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Becoming one of the hearts helping knowledge YOUR SUPPORT FOR KU LEUVEN AND UZ LEUVEN

FOREWORD Dear reader, Having been a doctor for many years, I have experienced first-hand just how deeply human it is to help others. It was never just a job, but a mission that gave meaning to my days: being there for others when they need you. That motivation doesn’t disappear when you take off your white coat. On the contrary, it deepens. Anyone who has ever seen the impact of a small gesture of care close up knows that helping not only lifts someone else but oneself as well. That phenomenon has a name: the helper’s high. It is the sense of meaning and fulfilment that arises when you do something that matters to others.

Cover photo: With your support for Leuven Autism Research, researchers from a range of disciplines can work towards creating a welcoming environment for people with autism in our society.

This form of happiness is not only beneficial but also contagious. I see it confirmed every day at KU Leuven. Our University can count on the support of no fewer than 13,000 donors. Their generosity is nothing short of impressive. Year after year, a wave of solidarity flows through our corridors, a force that drives research forward, gives students opportunities and makes hope tangible. Behind every gift, large or small, lies a personal story. You give out of love for heritage and culture, give generously to equal educational opportunities, or invest in research into revolutionary medicines and therapies. There is no shortage of good causes and good intentions. One throughline is certain: a heart like yours cares for the people and things that are dear to them.

Our donors have something else in common: they all firmly believe in the power of science. In innovative research as a lever towards a sustainable, inclusive or just world. Each of them represents hearts helping knowledge. Knowledge that makes the difference between what is and what could be. You will find inspiring examples of this throughout this brochure. I am also certain that there is a good cause you would like to support yourself. Whatever your passion, know that there are researchers at KU Leuven and UZ Leuven who can help make your dream a reality. The possibilities are as diverse as they are impactful. Giving money or goods, hosting a fundraising event, establishing or bequeathing a fund or endowed chair: you will find out all about it on the following pages. Whatever you do, know that with every gift, you give hope and purpose to countless people. Your support is invaluable. For that, I am deeply grateful to you.

Rector of KU Leuven

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With every gift, you give hope and purpose to countless people.

IN THIS BROCHURE

Eight good reasons to support KU Leuven or UZ Leuven

Where can you make a difference?

Where does your gift go?

Support in your own way

Giving money or goods Organising a charity event or crowdfunding campaign Giving on a special occasion or at a time of farewell Making a major gift Setting up a fund Funding an endowed chair Including a bequest in your will

14 16 18 20 22 24 26

Practical information

Everything you need to know about the tax benefit Are you giving from abroad?

28 29

In both our hospitals and laboratories, researchers are working hard to improve survival rates for cancer patients. Through cutting-edge science and the support of donors, we are driving cancer back.

GIFTS AND BEQUESTS TO UZ LEUVEN The information in this brochure applies to both KU Leuven and UZ Leuven. KU Leuven is the legal party and comprises three entities: the University, UZ Leuven and KU Leuven Research & Development. If you give or make a bequest to UZ Leuven, the legal party KU Leuven channels this gift, but you can rest assured that your gift will effectively benefit the hospital.

Eight good reasons to support KU Leuven or UZ Leuven 6

Your heart helps knowledge More than 8,000 researchers at KU Leuven and UZ Leuven are searching for answers to the major challenges of our time. They are dedicated to medical research and sustainable technological innovation, they study social issues such as poverty and inequality, and they focus on major thematic areas such as migration and climate change. With this knowledge, we can make the world a more comprehensible and better place.

You create opportunities for students Our University has made a conscious choice for ‘excellence through inclusion’: an open admissions policy and low tuition fees. This sets us apart from most of the world’s top universities. Yet there are still many – and, sadly, an increasing number – of students for whom the financial barrier remains too high. You can give them opportunities through one of our scholarship funds.

You help provide crucial funding Government grants are not keeping pace with a university’s growing needs. Budgets are under pressure, and competition for research funding is fierce. This is precisely where your gift makes a difference. You open doors for young talent. You encourage innovation. You give researchers the freedom to think outside the box and explore uncharted research paths. That ‘seed money’ is crucial. With that first harvest in hand – the initial research results – it is easier to secure follow-up funding. This is often how major breakthroughs come about.

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Your support helps us achieve our dreams. 4

Our shared values guide our work Making a difference in the lives of others. Contributing to society. Seeking insight and meaning. These are values you may share with us. At KU Leuven and UZ Leuven, we put our knowledge at the service of people and society, with a special focus on the most vulnerable. Together, we can make a bigger difference.

Marie, Constanza, Thao and Eslam were able to complete their master’s degrees at KU Leuven thanks to the KU Leuven International Scholarship Fund.

You receive benefits in return As a donor, you are part of a generous community of over 13,000 individuals, companies, foundations and organisations. Gifts of 40 euros or more per year qualify for tax relief.

You are grateful to your alma mater Are you an alumna or alumnus? Many of our graduates choose to give something back as a gesture of gratitude for the programme that launched their careers. Your gift helps your alma mater remain at the top. Patients at UZ Leuven also like to give something back, grateful for the care they received or concerned for the patients who come after them. A warm gesture with real impact.

Your gift will make a difference KU Leuven consistently ranks among the world’s best in the QS and Times Higher Education rankings. This recognition affirms our efforts in education, research, innovation and international collaboration. As Belgium’s largest university hospital and one of the best in the world, UZ Leuven sets the standard in medical research. You can be confident that your support contributes to research, education and care at the highest level. Our University also has a long tradition of patronage and provides excellent service to donors.

Our advisers offer you non-binding, discreet and professional advice on any questions you may have regarding support for our University and its hospital. Additionally, you will receive an invitation to numerous KU Leuven events.

Giving makes you happy Finally, studies show that giving to a good cause releases the same chemicals in our brains as receiving a reward or eating chocolate. People who spend money on others report higher levels of happiness. This is evident from global research and holds true across all cultures. Giving is rewarding.

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The Sister Jeanne Devos Fund for Children’s Rights tackles the root causes of problems.

Alumna and former judoka Heidi has supported Sister Jeanne Devos’s fund since 2007 and is deeply impressed by her story. “Even after she broke her back, she remained tireless fighting for the rights of child slaves and domestic workers in India.” Together with her husband Eric, Heidi took part in the Art Route in Leuven, where they sold their sculptures for charity. “With the proceeds, we can cover the costs of an orphanage for one year. This arrangement benefits the University, the fund and the buyer. Because giving money makes you happy.”

Where can you make a difference? You choose where your gift goes. Alzheimer’s research. Young people in vulnerable situations. The restoration of a precious heritage item. Climate technology. Whatever your passion, with your support we will continue to seek solutions. Read further to find out about the causes you can contribute to.

SUPPORT A FUND OR PROJECT KU Leuven has more than 200 educational and research projects with a strong social impact, grouped in five domains where your support makes the biggest difference. 1

Healthcare Every day, researchers at KU Leuven and UZ Leuven battle diseases that threaten lives. Your support means better treatments, faster prevention and a better quality of life for patients. The Healthy Heart Fund, for example, provides a crucial boost to research into cardiovascular diseases.

Basic research You give scientists the chance to develop their most innovative ideas. That makes the difference between ‘what if?’ and ‘eureka!’ The KU Leuven Plant Institute exemplifies this approach: researchers investigate how plants contribute to a more sustainable bio-economy.

Thanks to patronage, the University Library preserves and makes accessible its academic heritage collections for current and future generations.

Education Financial worries should not hinder academic ambitions. Thanks to scholarships, our students can focus entirely on their studies. By contributing to KU Leuven Stuvo, you help talented young people successfully complete their study programmes, regardless of their financial situation.

International engagement Encouraged by our donors, we are building sustainable partnerships worldwide. For example, the PACO Fund invests in PhD scholarships and capacity-building in the Global South, knowledge that strengthens local communities from within.

Heritage and culture KU Leuven manages a valuable and extensive heritage, which has great historical significance and at the same time is often surprisingly topical. By supporting the Vesalius Museum, for example, you help tell a unique story about healthcare, science and what it means to be human, drawing on our University’s rich heritage collections.

FIND THE CHARITY THAT MATCHES YOUR INTERESTS You can browse, filter and search our website to find a cause that appeals to you. Or feel free to get in touch with us, we would be happy to help. Our contact details can be found at the back of this brochure. giving.kuleuven.be/discover-our-projects-and-funds

Gifts and bequests make innovative care and therapy possible for patients at UZ Leuven.

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For Christine, this comes too late, but for others it can save lives.

SUPPORT US WITH A GENERAL GIFT

HAVE SOMETHING SPECIFIC IN MIND?

Do you support KU Leuven and would you like to make a gift? Then you can leave it to our University to invest where it is needed. Your gift will go towards unexpected needs, blue skies research and avenues that no one has yet explored.

You can also support an individual researcher, the work of a nursing team, a unit, a faculty, an institute, a laboratory or a campus. Please contact us and we will be happy to help.

A gift to the UZ Leuven Charity makes care possible that would otherwise often remain out of reach. Some needs fall outside traditional healthcare funding, but have a significant positive impact on patients and their loved ones.

Harry lost his wife Christine to pancreatic cancer. Out of gratitude for the care she received at UZ Leuven, he raised funds for the research of her doctor, Professor Jeroen Dekervel. “Thanks to his treatment and care, we were able to cherish some precious moments: our children’s weddings, the arrival of our grandchildren, and warm family moments.” Professor Dekervel’s team is working on a promising vaccine against pancreatic cancer, one which could bring hope to many families.

What if waste became the raw material for a more sustainable world? Materials engineers are working hard on this, with the support of donors.

The sensory cart in the paediatric oncology department.

Where does your gift go? As a donor, you stay up to date. Five times a year, we deliver the latest research results, inspiring stories and upcoming events straight to your inbox. Concrete figures provide clear evidence. Below are a few examples of where our donors have made a difference. 40 euros for the Magenta Fund A parent of a child with special care needs can attend a themed evening on rest and relaxation. A moment to catch their breath.

100 euros for Professor Philippe Nafteux and Dr Stijn Vanstraelen

13,200 euros for the International Scholarship Fund

Doctors are carrying out four breath analyses that can detect cancer at an early stage.

This amount covers the full tuition fees for one international master's student for a year. This support helps young talent progress toward a successful future.

50 euros for the Respira consortium

150 euros for the Leuven Mindfulness Consortium

250,000 euros for the Acerta Chair in AI at Work

A sensor measures air pollution in a neighbourhood in Kenya, where increasing pollution is leading to serious respiratory problems.

During three mindfulness sessions, young people learn to build resilience, manage stress, and get to know themselves better.

75 euros for the Leuven Cancer Institute

200 euros for the Centre for Human Genetics

The sensory cart in the paediatric oncology ward is receiving new equipment offering light, colour and gentle stimulation. Young patients use it to enjoy playful and comforting moments, even on the toughest days.

This gift funds one educational game that allows children to explore the wonderful world of genetics in a playful way.

Over four years, a PhD student will conduct three studies and publish them. Examples include a survey of 500 employees on how AI affects their autonomy and workload, or an intervention study following 300 employees before and after the introduction of a new AI tool.

3,000 euros for the Roger Dillemans Fund A promising Belgian student receives an excellence scholarship for a master’s programme at KU Leuven. Talent that might otherwise have gone untapped is given every opportunity to flourish.

1 million euros for Opening the Future This is an investment in spatial multi-omics: an advanced technique that allows us to see exactly which cells are active where in diseased tissue. These insights pave the way for more effective treatments for diseases such as Alzheimer’s, cancer and ALS.

Support in your own way There are various ways to contribute to research, education, healthcare or another thematic area that matters to you. You can choose the option that suits you best and decide where your support will make an impact.

GIVING MONEY OR GOODS If you wish to give a sum of money, you can: • give online This method is quick and straightforward. On our website, you choose a project, fill in your details and pay straight away.

• transfer via your bank You can transfer your gift to KU Leuven’s patronage account: BE45 7340 1941 7789 (BIC: KREDBEBB). “Every day, I experience how important it is to act with care and a forward-looking approach. When giving immovable property, such as land or a building, the involvement of a notary is essential: we draw up a deed of title that provides legal certainty and protects all parties. In this way, your commitment is not only legally correctly recorded, but also firmly established for the long term.” Notary Heike Laloo

We will then send you a letter asking you to provide your national registration number so that you receive your tax certificate correctly. You can read why this is necessary on page 28. • give via a standing order This allows you to spread your gift out over the whole year. You choose the amount and the timing yourself. You can change or cancel the standing order at any time. In the spring, you will receive a tax certificate for all your gifts from the previous year.

An exhibition featuring special items from the University, including specimens from alumnus Frans Pas’ bird collection. This keen birdwatcher gave more than 1,300 stuffed birds to his alma mater. “We hope that this collection will provide not only biological and social added value for students and researchers, but for anyone with an interest in European birdlife.” That wish has become a reality: today, the collection serves as teaching material for our biology students.

You can set up a payment order via your bank’s website or app, or using the form available at giving.kuleuven.be/monthly-gift. Don’t forget the structured reference for your chosen project. You can find this on our website or request it from our advisers. You can find all tax benefits relating to gifts on page 28. Are you considering giving movable property, such as a painting, a coin collection or books? You can simply transfer such items through a direct, in-person gift. Our legal advisers will draw up all the necessary documents for you. For the gift of immovable property such as land or a building, you will need to engage a notary. They will draw up a deed of transfer. Our advisers will be happy to guide you through the process. i

giving.kuleuven.be/donation

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Rarely have I felt so clearly what it means to contribute to something so much greater.

ORGANISING A CHARITY EVENT OR CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN 16

People love to get active for something bigger than themselves. They walk, cycle, row, cook, play music … and in the process, they raise money for research that can help others.

SOLIDARITY ON THE AGENDA If you want to engage your community, you can take the initiative to organise a fundraising event, such as a concert or a bike ride. You raise money and bring people together around a cause that touches them. Do you have an idea? Tell us about it and we will help publicise your campaign to a wider audience. The costs of an event can add up. Sponsorship helps: you look for people or organisations to support your event financially or with equipment in exchange for visibility.

How do you proceed? Compile a persuasive sponsorship proposal. Describe the mission behind your initiative, provide specific details about the event, and clarify the benefits for the sponsor. Contact your own network and local businesses that align with the audience and atmosphere of your event. i

giving.kuleuven.be/fundraisingevents

Third-year medical student Emeric experienced what giving together can mean. His friend and flatmate Anthony suffered from an aggressive form of brain cancer. On 1 January 2025, his circle of friends were told that the disease had reached a terminal stage. Emeric wanted to show Anthony how many people, including strangers, were thinking of him, whilst also raising money for cancer research. He launched Run for Tomorrow, and a strong show of support followed: dozens of companies and hundreds of supporters joined. No fewer than 160 runners registered on behalf of Run for Tomorrow for the Antwerp Marathon in autumn 2025. Together, they raised a record sum of 46,000 euros for the Leuven Cancer Institute. Emeric describes the day of the marathon as one of the most inspiring days of his life.

Medical alumni Hilde and her uncle Herman purchased two of the 170 seats in the former Anatomical Theatre, which crowdfunding will repurpose as part of the Vesalius Museum.

THE POWER OF GIVING TOGETHER For many small-scale projects currently in need of support, crowdfunding is a handy way to raise money. Supporters give online and can follow live updates on how much has been raised so far. Such a campaign creates momentum: every gift encourages the next. You can support an existing campaign or set up your own via KU Leuven’s crowdfunding platform. How to launch a successful campaign: 1

Paul from Pijpelheide walked to Santiago de Compostela at the age of 73. A pilgrimage of 2,450 kilometres, lasting 139 days on foot. In doing so, he raised over 9,000 euros for the Hippo & Friends Type 1 Diabetes Fund in honour of his granddaughter Birthe, who has type 1 diabetes.

Ideally, end your campaign a week after a party or event. That way, everyone has time to contribute. 4

Choose a good cause

Give your campaign a face An attention-grabbing title, a photo featuring people, and a clear description make a significant difference. Explain exactly what the donations will make possible.

Send us your input We will set up the campaign for you.

Spread the word Personal contact is effective. Send a message, give someone a call, share the link via social media and email. Add a QR code to invitations or printed materials. And set a good example yourself with an opening gift. That will give your campaign momentum right from start.

The best campaigns start with a personal story. Why is this research important to you? That answer is your strongest argument. 2

Set an end date

giving.kuleuven.be/crowdfunding

GIVING ON A SPECIAL OCCASION OR AT A TIME OF FAREWELL 18

Some moments call for more than just a gift. A birthday, a wedding, retirement, or the birth of a child: these are milestones that invite us to pause and reflect on what truly matters. On such occasions, you can ask your guests or loved ones to make a gift to charity, as an alternative to traditional gifts. Or as a heartfelt meaningful tribute following the loss of a loved one. Flowers fade, but gifts give hope.

Important: request a personal reference code from our advisers and include it on your invitations, birth announcements or condolence cards. Your guests or loved ones will then give directly to the project of your choice. Afterwards, you will receive a list of all donors so that you can thank them personally. Donors who give 40 euros or more will automatically receive a tax certificate. i

giving.kuleuven.be/major-lifeevents

GIFT IDEA: DONATING TO SCIENCE Care worker Linda had an original suggestion on her retirement: a gift to research into pulmonary fibrosis. She had a very personal reason for this: three years ago, her husband Eddy was told he had a hereditary form of pulmonary fibrosis. “When I retired, my colleagues asked what they could do to make me happy. ‘Cure my husband,’ I replied. It’s a cliché, but when you’re ill, getting well again is all you want. Of course, they couldn’t cure him, but they could support the research.”

WHEN PAIN GIVES WAY TO PERSPECTIVE On a winter’s day in January 2025, Willy Naessens, the well-known Flemish entrepreneur, fell at a party. It marked the start of a two-month ordeal that ended with his death on 31 March. For his widow, Marie-Jeanne, a difficult period lay ahead, but also the chance to let something beautiful grow out of the grief. “If everyone gives flowers or wreaths, you get overwhelmed and a fortnight later there’s nothing left of them. It’s better to ask for a gift to charity.” The proceeds went towards stem cell research and supporting patients following stem cell transplants. “Willy’s motto was: ‘I’m doing well, everyone should be able to do well.’ By organising that fundraiser, we’ve carried that on after his death.” 19

Marie-Jeanne, together with Professor Marc Boogaerts, who treated Willy. “Thanks to Marc, he was able to live for many more years.”

Alzheimer’s researcher Annerieke Sierksma shows a family of benefactors around her lab.

MAKING A MAJOR GIFT TAILOR-MADE MAJOR GIVING 20

Are you interested in joining the hearts helping knowledge with a major gift? We would be delighted to discuss the impact you wish to create and to collaborate with you in identifying a cause and approach that align seamlessly with your values, interests and financial capacity.

VISIONARY PHILANTHROPY AGAINST NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES AND CANCER Opening the future is a philanthropic initiative by KU Leuven that invests in groundbreaking scientific research into neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS) and cancer. It brings together high-net-worth families, researchers and the senior leadership of KU Leuven and UZ Leuven around a single ambitious goal: to enable medical breakthroughs that fundamentally improve patients’ lives.

Opening the future encourages multidisciplinary collaboration between KU Leuven, UZ Leuven, imec and the VIB-KU Leuven Centre for Neuroscience. Through major gifts, Opening the future funds research projects by leading scientists, state-ofthe-art biomedical technology and infrastructure. The initiative has raised nearly 30 million euros since 2013, thanks to the support of committed families who believe in the power of innovative research. i

giving.kuleuven.be/opening-thefuture

SETTING UP A FUND Would you like to provide long-term support, keep your supporters engaged and remain closely involved yourself? Then you can establish your own fund, based on your values, your name and your story.

Your fund gets its own webpage

Visitors can read the story behind your fund, see the progress being made and give online immediately. We keep the page alive with impact stories and updates from the research.

22 Here’s how it works. 1

You provide the start-up capital

Your fund is officially inaugurated

We invite you to a formal launch of your fund, a moment to recognise what you have set in motion.

To establish a fund, you need a starting amount of at least 25,000 euros. 2

You choose a name

You remain the driving force

You can name the fund after yourself, after a person you wish to honour in a special way, or after the research topic you have in mind. 3

Setting up a fund is the beginning, not the end. To continue driving research or education, you must actively promote your initiative. Our advisers are happy to assist you in this.

We determine the purpose together We set out the fund’s objectives in the articles of association. Your wishes are central to this.

A management committee takes the helm The committee determines how the funds are allocated, always in line with your wishes. If you give, you can also sit on the committee yourself.

Would you like to know if establishing your own fund is right for you? Please contact us, and we will be happy to help you explore your options. i

giving.kuleuven.be/fund

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That was what made Stefanie so strong: she always thought more of others than of herself. This is Stefanie. At the age of 18, she lost her battle with an extremely rare form of lymph node cancer. When she grew sick beyond treatment, she took the initiative herself to support the research of her doctor, Professor Daan Dierickx. At her funeral, she requested that instead of flowers, gifts be made for cancer research. From that wish grew Stefanie’s Rose Fund, supported by fundraising events and the generosity of people she touched with her story.

Her father Frédéric says: “For us, the family left behind, the fund has a healing effect because it helps us come to terms with our loss. We can only hope that we fulfil Stefanie’s wish: to give her fellow patients all over the world better chances of recovery.”

The fund has launched its own rose to raise money for research: Stefanie’s Wish. A vibrant garden rose with a youthful, fresh and hopeful character.

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The great added value of an endowed chair is the link between the academic and business worlds.

FUNDING AN ENDOWED CHAIR

At KU Leuven, we aim to use our knowledge to enhance the prosperity and well-being of everyone. Do you share our commitment and do you want to bring about positive change just as we do? Then you can support us by funding an endowed chair, a powerful tool with which you can promote socially relevant research and innovation in your sector.

Independent research

An endowed chair is a form of patronage. The research is conducted with complete academic freedom and the results are made public so that they benefit society.

A bridge between the University and society

These are the four pillars of a chair. 1

An endowed chair is a platform for the exchange of ideas. Urgent issues facing society thus come to the attention of academics. Insights from the laboratory and the lecture hall lead to real solutions that enhance well-being and prosperity.

Sustainable partnership You make an annual contribution of 75,000 euros to a research project, an educational activity or a community service provided by the University, for at least three consecutive years.

Ronnie Leten Chair of the KU Leuven Patronage Council

The donor takes centre stage Together with the chair holder, you determine the thematic area of the chair. The chair holder is a professor at KU Leuven and leads a research team within a faculty, research group or institute. You will receive updates and an annual report on the research activities.

“If you’re a business leader facing a problem and looking for a solution, come to the University. It opens the door to the academic community for you and your staff. The only condition is that you must commit. I would be happy to discuss with you, as a business leader, the possibility of a partnership with KU Leuven. I’m always willing to share my past experiences with you.”

Would you like to find out more about all the options available? Download the brochure from our website. i

giving.kuleuven.be/endowed-chair

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Innovation starts with an open-ended question, without knowing in advance whether there will be a result.

COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMPANIES

Using data from machines to optimise service contracts? For truly innovative insights, Atlas Copco looks to academic research. Björn is vice-president of sales and marketing for the ‘compressor technology service unit’. It is clear to him that an endowed chair is the right way to find answers to that question: “There is an exchange with the professors and experts at the University. We look at our business from a certain perspective, but academics see the bigger picture and come up with interesting ideas that we wouldn’t have thought of.”

GROWING UP IN POVERTY When Marc was three years old, his father died in a tragic accident. Suddenly, his mother was left to raise six children on her own. Thanks to targeted financial support, he still received every opportunity to learn and develop his talents. That experience inspired him and his wife Beatrix to give an endowed chair dedicated to researching how to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty. Their mission? To ensure that no child has to grow up in poverty.

KU Leuven is an ecosystem of knowledge, talent and innovation. For companies and organisations wishing to be part of this, there are numerous exciting opportunities: contract research, job fairs, and continuing education are just a few of the strategic partnerships available. Our advisers would be happy to discuss this with you and put you in touch with the right person at KU Leuven.

kuleuven.be/companies

INCLUDING A BEQUEST IN YOUR WILL More and more people are consciously considering what they wish to leave behind. Not only to their loved ones but also to society. By including KU Leuven or UZ Leuven in your will, you can contribute to education, research and care that have a lasting impact.

Setting out your wishes in a will We recommend that you draw up a notarised will with the help of our legal experts and your notary.

LET YOUR PASSION FOR KNOWLEDGE LIVE ON IN THREE STEPS 1

Choose a thematic area that matters to you A bequest is a personal choice, rooted in what matters to you. Perhaps you wish to support scientific research into a disease that you or someone close to you has faced. Perhaps you wish to give young people opportunities, contribute to social progress or help preserve valuable heritage. KU Leuven offers a wide range of options across all academic disciplines. You can designate a specific project – such as a fund, unit, faculty or campus – or choose to support the University’s general mission.

AFTER YOUR PASSING Even after your passing, we will handle your estate with the utmost care and administer it in accordance with your wishes. In the Flemish Region, KU Leuven is exempt from inheritance tax as a charitable organisation. This means that your bequest can be used in full for the purpose you have in mind. This ensures that your commitment yields the maximum benefit. A bequest to KU Leuven is more than a legal arrangement. It is an act of trust in knowledge, care and human potential. Your passion for knowledge lives on in students who receive opportunities, in researchers who make progress, and in care that touches people’s lives.

Let us get to know each other Anyone considering a bequest can count on careful and discreet guidance. Specialised advisers take the time to listen to your story and clearly explain the options available in consultation with your notary.

Would you like advice in a personal meeting? Our advisers will be happy to answer all your questions. giving.kuleuven.be/bequest

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We felt it was important to choose a cause we feel connected to. On Wednesday, 1 January 2018, Luc set off for work at the Belgian Railways. That day, he suffered acute liver failure and suddenly his life was hanging by a thread. Four days later, on his 45th birthday, he woke from a coma in the intensive care unit at UZ Leuven. Some time later, Luc received a liver transplant and has since been doing well, thanks in part to the support of the Transplantoux Fund, which supports people who have undergone an organ transplant. This inspired him and his sister Rita to make a gesture of gratitude. They included a bequest to the fund in their will.

Practical information Ready to give, but still have questions? Here you will find all the practical information about the tax certificate, gift tax and giving from abroad. Our advisers are also always available to provide guidance and ensure you get the most out of your gift.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE TAX BENEFIT Donors often receive a tax benefit. If you give 40 euros or more annually, you can deduct 30% of the amount of your gift from your taxes. For example, if you give 100 euros to a charity, you effectively pay only 70 euros. This additional benefit can be significant. When you give an amount, you will receive a tax certificate: online, by bank transfer, via crowdfunding or in connection with a life event or in memoriam. One exception: if you support or sponsor a fundraising campaign or charity event, you will not receive a tax certificate. In March, we will send your tax certificate to you by post. To do so, we need your national registration number: this allows the tax authorities to identify you with certainty and ensures your certificate is automatically linked to your tax return. There is, however, a cap on the tax benefit. Individuals can make gifts up to a maximum of 10% of their net income; for companies, this is 5% of net profit. Check our website for the maximum deductible amount.

giving.kuleuven.be/tax-information

DO YOU HAVE TO PAY GIFT OR INHERITANCE TAX? If your tax residence is in the Flemish Region, KU Leuven is exempt from both gift and inheritance tax. If you live in the Brussels-Capital Region or the Walloon Region, the gift tax rate is 6.6% and 7% respectively. In both regions, KU Leuven pays 7% inheritance tax on your bequest.

ARE YOU GIVING FROM ABROAD? Wherever you live or wherever your company is based, you can support KU Leuven. In many cases, you can also enjoy a tax benefit.

FROM THE UNITED STATES

WITHIN EUROPE

• If you give via a recognised public charity, your gift is tax-deductible in the US. Two organisations can assist you with this: Amici Lovanienses for general support to KU Leuven, and Myriad USA for the KU Leuven International Scholarship Fund.

As a European resident, you have two options. • You can give directly to KU Leuven. In many European countries, this entitles you to a tax benefit. Within the EU, the principle applies that gifts to foreign universities – subject to certain conditions – are treated for tax purposes in the same manner as gifts to domestic institutions. Your support for KU Leuven is often recognised in the same way.

A historic example of international solidarity: the iconic library building was a gift from the American people to the city and the University after German troops set fire to the University library in 1914.

• Would you prefer to go through a local partner? In a number of countries, we work with partner organisations that handle the administration entirely locally. You will then receive a tax certificate in accordance with the regulations of your own country. If you would like to know what the best option is for your specific situation, please consult our website or contact our legal counsels.

As an American donor, the tax implications depend on how you give.

• If you give directly to KU Leuven, your gift is not tax-deductible in the US.

FROM OTHER COUNTRIES If you live outside Europe or the US, you can always give directly to KU Leuven and receive a tax certificate. Whether that certificate entitles you to a tax benefit in your country depends on local laws. Our legal counsels will be happy to look into this for you. Together, we will determine which approach best suits your situation so that you can give with confidence and clarity.

giving.kuleuven.be/giving-from-outside-belgium

You are always welcome at Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office Minderbroedersstraat 5 box 5020, 3000 Leuven giving@kuleuven.be +32 16 32 37 39 giving.kuleuven.be

We are here to help

Griet Dobbelaere

Gert-Jan Bakx

Sarina Op de Beeck

Anouk Grieten

Bram Canniere

Nadine Loenders

For enquiries about gifts and funds

For enquiries regarding endowed chairs and gifts to UZ Leuven

For enquiries regarding giving on special occasions, in-memory giving and fundraising campaigns

For questions about crowdfunding

For enquiries regarding major giving or giving internationally

For all legal enquiries and enquiries regarding bequests

bram.canniere@kuleuven.be

nadine.loenders@kuleuven.be

griet.dobbelaere@kuleuven.be

gert-jan.bakx@kuleuven.be

sarina.opdebeeck@kuleuven.be

anouk.grieten@kuleuven.be

Thank you Do you know the best thing about our work? Every day we get to meet people who look beyond themselves. You are one of them. This brochure shows just a fraction of what happens every day at KU Leuven and UZ Leuven. Behind every story lie hundreds of others. Stories of students brimming with talent and ambition. Of alumni giving back to the place where they studied. Of patients and their families waiting for a breakthrough. And of researchers who keep searching, even when the answer seems far away. We hope you see this as an invitation to contribute to our future yourself. How you proceed is entirely up to you. Our team is available to guide you through the process with expert advice, at your own pace and with no obligation whatsoever. Thank you for your interest and trust in what we do. Thank you also for believing in that which sometimes seems impossible; with the right support, anything can become a reality.

ATTEND OUR INFORMATION SESSION Every two years, KU Leuven and UZ Leuven hold an information session on giving and bequests. You will discover how everything works in practice, what your support actually achieves, and you will leave with answers to all your questions. This is also an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded people. Would you like to be kept informed about the next event? Send an email to giving@kuleuven.be or leave your details via our website.

giving.kuleuven.be/info-session

You can find all the information at giving.kuleuven.be Read more stories from donors at stories.kuleuven.be/patronage. Subscribe to our Dutch newsletter via steun.kuleuven.be/nieuwsbrief. Follow us on facebook.com/steunkuleuven.

Photos: KU Leuven – Rob Stevens, UZ Leuven, Pierre Alphonse and Pierre Emile Arnou – KU Leuven University Archives, Michael De Lausnay, Elias Derboven, Raf Lehaen – LKI, Tomas Sisk, Tine Storms Photography, Storyrunner

Published by: Inge Wullaert, Fundraising and Alumni Relations Office, Minderbroedersstraat 5 box 5020, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

FUNDRAISING AND ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE Minderbroedersstraat 5 box 5020 3000 Leuven, Belgium giving.kuleuven.be + 32 16 32 37 39 giving@kuleuven.be