Join our network
Leaving a gift in your will is easy
Leaving a gift in your will is a simple process that could make a real difference.
If you do not have a will and wish to create one, it is a good idea get legal advice. If you don't have a solicitor you can contact The Public Trustee in your state or territory.
If you already have a will, then all you need to do is add a codicil – a short legal amendment to your existing will.
A simple way to leave a bequest is to include a residuary gift. This means that a percentage or the remainder of your estate can be left to Cancer Council after you have taken care of your family and other beneficiaries.
There is no requirement to inform us of your intention to leave a bequest in your will, however if you have any questions or would like to discuss your intentions please contact the Wills and Bequests Officer in your state or territory Cancer Council.
Wording for your will
To include Cancer Council in your will we suggest that you use the following wording (subject to legal advice):
“I bequeath to Cancer Council Australia (the residue of my estate), or (a specific sum), or (specified items), or (specified percentage of my estate) free of all duties, and a receipt from an authorised officer of the organisation shall be a complete and sufficient discharge for the executor(s)”
Cancer Council Australia routinely forwards gifts in wills to state and territory Cancer Councils across Australia (ie. the state and territory you reside in). Should you wish your bequest to be used solely by Cancer Council Australia, the following words are provided as a guidance for use in your will:
“I bequeath to Cancer Council Australia for its exclusive use (the residue of my estate), or (a specific sum), or (specified items), or (specified percentage of my estate) free of all duties, and a receipt from an authorised officer of the organisation shall be a complete and sufficient discharge for the executor(s)”
Cancer Council Australia (information for your solicitor)
- ACN 130 793 725
- ABN 91 130 793 725
- Level 1/120 Chalmers Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 (GPO Box 4708 Sydney NSW 2001)
- Incorporated as a Public Company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act (2001) (Cth) • Endorsed by the Australian Government as a Health Promotion Charity
- Endorsed as an income tax exempt charitable entity
- Endorsed as a deductible gift recipient
- Endorsed for GST concessions
- (Endorsements are entered on the public register maintained by the Australian Business Registrar at www.abr.business.gov.au)
Include a Charity
Over 130 of Australia's favourite charities, including Cancer Council, are working together to raise awareness of the ease and effectiveness of leaving a gift in your will.
Gifts in wills form the foundation of many Australian charities. Without them, many charities simply would not exist.
We believe that gifts in wills can make a significant contribution in our mission to defeat cancer - you can be assured that any legacy you chose to leave will help Cancer Council in its work.
Find out more about Cancer Council and Include A Charity.
For further information on the wording of bequests for Cancer Council Australia contact Karen Armstrong or Robert Firth on 02 8063 4100.
For information on bequests to a state or territory Cancer Council, use the map below to locate the Wills and Bequests Officer in your state or territory.
This page was last updated on: Friday, August 17, 2012
