Making a difference beyond your lifetime

What we leave behind is not just what we owned. It is also what we made possible for others.

By leaving a gift to Smiling Gecko in your will, you support something you may never see yourself: a generation of Cambodian children finding a way out of poverty through education. Your last wishes can become a new beginning for others.

Making a difference beyond your lifetime

What we leave behind is not just what we owned. It is also what we made possible for others. By leaving a gift to Smiling Gecko in your will, you support something you may never see yourself: a generation of Cambodian children finding a way out of poverty through education. Your last wishes can become a new beginning for others.

What changed in 2023

Revised Swiss inheritance law came into force on 1 January 2023. The compulsory share for descendants was reduced from three quarters to one half of their statutory entitlement, and parents no longer have a compulsory share. This gives you greater freedom to decide how your estate is distributed and to allocate a larger portion according to your wishes.

Inheritance, legacies and lifetime gifts: the differences

• Inheritance: you name Smiling Gecko as an heir to all or a specified share of your estate.

• Legacy or bequest: you leave a specific item or sum of money to Smiling Gecko, independently of the division of the rest of your estate.

• Lifetime gift: you support our work with part of your assets today rather than through your estate.

How to proceed

A legally valid will is essential to ensure that your wishes are followed. We recommend seeking advice from a notary, lawyer or specialist in inheritance law.

Our legacy brochure provides an initial overview of the ways you can support Smiling Gecko and the key principles of Swiss inheritance law.

We would be happy to discuss your wishes for your estate in a personal, confidential conversation, whether you have already made a decision or are just beginning to consider your options.

Your contact

Sarah Blesius

Sarah Blesius
Phone: 044 321 67 70
Email: blesius(at)smilinggecko.ch

Before you go...

We would be incredibly grateful for a small donation.

Every amount counts to give people in rural Cambodia a future.

This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.