LEGACY FUNDS

Leave a legacy for the future of MSA research

A gift in your Will can be a lasting way to support National MSA Research and help strengthen the future of Multiple System Atrophy research, awareness and community support.

For some people and families, a legacy gift is a meaningful way to honour a loved one, recognise a personal connection to MSA or continue supporting a cause that matters to them beyond their lifetime.

Every legacy is personal, and there is no single right way to leave one.

Gifts in Wills

You may choose to include National MSA Research in your Will by leaving:

• a specific amount of money
• a percentage of your estate
• the residue, or part of the residue, of your estate
• particular property or assets
• another form of gift permitted by your estate plan

The wording and structure of a gift in a Will can have important legal consequences.

We strongly encourage anyone considering a bequest to speak with a qualified solicitor or other appropriate professional adviser so their wishes are recorded clearly and their estate plan reflects their individual circumstances.

Why leave a legacy?

Legacy gifts can help National MSA Research plan further into the future and build stronger foundations for long-term research support.

A legacy may help us:

• support future MSA research initiatives
• build research partnerships and collaborations
• develop patient and family resources
• increase awareness of MSA
• support community education and engagement
• strengthen the long-term sustainability of our organisation

A gift of any size can become part of a much larger collective effort to improve the future for people affected by MSA.

Legacy Funds

National MSA Research may establish named Legacy Funds connected with particular individuals, families, communities or fundraising initiatives.

A Legacy Fund provides a way to recognise the story behind a gift or fundraising effort while maintaining a clear record of the support associated with that fund.

Depending on the purpose approved for a particular Legacy Fund, it may receive:

• donations
• memorial donations
• fundraising proceeds
• gifts from an estate
• community fundraising
• other approved contributions

Each Legacy Fund will have an identified purpose and status.

Current Legacy Funds

As approved Legacy Funds are established, this section will display public information about them.

For each published fund, we may show:

• fund name
• the story or person being recognised
• purpose of the fund
• fundraising goal, where applicable
• lifetime amount raised
• current campaign status
• approved updates

Margaret Critchley

1946-2020

Joanne Dwyer

1961-2026

The Administration Hub will remain the master record for financial transactions and totals. The website will display only approved public information and totals rather than maintaining a second set of figures.

Lifetime amount raised and current fund balance

For transparency, it is important to distinguish between different financial figures.

A Legacy Fund may have a lifetime amount raised, representing the total support associated with the fund over time.

This is different from the current balance or the amount of money that may still be available for future use.

Where financial figures are displayed publicly, National MSA Research will clearly identify what each figure represents.

Create a Legacy Fund

In some circumstances, a family or supporter may wish to discuss establishing a named Legacy Fund with National MSA Research.

This could be connected with:

• a person affected by MSA
• a memorial initiative
• a significant bequest
• a long-term fundraising campaign
• a family or community fundraising effort

Legacy Funds are established in consultation with National MSA Research so the purpose, name, public information and financial treatment can be agreed and recorded appropriately.

Gifts in memory

A legacy does not have to begin with a gift in a Will.

Families and friends may choose to create an ongoing fundraising or memorial initiative in memory of someone special.

This might include:

• memorial donations
• annual fundraising
• an event or challenge
• donations in lieu of flowers
• a family fundraising initiative
• establishing a Legacy Fund where appropriate

Letting us know about your intentions

You are not required to tell National MSA Research if you choose to include us in your Will.

However, if you are comfortable doing so, letting us know may help us understand your intentions and provide any organisation details your solicitor may require.

Any information shared with us about an intended legacy will be treated respectfully and appropriately.

Telling us about your intentions does not create a binding commitment, and you remain free to change your Will at any time.

Information for solicitors and executors

If you are a solicitor, executor or representative administering an estate that includes a gift to National MSA Research, please contact us so we can provide the appropriate legal and organisational details.

This helps ensure gifts are correctly identified, acknowledged and recorded.

Using legacy gifts responsibly

National MSA Research is committed to responsible financial management, appropriate governance and transparent record-keeping.

Legacy gifts and Legacy Fund transactions will be recorded through our Administration Hub and financial systems.

Where a gift is provided for an agreed specific purpose, it will be recorded and managed accordingly, subject to the terms of the gift and applicable legal requirements.

Tax and legal advice

Estate planning, taxation and the treatment of gifts can depend on individual circumstances.

National MSA Research does not provide legal, financial or taxation advice.

We recommend speaking with a qualified solicitor, accountant, financial adviser or other appropriate professional when considering a gift in your Will or other significant legacy arrangement.

Start a conversation

If you are considering leaving a gift to National MSA Research, establishing a Legacy Fund or would simply like more information, you are welcome to contact us confidentially.

There is no obligation to proceed.

Thank you

A legacy is a deeply personal decision.

To everyone who chooses to support National MSA Research through a gift in their Will, a memorial fund or a long-term fundraising initiative, thank you for helping build a future with greater awareness, stronger research and more hope for people affected by MSA.

Combatting MSA together, until the world is free of MSA.