Why it matters

Why bequests matter for CROW

CROW receives no government or municipal funding – we rely entirely on donations. Historically, over 60% of our donations have come from bequests, so they are vital to keeping our doors open.

Your bequest helps us:

  • Keep rescuing – caring for injured, orphaned and endangered wildlife long after your lifetime.
  • Maintain vital resources – enclosures, rescue vehicles, medical supplies and facilities.
  • Educate – helping communities protect local wildlife and habitats.
  • Leave a personal legacy – honouring your love of nature and inspiring others.

CROW is a registered NPO and PBO, so we can issue Section 18A tax certificates, and donations to CROW are exempt from estate duty.

Real gifts, real results

What bequests have made possible

2025 · Enclosures

A bigger, better home for our vervet monkeys

We care for injured, orphaned and displaced vervet monkeys from a day old to adulthood. A 2023 bequest and a major 2024 fundraiser let us rebuild their enclosures in 2025 – removing old gum poles, extending the enclosures and raising the roofs.

2024 · Vehicle

A new Suzuki Eeco – a lifeline for indigenous wildlife

Thanks to a generous bequest and support from Key Durban and Suzuki, this much-needed vehicle transports wildlife for rescues, releases and conservation education across KwaZulu-Natal.

2024 · Facilities

A lifesaving upgrade: a new fridge and freezer

When our 20-year-old walk-in fridge and freezer broke down beyond repair in January 2024, a generous bequest and the Olsen Animal Trust helped us rebuild it by March.

Your choice

How your bequest will be used

You may designate your bequest to a particular programme or need, ensuring your contribution aligns with your own conservation interests, while making a meaningful impact in our mission. We have several categories where CROW is always in need of funding:

Operational costs (e.g. veterinary and medical costs)
H-Block-repairs
Enclosure upgrades and equipment maintenance
Environmental education and outreach
Medical equipment and supplies
rescue and release vehicle
Rescue and release vehicles

Accountability

Financial management and transparency

CROW’s funds are overseen by the Executive Committee and Operations Director, who report to the Board of Trustees. All transactions require dual authorization, and restricted donations are managed in dedicated accounts with detailed expenditure records accessible to donors. CROW is audited annually by CC Steyn, with AGM reports and audited financials available upon request.

In their words

“My late mum chose to leave a portion of her estate to CROW. We were so happy to know that her legacy will live on and touch the lives of the animals at CROW.”

– Tania Upfold, daughter of a CROW supporter

Three simple steps

How to leave a bequest

1

Decide on your gift

A specific amount, a percentage of the residue of your estate (what remains after other gifts and costs), or a specific asset such as property or shares. You can leave it unrestricted or designate it to an area that matters to you.

2

Speak to your attorney

Ask your attorney or financial advisor to include CROW in a new Will, or to add a codicil to your existing Will. A ready-made codicil is in our bequest brochure.

3

Let us know

Tell us about your gift using the form below or at director@crowkzn.co.za, so we can thank you personally and discuss how you would like it to be used.

For your attorney

Details for your attorney

Legal details

Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W.)
15A Coedmore Avenue
Yellowwood Park, Durban, 4004
NPO No. 046-598
PBO No. 130004901

Suggested wording for your Will

“I bequeath to the Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (NPO No. 046-598, PBO No. 130004901), 15A Coedmore Avenue, Yellowwood Park, Durban, 4004, [the sum of R______ / ____% of the residue of my estate / the following asset: ______], to be used for its general purposes [or: for ______].”

 

Recognition

How we honour your legacy

A bequest can be publicly recognised or kept anonymous – it is entirely your choice. Public recognition lets us honour your contribution and inspire others; anonymity ensures your privacy is respected.

A plaque on our Wall of Memory
Acknowledgement in our annual reports
Project dedications, marked with a sign on site
Or stay anonymous – just tell us

Have you included CROW in your Will?

Please let us know, so we can thank you now instead of your executors later – and talk about how you would like your gift to be used.

    Questions

    Frequently asked questions

    No. You can add a codicil – a short document read together with your existing Will. A ready-made bequest codicil is in our brochure. It must be signed and witnessed by two people, neither of whom benefits from the codicil or the Will.

    Any gift makes a difference. You can leave a specific amount, a percentage of the residue of your estate, or a specific asset such as property or shares.

    Yes. You can leave it unrestricted, to be used where the need is greatest, or designate it to operational costs, enclosure upgrades, environmental education, medical equipment, or rescue and release vehicles.

    We will allocate your gift to another area that closely aligns with your wishes.

    CROW is a registered NPO and PBO that can issue Section 18A tax certificates, and bequests to CROW are exempt from estate duty. Please confirm how this applies to your estate with your attorney or financial advisor.

    No, but we would love to know. It lets us thank you personally and discuss how you would like your gift to be used.

    Yes. We can recognise your gift publicly or keep it completely anonymous – whichever you prefer.

    Yes. On request, we will send an expenditure report to your next of kin, attorney or financial advisor.

    Funds are overseen by the Executive Committee and Operations Director, who report to the Board of Trustees. CROW is audited annually by CC Steyn, and audited financials are available on request.

    Get in touch

    Contact us

    Centre for Rehabilitation of Wildlife, 15A Coedmore Avenue, Yellowwood Park, Durban, 4004
    +27 31 462 1127
    director@crowkzn.co.za

    Important: this page is a guide and is not a substitute for legal advice.