Bequests
Sometimes, our existing financial commitments prevent us from demonstrating the true extent of our support for an organisation during our lifetime. This is why bequests are so important, as they allow us to give in the event of our passing. Bequests provide a long-term investment to a charity, which will benefit others for years to come.
While the subject of writing a will is one that few of us like to think about, it is important to ensure your will provides for those who are important to you, and ensures your wishes are honoured in the event of your passing.
If you would like to write or amend your will to include VAC, we strongly recommend that you seek independent legal advice. A solicitor will be able to advise you on the type of bequest to suit your circumstances.
Leaving a bequest to our organisation is an incredibly meaningful gift, which will help us provide a brighter future for Victorians affected by or at risk of HIV. Your bequest could help us fund a range of services and activities that may not be afforded otherwise. For example, these funds could enable us to grow our Nutritional Services, so that people living with HIV, who are often living below the poverty line, can obtain free or affordable food; or, your bequest could assist by providing individuals living with HIV with grants, to fund specific essential items, household bills or study assistance.
There are three main types of bequests you can leave in your will:
- Residual: Funds left over after all other provisions have been made
- Percentage: A percentage of your estate
- Specific: A fixed sum from your estate
You could also consider leaving an item of value, such as a property or work of art.
On occasions a will can be contested in court, which is a costly and time-consuming process. If you wish to include or exclude someone in your will, this should be made explicitly clear. For this reason we recommend professional legal advice.
If you would like to include VAC in your will and require the recommended wording, or for a confidential discussion about leaving a bequest please call us on (03) 9865 6700 or email fundraising@vac.org.au.
Contact us
Phone: (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840 (free call for callers from regional and rural areas)
Email: fundraising@vac.org.au
