Leaving a gift in your Will: What you need to know
Leaving a gift in your Will is one of the most powerful ways to support a cause you care about.
Once you’ve looked after your loved ones, a gift in your Will costs you nothing today but creates a lasting impact for generations to come.
Even a gift of just 1% of your estate can help fund life-saving cancer research, prevention programs, and support services for people affected by cancer.
Here are three simple steps to help you include a gift in your Will.
Step 1: Make or update your Will
Your Will must be properly prepared and signed. A little planning now will save time and money later.
For complicated estates and Wills, we strongly encourage you speak to a solicitor to ensure that your Will is valid and does exactly what you want. Don’t be shy – shop around to make sure you get the best option for you.
However, for simple estates, writing a Will online, via our partner Safewill, is an easy option that only takes 20 minutes.
To get started, download our helpful PDFs:
- Gifts in Wills impact
- Information for your solicitor and wording of will
- Getting your retirement plan in order
Updating an existing Will:
If you already have a Will, remember to:
- Tell your family and loved ones about your plans. Clear communication helps make sure your wishes are carried out.
- Use the correct wording so your gift is received and used as you intend.
What wording should I use?
“I (insert name) bequeath to The Cancer Council NSW ABN 51 116 463 846 for its general purposes (or name a specific purpose, such as research, patient and support care services, cancer prevention programs – please call us to discuss (02) 9334 1479)
[Choose one of the following]
- the whole of my estate
- (insert number) percentage of my estate
- the residue of my estate
- the amount of $ (insert the value of your gift in cash)
- my (insert name of asset)
- free of all duties, and the receipt of the Secretary or other authorised officer for the time being shall be a complete and sufficient discharge for the Executor(s).”
Step 2: Deciding Your Gift
Anyone can leave a gift in their Will. Please provide for your family first. Then, consider what feels right for you – even 1% can make a big difference.
Common options:
- Residual gift: After looking after your loved ones, you can choose to leave a percentage of your estate. This allows your gift to maximise as your estate matures.
- Specific amount: Specify an exact amount from your estate
- Assets: You can give property, shares, jewellery, or other items
If your estate is complex, or if you want to direct your gift to a specific purpose, please get advice from a solicitor or request a call back from our team by filling out our form.
Step 3: Notify loved ones and Cancer Council
Leaving a gift is a personal decision. If you choose to tell us, we can thank you during your lifetime and keep you updated on the impact of gifts like yours. While any information you share with us is completely confidential, we recommend telling your family about your wishes.
When you let us know, we’ll invite you to join our Daffodil Circle, our special community of supporters who have chosen to leave a gift in their Will. As part of the Daffodil Circle, members receive:
- Invitations to talks with leading cancer experts
- Updates on how bequests are invested and making a difference
- Direct access to our Gifts in Wills team
If you’d like to learn more, please contact our team directly (02) 93341479 or giftsinwills@nswcc.org.au.
Please note that this information is general in nature and is not legal advice. Please seek advice from a qualified solicitor for your circumstances.