Extend a lifelong commitment by leaving a legacy. By choosing Karuna-Shechen, you make a lasting contribution to projects that empower communities to improve their living conditions and shape their own future.
At Karuna-Shechen, we believe that altruistic love and compassion are not only the best ways to ensure the well-being of others, but also to live a meaningful life.
Matthieu Ricard
Founder of Karuna-Shechen
Why donate to Karuna-Shechen?
Give your legacy a lasting impact.
Leaving all or part of your estate to Karuna-Shechen means helping support marginalized communities in the Himalayan region so they can take action, make decisions, and shape their own future.
Poverty stems from multiple, interconnected causes. Within a single region, initiatives in health, education, and food security complement one another to address local realities. Projects are co-designed with the communities involved, based on their specific needs and environment.
Your legacy supports solutions that last over time and sustainably strengthen communities' capacity to act.
Carry forward what matters to you.
Leaving all or part of your estate to Karuna-Shechen means choosing to keep your commitment alive beyond your own lifetime, contributing to a more just and supportive world.
It also means sharing a common conviction: that everyone, in their own way, can play a part in driving change. By choosing Karuna-Shechen, you join the vision of altruism inspired by Matthieu Ricard—a vision brought to life through action and built to last.
Leaving a gift in your will with a peaceful mind.
When leaving all or part of your estate to Karuna-Shechen, you choose an organization that places special emphasis on the effectiveness of its work, operational transparency, and the responsible use of its resources.
This same standard guides how Karuna-Shechen approaches planned giving: your wishes are gathered with care and fully respected according to the terms of your will.
Building a legacy together that reflects who you are
Our team is here to advise and support you in creating a legacy plan that aligns with your values and continues your life’s commitments. We are at your service to help you move forward in your planning with complete peace of mind. All of our discussions are strictly confidential, and your arrangements can be updated at any time as your wishes or circumstances evolve.
This process can also be the start of a meaningful relationship with Karuna-Shechen. Through our conversations, you can get to know the people behind the organization, join its story, and share what matters most to you.
After your passing, we ensure your wishes are honored and pay special tribute to the memory of those who chose to support our mission.
Éloïse Richardot
Philanthropists Relations Officer
France, USA and other countries
eloise.richardot@karuna-shechen.org
+33 7 60 39 31 50
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Catherine Lalive d'Epinay
Director of Karuna Switzerland
Switzerland
The rules for passing on assets vary depending on the country and legal context. To help you with this process, we have outlined the specific procedures applicable in France, Switzerland, the United States, and other countries. This information will help you better understand the options available and choose the one that best suits your situation.
Since 2014, Karuna-Shechen has been authorized to receive bequests, life insurance proceeds, and donations in France through the Karuna-Shechen Endowment Fund. As such, bequests and donations made to this Fund are exempt from transfer taxes (Art. 795, 14° of the French General Tax Code).
Bequest
A bequest refers to the transfer, by a testator, of all or part of their estate by will. This may include cash, real estate, securities, or personal property.
Life insurance
Life insurance is a contract taken out with a bank or insurance company in favor of a beneficiary. Upon the death of the insured, the insurer undertakes to pay the accumulated capital to the beneficiary.
Donation
A donation consists of giving, during one's lifetime and free of charge, ownership of one or more of one's assets to a third party, known as the donee. Once accepted by the donee, the donation is final.
Would you like to learn more about the possibilities of transferring your assets from France?
Gratitude
We would like to express our deep gratitude to our benefactors who have shown immeasurable generosity by choosing to bequeath a portion of their estate.
Ariane, Brigitte, Chantal, Christiane, Claire, François, Françoise, Geneviève, Hélène, Jacqueline, Luc, Marie-Madeleine, Michel, Mihaela, Noëlle, Jude, Véronique, Karin, Alice, Simone.