetical scenarios. In the first scenario, the testator leaves all his assets to X in a universal bequest. In the second scenario, the testator opts for a dual bequest, bequeathing half of his assets to X (exempt from inheritance tax) and the other half to KU Leuven.

Scenario 1: no dual bequest and hence no philanthropy

Scenario 2: dual bequest and philanthropy, with 127,750 euro in tax savings

on bequest to friend X: to be paid by

000 euro at 40 %

000 euro at 55 %

000 euro at 65 %

on bequest to KU Leuven - 175 000 euro at 7 %

Good news! Zero tax rate in the Flemish Region from 1 July 2021.

The current inheritance tax rates are as follows: 7 percent for testators with tax residence in the Brussels-Capital Region and in the Walloon Region.

To compensate for the new tax treatment that applies to dual bequests, the rate of inheritance tax due on bequests left to charities was changed as of 1 July 2021. The tax due on a bequest to KU Leuven has been reduced from 8.5 percent to 0 percent.

Note that this zero tax rate only applies if you are a testator with tax residence in the Flemish Region.

Together, we open the future!

The purpose of your bequest

When leaving a bequest, you can decide which cause to support or you can leave this choice up to KU Leuven.

BEQUESTS FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES

You can stipulate that your bequest is to be used within a specific research or educational field. Just a few of the many possibilities:

• scholarships for financially disadvantaged but talented students in Belgium or abroad;

• specific funds, such as the Library Fund, the America Europe Fund and the Bone4Kids Fund;

Our legal advisors can help you choose the right wording to indicate the purpose of the bequest in your will.

BEQUESTS WITHOUT A SPECIFIC PURPOSE

Even if your bequest is not earmarked for a specific purpose, you can still contribute to the further development of research, education and public service at KU Leuven. You can be confident that your gift will make a difference.

Inspiring stories

Ms Gaul, founder of the Jos and Mieke Vandevordt-Gaul Fund for the pathogenesis of rare lymphoma

“After a short illness, my husband, Jos Vandevordt, died from a rare brain tumour. Four years after his passing, I set up a fund at KU Leuven in both our names to support the research conducted by the doctors treating him. I hope to help as many fellow sufferers as possible.”

“Since then, it has been my intention not only to make a contribution during my lifetime, but also after my death by leaving part of my estate to the fund. My current will contains a dual bequest, but since that is no longer effective, it will be replaced by an ordinary bequest.”

“In this way, I can continue to support a cause that is close to my heart. I’m happy that KU Leuven will not need to pay any inheritance tax on its share of my estate. As a result, the overall tax burden on my estate is significantly reduced and a much larger portion of my earnings and assets will remain available for scientific research.”

The bequest left to KU Leuven by the late Ms Mathues

Professor Constant Van de Wiel, who died in 2007, was a priest of the Archdiocese of MechelenBrussels and for many years Professor of Canon Law at KU Leuven. Ms Mathues closely witnessed the crucial role played by Professor Van de Wiel's personal physician during his illness.

This inspired her to set up the Constant Van de Wiel Chair, which funded research projects leading to a PhD.

Ms Mathues passed away in 2018. In her will, she bequeathed her movable and immovable property to KU Leuven. She stipulated the establishment within the Faculty of Medicine of the Constant Van de Wiel Fund for General Medicine and Rheumatology under the direction of Professor Bert Aertgeerts (general medicine) and Professor Patrick Verschueren (rheumatology), a field she was particularly interested in.

Within the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies, the Constant Van de Wiel Fund for Theology and Contemporary Culture was also established, under the direction of Professor Lieven Boeve and Professor Kristof Struys. Part of Professor Van de Wiel's valuable collection of books was donated to the Maurits Sabbe Library, the heritage library of the Faculty of Theology and Religious Studies.

Both Constant Van de Wiel funds facilitate key educational and research projects at KU Leuven. This illustrates how personal experience may lead donors to support and facilitate research and education: valuing the expertise of a family doctor and therefore wishing to contribute to the training of general practitioners; suffering from a rheumatic disease and therefore deciding to support high-quality research in that field; experiencing the existential meaning of the religious community and its service to mankind and society and therefore wishing to facilitate adequate religious reflection within the contemporary context.

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

Please contact Nadine Loenders, Elke Gilgemyn, Elsie Laes or Lotte Rudel, Legal Advisors at the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office, for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. You can contact them on + 32 16 32 37 39 or at legalfondsenwerving@kuleuven.be.

CONSIDER A DONATION ON THE OCCASION OF A MAJOR LIFE EVENT

Are you hosting a birthday party, wedding, graduation or retirement party in the near future, and do you share our professors’ and academics’ optimism in striving to achieve what may seem impossible to others? If so, you can invite your guests to make a donation to one of our projects. It is also possible to make an in memoriam donation to KU Leuven.

UNIQUE REFERENCE CODE

Our team will provide you with a unique reference code, which your friends can use when paying by bank transfer. This ensures that donations go directly to the cause of your choice; if you wish, we can provide you with a list of donors afterwards, so that you can thank them for their gift. We recommend that you contact us in advance.

TAX RELIEF

A tax receipt can only be issued for direct deposits of 40 euro or more into KU Leuven’s philanthropy account. This only applies to individual donors. Collective fundraising efforts are not eligible for tax relief.

Together with his parents, Leo supported the Parel (pearl) Project through his baby gift list

“When our second child, Leo, was born, we knew that we wanted to support a charity that is close to our hearts.” Together with his wife, Sophie, Joris Bellinckx (Leuven) decided to set up a charity gift list. Via KU Leuven, they soon found a great initiative they wanted to contribute to.

Having had two high-risk pregnancies in the past, the couple started to search for projects supporting pregnant women. They first looked into the pioneering CMV research taking place at Leuven University Hospitals. For Joris Bellinckx, a KU Leuven alumnus, scientific research is the key to medical progress: “The professor was very positive, but this type of research already receives substantial financial support. Meaning that the impact of our donation would be less tangible. So we started looking into smaller-scale initiatives undertaken at KU Leuven, where we knew the impact would be bigger."

After talking to their obstetrician and the case managers at Leuven University Hospitals, they heard about the Parel Project. This Leuven-based project, spearheaded by enthusiastic midwives and social workers, offers young, vulnerable mothers hands-on help during pregnancy and parenthood. Single mothers, low-income families, or families who do not speak Dutch well are fully supported through the project. Both during and after pregnancy, they can get the necessary practical help, medical follow-up, and administrative support.

“When we heard about the Parel Project, we realised just how lucky we are, with supportive grandparents, financial security, and a network of friends we can rely on. Some children are born in more precarious circumstances, and Parel tries to provide support for them. The work they do really resonated with us, and after contacting the staff, we were convinced that our donation would have a significant impact. With a donation of just 50 euro, Parel can offer maternity care to a vulnerable mother. This opportunity to make a direct impact was the deciding factor for us.”

Leo's proud parents therefore set up a fundraising page to contribute to the Parel Project. On the birth announcement card, they added information about the project and asked family and friends for a voluntary contribution. To their surprise, they raised as much as 5,000 euro. Through these gifts, Sophie and Joris were able to provide many mothers with a carefree pregnancy and postnatal period, and they hope to inspire others to do the same.

YOUR CONTACT PERSONS

Would you like to invite your friends to donate to a KU Leuven initiative?

IN CONCLUSION

KU Leuven is proud of its thousands of alumni and donors. They form an invaluable national and international network supporting the University.

The aim of the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office is to foster close ties between the University, its donors and alumni. Driven by a strong social commitment, we seek to offer our alumni and donors opportunities to translate their values into effective action. By raising both funds and awareness, our team supports professors, PhD students, researchers and students involved in educational and research projects undertaken by KU Leuven and Leuven University Hospitals.

Above all, we want to be the centre of expertise for everyone wishing to support KU Leuven.

We hope that this brochure will inspire you.

Should you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us.

Inge Wullaert,

Manager, Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office inge.wullaert@kuleuven.be + 32 16 32 29 34

FUNDRAISING AND ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE

Minderbroedersstraat 5 box 5020 3000 LEUVEN, Belgium www.kuleuven.be/en

YOU ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT

Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office - KU Leuven

Minderbroedersstraat 5, 3000 Leuven tel. + 32 16 32 37 39

Account number: BE45 7340 1941 7789 (BIC KREDBEBB) giving@kuleuven.be giving.kuleuven.be

WOULD YOU LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS TO KU LEUVEN?

Regularly, the Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office holds an information afternoon where you can find out more about donations and bequests. It’s an opportunity to meet our legal team, as well as inspirational notaries and lawyers, who will guide you through the latest developments in gift and inheritance law. If you would like to join this event, please contact us at giving@kuleuven.be to receive a personal invitation.

KEEP INFORMED

We like to keep our donors and any interested supporters informed about the impact of the donations we receive. You can read all about this in our e-newsletter.

Subscribe to the newsletter* at giving.kuleuven.be or follow us on Facebook* at facebook.com/steunkuleuven.

*Currently only available in Dutch

Editing, layout and photographs: Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office and Marketing and Communications Office

With special thanks to: Professor Walter Pintens

© images: Rob Stevens, Layla Aerts, Bart Daneels, Michael De Lausnay, Johan Van Droogenbroeck, Filip Van Loock, Frederic Swennen, Kwong Gueng To, Wim Feyaerts, De Foto- en Filmfabriek, KU Leuven KICK, KU Leuven Universiteitsarchief, KU Leuven Bibliotheken, UZ Leuven and third parties.

Publisher:

Inge Wullaert, Minderbroedersstraat 5, 3000 Leuven