In many Nigerian families today, securing one’s legacy often hinges on having male children to carry forward the bloodline. While this tradition has deep cultural roots, there is a more impactful and sustainable alternative: establishing a charitable trust that outlives the settlor and continues to serve society for generations. By funneling resources into a legal structure designed to endure, one’s values and philanthropic vision can be preserved far beyond one’s lifetime.

Examples of Enduring Trusts and Foundations

1. Griffith Observatory (Los Angeles, USA)
Griffith J. Griffith bequeathed land and funds in his 1919 will to build an observatory, hall of science, and Greek Theatre for the City of Los Angeles. His testamentary trust directed these funds—and his detailed specifications—for public astronomy and education. The Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 and continues to welcome millions, remaining faithful to his vision more than a century later. Till date, the Griffith Observatory attracts about 1.6 million visitors annually, serving as a leading destination for public astronomy education and entertainment. The observatory provides free access to its telescopes for public viewing, astronomy exhibits, educational programs, and live shows, all aimed at connecting people with the cosmos. I have personally visited the Griffith Observatory and marvel at the foresight the founder had to build a legacy that continues to benefit people more than 100 years after his death.

2. Rockefeller Foundation
Chartered in 1913 by John D. Rockefeller with an initial endowment of $100 million, this foundation has since disbursed over $22 billion in philanthropic capital, while maintaining an endowment of approximately $6 billion as of 2022. Today, the Rockefeller Foundation funds global initiatives aimed at improving health, food security, access to clean power, U.S. economic opportunity, innovation, and innovative finance. Through grants, strategic partnerships, and large-scale “Big Bets,” it supports transformative projects across the United States, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Italy (via The Bellagio Center). Its work spans from advancing public health and sustainable food systems to expanding renewable energy access and fostering inclusive economic growth. Through the foundation, Rockefeller continues to make significant contribution to the world 88 years after his death.

3. Ford Foundation
The Ford Foundation was founded in 1936 from an initial gift of $25,000 by Edsel Ford, later increased through further bequests by Edsel and Henry Ford. According to Ford Foundation‘s website, “after Edsel and Henry died in the mid-1940s, their bequests turned the foundation into the largest philanthropy in the world.” The foundation’s endowment has grown to around $16.8 billion as of 2023.

Today, the foundation continues to do great work advancing its mission to reduce poverty and injustice, strengthen democratic values, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.

While the above examples show trusts that have endured generations on a global scale, in Nigeria, we have a more recent example of the Dangote Foundation. The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), established in 1994 as the Dangote Foundation, is the largest private charitable foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, funded by Nigeria’s leading philanthropist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. With a mission to drive social change through strategic investments, ADF focuses primarily on child nutrition, alongside health, education, empowerment, and disaster relief initiatives. Over two decades, it has partnered with state and national governments, reputable NGOs, and international agencies to advance its humanitarian goals. Notably, ADF collaborated with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and northern Nigerian states from 2013 to eradicate polio and strengthen immunization programs, demonstrating its commitment to impactful, large-scale interventions.

While many of us may not have as much wealth as Dangote has, we can make impact by starting small. It can be by building a library accessible to the public and allocating an asset to fund and maintain it after we are gone.

To establish a charitable trust in Nigeria, start by clearly defining a meaningful charitable purpose, such as supporting public libraries, scholarships, healthcare, or environmental conservation. Under the Cy pres doctrine, trust funds can also be used for related or similar purposes if the original objective becomes impracticable, ensuring the trust’s longevity.

To set up a trust, one may use the incorporated trustees structure under the Companies and Allied Matters Act. One may also create a testamentary charitable trust through a will under relevant laws. For a seamless set up of a charitable trust, using an experienced Nigerian law firm and trust institution specializing in trust creation and management is encouraged for expert guidance and administration.