A legacy that lives on
What we leave behind can be so much more than just a memory. It can bring hope and save lives.
Making a Will means taking time to reflect on what you would like to leave behind and on the difference it could make beyond your lifetime.
Often, it is the quiet decisions that have the greatest impact.
Alois Balog, IRO President
Leave a gift to the International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation in your Will to help ensure that search and rescue dog teams are trained to the highest standards. It supports the kind of partnership between people and dogs that enables them to carry out reliable, life-saving work when it matters most.
We are part of the Vergissmeinnicht initiative, working alongside many other charities to raise awareness of legacy giving and its lasting impact.
Get in touch
Daniela Rupp
+43 662 82 65 26 12
daniela.rupp@iro-dogs.org
Gifts in Wills FAQs
Why make a Will?
Making a Will enables you to decide during your lifetime what should happen to your estate after your passing. Within the legal framework, you can specify how your estate is distributed. As well as family and loved ones, you can also include charitable organisations. If you do not make a Will, the law determines how your estate is distributed.
What is a gift in Will?
A gift in Will is a donation to a charity that you set out in your Will. This means that, after your passing, you can leave part or all of your estate to that organisation.
This allows you to pass on your values and support a cause that matters to you.
What are the different types of gifts in a Will?
There are three main ways to leave a gift in your Will:
- Residuary gift: the whole or a share of your estate, for example a percentage.
- Cash gift: a fixed sum of money.
- Specific gift: a particular item, such as a property or another valuable possession.
Each option allows you to support a cause in a way that feels right for you.
What is a lifetime gift?
A lifetime gift is a donation made during life, rather than through your Will. It can include money, property, or other valuable assets, and is given directly to a person or organisation.
Unlike gifts in Will, lifetime gifts take effect immediately.
What information do I need to include?
If you would like to leave a legacy to the International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) in your will, the following details are required:
Internationale Rettungshunde - Organisation IRO
Moosstraße 32
5020 Salzburg
AUSTRIA
IRO is a registered charity in Austria (161077715).
If I leave a gift to IRO in my Will, do I need to let you know?
No, not at all. We completely respect and understand that this is a personal decision. However, if you do choose to let us know, we would be grateful for the opportunity to thank you personally.
We can also keep you updated on our work and the impact that gifts in Wills have. Of course, anything you tell us will be treated in strict confidence.
How do I get started?
Taking the first step can feel daunting. However, we are happy to offer general guidance and answer any questions you may have about Wills and legacy giving.
As a non-legal organisation, however, we are unable to provide legal advice. If you require specific legal guidance, we recommend speaking with a solicitor or notary. The Austrian Notarial Chamber’s Notary Finder can help you find a suitable professional.
Initial consultations with notaries are free of charge in Austria.
Can I change my mind?
Yes, a Will can be changed or updated at any time.
However, it is important that any changes are clearly set out and meet the legal requirements. In many cases, the simplest way to avoid any confusion is to make a new Will.
How do gifts in Wills help IRO?
Including a gift in your Will helps to ensure the long-term quality of volunteer search and rescue dog work, supporting efforts to find missing or trapped people.
The International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) promotes responsible training for search and rescue dog teams worldwide, strengthening the partnership between people and dogs in life-saving operations.
