Leave a lasting legacy with a gift in your Will.
To help people and causes close to your heart, you may wish to make a charitable gift in your Will after you have taken care of your loved ones.
Bequests
Why leave a gift in your Will to Uniting Vic.Tas?
The work we do at Uniting continues to make a positive difference to people across our society. To ensure we’re helping people for the long term, though, we need to make sure we receive the generous support of people like you. One way to ensure we can continue our mission is through a bequest, also known as a gift in Will, allowing your legacy to help people long into the future.
From helping those experiencing homelessness or looking for crisis support to assisting everyday people find employment, recover from alcohol and drug use or grow old with dignity, Uniting is there. To keep providing these critical community services in the future, though, requires the ongoing support of generous donors.
While donations are vital for our services right now, it’s just as important to ensure we’re able to continue to support future generations – which is why leaving a gift or charitable bequest in your Will can be so valuable.
Types of bequests you can make
Bequests to charities like Uniting are vitally important and, while there are plenty of ways to go, each is equally generous and appreciated. The best type of gift you can nominate to Uniting in your Will is a percentage and/or residual gift because both keep their value over time Here are some of the main types of bequest:
Residual bequest
Once your family and friends have been taken care of in your Will, a residual bequest donates the remainder of your estate. Residual bequests are appreciated because they keep their value over time.
Percentage bequest
Rather than leaving a set amount, this type of bequest allows you to nominate a set percentage of your estate to be left to Uniting. Like residual bequests, percentage bequests are important because they are not devalued by factors like inflation.
Specific bequest
A specific bequest allows you to determine an exact, fixed amount to be distributed to Uniting, with every amount appreciated and honoured.
Whole estate bequest
A whole estate bequest allows you to leave everything to Uniting.
How to include Uniting Vic.Tas in your Will
Leaving a gift in your Will should be done with careful consideration and the proper guidance. Before leaving a bequest to Uniting, we recommend taking the following steps:
Let your loved ones know your wishes so they understand your intentions to leave a gift in your Will to Uniting. Although leaving a gift in your Will is a personal decision, it’s important to discuss these plans with your family beforehand and ensure their needs are met, too.
A Will represents important legal decisions and, as such, it can be a good idea to speak with a solicitor who specialises in Wills and bequests to ensure everything is as it should be for you and your family.
We’re always here to help. Whatever questions you might have about leaving a gift in your Will, we’re happy to assist. Get in touch today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bequest?
Simply put, a bequest is a gift you leave in your Will. Whether in the form of assets or cash – and regardless of the size, value or intended recipient – a bequest will be distributed according to your wishes after you pass on.
Can Uniting help me create my Will?
No, we can not offer legal advice, but Uniting has partnered with Safewill to offer our supporters the opportunity to write their WIll online for $80 (normally $160).By using Safewill, you can create a personalised Will from the comfort of your home in just a few clicks – backed up by the resources of Safewill’s legal team who check each and every Will made online. Visit Safewill.
Sharon our Program Lead, Gift in Wills, is available to assist you with any questions you may have. Contact her today by filling out a form or emailing [email protected].
I am not wealthy, can I still give a bequest?
Many Australians have included gifts in their Wills for causes that are important to them. A gift of any size makes a difference, regardless of how big or small it may be.
It is important that you inform your loved ones that you intend to leave a gift to Uniting in your Will. You may feel compelled to support people in need for a variety of reasons, but you should let your family and friends know why.
Do I need legal advice to create a bequest?
Legal advice is recommended. Consult a solicitor to ensure your Will is valid and your intentions are clear.
It is possible to amend your existing Will by adding a ‘codicil’, which is an amendment to your Will, if you wish to include a gift to Uniting in your Will.
If you want to make a Will online, Safewill Wills are all checked by a legal professional. Safewill is offering 50% off all Wills created through them. Start writing your Will today.
What is the best way to word a bequest in my Will?
Our suggested Will wording is below and handy resource for your solicitor.
“__________________________________________of__________________________________________________________________post code _______________
I give and bequeath to Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) Limited, ABN 81 098 317 125 (or its legal successor), for its General Purposes <or state purpose>
the whole of my estate, or____ percentage of my estate, or____ percentage of the residue of my estate, or the sum of $____, or my shares in (insert description of publicly listed company/s), or (Specific item/s) and declare that the receipt by the Company’s CEO, CFO, Company Secretary, Director or General Manager (or equivalent role) shall be sufficient discharge to my Trustee/s.”
Is it possible to leave a bequest in my Will to a particular area of Uniting’s work?
Yes, it is possible to specify the area that is special to you if you wish to have your gift used there. Please specify it as a wish, not a condition. The greatest needs can be met through unspecified gifts in Wills. Please consult a solicitor to ensure your Will is valid and your intentions are clear.
My Will includes a gift to Uniting, do I need to inform you?
Please let us know if you have included Uniting in your Will. By doing so, we will have the opportunity to thank you for your commitment to
our work during your lifetime. However, we also respect your preference to keep this decision private.
Contact Sharon our Program Lead, Gift in Wills, by filling out a form or emailing [email protected].
What does 'intestacy' mean?
The term “intestate” refers to somebody who passes away without leaving a valid Will. A person’s estate is distributed according to the “intestate laws”. (Generally, in a way not intended by the deceased).our work during your lifetime. However, we also respect your preference to keep this decision private.
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