A testamentary bequest is a provision included in a will through which a person chooses to allocate part of their assets to one or more beneficiaries, in compliance with inheritance law.
It may involve sums of money, movable or immovable property, securities, insurance policies, or other assets, and represents one of the ways to clearly express one’s wishes for the future.
Understanding how a testamentary bequest works helps clarify what choices are available, the different forms it can take, and the protections established for heirs.
In this article, we will explain what a testamentary bequest is, its purpose, and how to proceed, also providing some practical examples. Finally, we will explore how and why to choose Andrea Bocelli Foundation as the beneficiary of a charitable will.
What Is a Testamentary Bequest
As mentioned above, a testamentary bequest is a written provision included in a will through which a person decides to leave part of their assets to one or more beneficiaries (for example, a loved one, an institution, a foundation, or an organization they wish to support).
It is therefore a way to clearly specify who should receive part of one’s estate, while respecting the law and the protections granted to heirs.
When the beneficiary is a nonprofit organization or a Third Sector entity, the bequest takes on a charitable value, as it enables support for causes and projects that one wishes to continue sustaining over time. In this case, it is referred to as a charitable bequest or charitable will.
A bequest can therefore be considered a donation included in a will. The difference between a testamentary bequest and a standard donation lies in the moment when the effects take place.
A donation refers to transferring assets (or part of them) while still alive, whereas a testamentary bequest concerns assets transferred after death.
A testamentary bequest therefore allows individuals to give continuity to their values and ideals, enabling them to live on through the causes and people who will benefit from them.
How a Testamentary Bequest Works
A charitable bequest makes it possible to allocate part of one’s estate to a charitable cause while respecting inheritance laws that protect legal heirs.
This means it is possible to make a charitable will without infringing upon the rights of family members.
Italian law protects close relatives such as spouses, children, or, in their absence, parents, by reserving for them a portion of the estate known as the “reserved share.”
The remaining portion, known as the “available share,” can be freely allocated according to one’s wishes, including to a charitable organization such as Andrea Bocelli Foundation.
The percentages vary depending on the family structure. For example, if there is only one child, 50% of the estate legally belongs to that child, while the remaining 50% may be freely distributed according to the testator’s wishes.
For the bequest to be valid, it must be included in a will drafted according to one of the forms recognized by law:
- Holographic will
This is the simplest form, as it is entirely handwritten by the testator and must include the date and signature. For greater security, it is advisable to entrust it to a notary or a trusted person for safekeeping until it is officially opened. - Secret will
This type of will may also be typed or written by someone else, but it must be signed by the testator, sealed in an envelope, and delivered to a notary in the presence of two witnesses. In this case as well, the contents remain confidential until the will is opened. - Public will
This is the form that offers the greatest protection against loss, forgery, or destruction, as it is drafted directly by a notary in the presence of witnesses, signed by the testator, witnesses, and notary, and stored in the notary’s office. In addition, a copy is registered in the General Register of Wills, making the will traceable even without knowing the name of the notary.
Whichever method is chosen, a testamentary bequest allows individuals to clearly express their wishes and ensure they are respected over time.
Some Examples
A testamentary bequest can take different forms depending on the individual’s wishes and the composition of their estate. It is therefore possible to choose simple or more complex solutions according to what one wishes to leave behind.
Among the most common examples of testamentary bequests are:
- A sum of money;
- Real estate property, such as a house, land, or other property;
- Movable assets or valuable objects such as artworks and jewelry;
- Securities, investments, or financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, or funds.
Life insurance policies deserve separate consideration. These policies are not part of the estate and are therefore not subject to inheritance restrictions protecting heirs.
This means it is possible to freely designate a nonprofit organization as beneficiary, either when taking out the policy or later by notifying the insurance company.
Why Choose ABF for a Testamentary Bequest
Choosing to leave a charitable bequest to Andrea Bocelli Foundation means contributing to the Foundation’s mission of “Empowering people and communities.” It means ensuring continuity for the educational and support projects that the Foundation carries out in Italy and around the world for individuals and, consequently, their communities.
A charitable bequest to ABF may support the Foundation’s overall mission or specific projects related to particular themes and areas of intervention, such as:
- Art, music, and digital laboratories within ABF schools, enabling children and young people to discover their potential, nurture their talents, and develop transversal skills through art, music, and new digital technologies.
- The ABF Water Truck project, through which the Foundation provides daily access to clean water for more than 400,000 residents of the Cité Soleil slum in Haiti.
- Covering the annual operating costs of one of ABF’s six schools in Haiti.
Beyond the unique aspects of each individual initiative, the common thread connecting all Andrea Bocelli Foundation projects is the commitment to developing programs capable of generating real and lasting impact. The goal is to create empowerment pathways that extend beyond the initial intervention and accompany communities over time, fostering autonomy, participation, and sustainable development.
Charitable bequests represent essential support for ABF because they make it possible to plan and develop activities with continuity, stability, and a long-term vision. Every day, this commitment translates into concrete projects and interventions supporting people, children, and communities living in fragile and vulnerable situations. Choosing a charitable bequest for ABF means transforming one’s values and ideals into a lasting legacy capable of going beyond life itself and leaving a meaningful impact on the future
