Find information about creating wills and administering estates, for clients who wish to leave a bequest to Cancer Council NSW. Including:
- Correct wording for wills
- How to notify Cancer Council NSW
- How you can support charitable bequests
- Downloadable resources for solicitors and executors.
Creating a will that includes a bequest
Your client’s wishes:
- Cancer Council prefers that bequests to be left for general (rather than specific) purposes, as this enables us to use the gift for any of our programs or activities where there is need. It also reduces the administration costs that are associated with quarantining funds for specific purposes. However, we will always respect the wishes of our supporters and if a client wants the bequest to be specific to an area or type of cancer , we are happy to accommodate their wishes. If you need to discuss a specific request, please contact us. The needs of research and support will change over time and the need now may not be the same need in 10-15 years’ time.
- If your client would like to establish a legacy in recognition or memory of a loved one, we would encourage you to contact us to discuss the opportunity of naming research awards or scholarships after the person.
- To help ensure that Cancer Council receives the intended bequest, please ensure the correct wording is used (example below) and include our full name and ABN:
The Cancer Council NSW ABN 51 116 463 846.
Suggested wording for wills:
‘I (insert name here) of [address], [occupation] bequeath/ GIVE 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)
[Choose and insert the statement from the list below that reflects your client’s wishes]
- 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).’
Words in italics to be adjusted in accordance with testator’s wishes.
Administration of an estate
When it is time to administer an estate in which a gift has been left to Cancer Council NSW, we would appreciate your assistance in the following ways:
- Notify us – Please notify us of the gift in the will. We ask that you also provide us with a copy of the will or probate/letters of administration for the estate. This allows us to match the testator to our donor records and also identifies any restrictions attached to the use of the bequest.
- Tell us about your client – We like to have an opportunity to thank the remaining family and friends in honour of the testator’s memory.
These actions allow us to respect your client’s final wishes, honour their memory and maximise the impact of their donation.
Supporting charitable bequests
Cancer Council NSW understands that support from professional groups is very important to the work we do. You can support us in the following ways:
- Request copies of our bequest booklet and have information on hand for your future clients about leaving a charitable donation in their will.
- Join our professional network that offers assistance to people affected by cancer via our pro bono program. Please contact the bequest team for more information.
Resources for solicitors and executors
Contact us
For any enquiries regarding the administration of an estate, or if you wish to send a cheque for a bequest to us, please get in touch:
Mail: Cancer Council NSW Gifts in Wills team
PO Box 572, Kings Cross NSW 2011