Leave a lasting legacy
Any gift you include in your Will – big or small (even just 1% of your estate) – will help build a better future for generations to come. By including a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria, you will allow us to continue with this vital work that will benefit generations of people to come.
Download the guide Contact us Let us know you left a bequest
Around 50 per cent of the research we fund comes from the generosity of gifts in Wills.
Without this incredible boost advances in cancer research could not be made at the rate we’re making them. Advances that mean more personalised therapies, improved survival rates, even cures for cancer, are possible.
Every thoughtful gift left in a Will helps secure funding for future research. Together, we can pave the way for better outcomes and more lives saved.
$25m+ funding for cancer research every year
Over 19,000 calls for cancer support answered
5-year survival rate over 70%
"The reason I’ve left a gift in Will to Cancer Council Victoria is that I’ve had too many of my family and friends pass from cancer, and I want this disease to be eradicated. My hope for the future is that research will find a way of treating this disease in the easiest possible manner for everyone."
- Maria, bequestor
Making an impact
Planning and wording your Will
Leaving a gift in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria can create lasting impact by funding cancer research, prevention programs, and support services. A bequest, even as little as 1% of your estate, helps future generations by improving treatments, tackling risk factors, and supporting people affected by cancer.
Our team have outlined what a Will is, the types of gifts you can leave, and how to write or amend your Will. For more information on legal requirements, wording bequests, and keeping Wills updated, click 'Read More' below.
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Information for solicitors and executors
Listen to Malcolm, lawyer and accredited specialist in Wills and estates provide his tips on writing a Will.
If you are administering an estate that includes a gift to Cancer Council Victoria, notifying us as early as possible can help us prepare. Key details such as the deceased’s full name, last address, date of death, and a copy of the Will or Grant of Probate can be provided to our team at any time.
For guidance on requirements or how a distribution should be made, our Estates Coordinator can be contacted at estates@cancervic.org.au or by calling (03) 9514 6370.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a bequest and a gift in Will?
A bequest is just another term for a gift in Will. In Australia, the two terms are often used interchangeably.
Does leaving a bequest lower my taxable estate value?
There are no inheritance or estate taxes in Australia. While donations you make to a charity that is a deductible gift recipient (DGR) are tax deductible, bequests are treated differently and are not tax deductible as they are part of your Will.
How do I leave a bequest in my Will?
Leaving a bequest in your Will to Cancer Council Victoria is simple and can be broken down into four steps
- Make the decision to include a gift in your Will
- Decide the type of gift you will leave in your Will (we recommend a residual gift)
- Organise a Will or update an existing Will. You can write your Will yourself however we
recommend engaging a professional such as a solicitor, financial planner or accredited Wills
and estates specialist.
- At the time you create or update your Will, write the bequest into your Will. If you already have a Will, you can simply update it or add a CODICIL (a legal provision) to include your bequest.
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