Leave a legacy gift to AVSF
By leaving a legacy gift to AVSF, you can support the development of smallholder farming to help overcome food and ecological challenges now and in the future. Your gesture will help AVSF’s teams train, advise and bring together thousands of smallholder families that are committed to protecting ecosystems and promoting the development of their respective communities.
What is a legacy?
A legacy is a testamentary disposition where you gift all or part of your assets to one or more beneficiaries (family members, associations, foundations, etc.). To leave a legacy gift you will need to draw up a will, which is best done through your notary. The will does not take effect until after your death. You therefore maintain ownership of your property until that date, and can go back on your decision at any time. If you have no heirs and no will, all of your assets will go to the state.
Different types of legacy
Universal legacy: You leave all of your assets to AVSF (we may renounce your legacy if the value of your debts exceeds the value of your assets).
Legacy under a universal title: You leave a portion of your assets (a third, half) or a specific type of asset (all of your movable property, or all of your immovable property).
Particular legacy: You leave a specific asset (house, bank account or sum of money) to AVSF.
If you gift all your assets to AVSF, you may ask us to give a portion of those assets to a person of your choice. This is referred to as a universal legacy with a particular legacy net of fees and taxes. It allows you to reduce the inheritance tax paid to the state for a legacy to a chosen person if you do not have any heirs.
How do I leave a legacy gift to AVSF?
Under French law, you are not allowed to dispose of all your assets if you have direct heirs. If you have descendants – children (legitimate, illegitimate, adoptive), grandchildren, or great-grandchildren – part of your estate is reserved for them. The same goes for your spouse, if you have no descendants. The remainder is called the “disposable portion” and may be gifted freely.
If you have no spouse or heirs, you can bequeath your entire estate as you wish. If you do not make a will, your entire estate will revert to your non-direct heirs (parents, brothers, sisters, or failing that, relatives up to the 6th degree) or, if you have no heirs, to the State.
As an officially recognised non-profit association, AVSF is authorised to receive legacies, donations and funds from life-insurance products, and is exempt from inheritance tax. AVSF uses all the funds it receives to carry out its missions.
Have a question?
Nina Cloiseau, Head of donor services, is here to help.
Phone: +33 (0)1 43 94 72 36
E-mail: donateur@avsf.org
Post: Service Donateur, AVSF, 45 bis avenue de la belle Gabrielle, 94 736 Nogent sur Marne, France.
