Bequests

Your gift can make a difference The St John of God Foundation was established to ensure that Sisters of St John of God can continue community work and pastoral care which are not being met by traditional means or government funding. The Foundation relies on the support of generous donors to fulfil its mission in providing physical and financial help and care to those people and communities where it is most needed. How can you help? You can make a gift in cash or in kind during your lifetime or by your will. By your Will you may make a gift of a sum of money or of a specific asset, such as real estate or shares or the proceeds of a life policy or you may bequeath a share of your estate, By leaving a percentage of your estate to a charitable organisation allows for inflation and the increase in the value of your gift in line with increases in the value of your estate. How do I make a bequest? Making a Will is the only way you can be assured that your estate is distributed the way you wish. Yet as many as 50% of Australians die without a valid Will or a self prepared Will which proves inadequate. A bequest is simply a gift made by a Will which can be worded to suit your wishes. Through a bequest we can feel assured that part of our estate will leave a lasting memory and continue to benefit society. Bequests can be made in the form of a memorial in perpetuity to commemorate s loved one or the family name. Opportunities to recognise your support are available. Although sample wording for a bequest is given, it is recommended you seek the advice of a Solicitor to ensure that your bequest is worded properly. Adding a Codicil If you have already made a Will, but would now like to provide for the Foundation, you can do so by making a codicil – an addition to you Will which would include a bequest to the Foundation. Gifts with assured income Gifts may be of assets with the income from the property retained by the donor during his or her lifetime. Similarly, property can be given to the Foundation, with the donor retaining lifetime enjoyment of it. How would I word my bequest? A sample wording of a bequest by Will is as follows:     I give and bequeath to St John of God Foundation Inc., Level 1, Arcadia Chambers, 1 Roydhouse Street, Subiaco in the State of Western Australia, free from all duties, for its sole use and benefit absolutely the sum of $________________________ to be applied by it for such charitable purposes as the Board of the said Foundation sees fit and in respect of this bequest I declare as follows: a general charitable intent shall apply to this bequest; the receipt of the Treasurer for the time being of St John of God Foundation Inc., shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executors for the payment of this bequest; my executors shall not be obliged to see or inquire into the application of this bequest. The St John of God Foundation would appreciate advice of any Bequests. Please Contact Us