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It’s easy to make a bequest to the Garvan Institute and become a Partner for the Future. You can either include the bequest when you write your Will or simply add one as a codicil to your existing Will.
You should seek professional advice from a legal adviser to ensure your wishes are recorded in a legally binding way.
It's also important to talk to your loved ones about your intentions and let them know that leaving a gift to medical research is important to you. This can help to ensure your intentions and wishes are carried out.
If you do include a gift in your Will to Garvan, we would love the opportunity to say thank you and welcome you as a Partner for the Future, so please do let us know.
Types of bequest
Bequests can be made in a variety of ways according to your personal situation and preferences. You may choose to give:
A residual gift which is a share or whole of your estate after providing for your family and friends.
A percentage of the overall value of your estate which allows for growth or depreciation of the value of your estate.
A specified sum of cash. However, this does not allow for changes of circumstance or inflation.
A gift of real estate, stocks, bonds, shares, artwork, jewellery etc.
The correct wording for your will
"I give to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, ABN 62 330 391 937 free of all duties
- All of my residuary estate (OR)
- ____ % percentage of my residuary estate (OR)
- The sum of $ _____ (OR)
- [List asset or assets]
to be applied for the purposes of medical research by the Institute OR for the purpose of ________ [specify research area of your choice]. I declare that the receipt of a Director of the Institute or other authorised officer will be a sufficient discharge to my executors who will not be bound to see to the application of this gift."
- Download the correct wording for your Will (PDF) and feel free to contact our Bequest Manager for any questions you have about leaving a future bequest to Garvan.
When you meet with your solicitor
It is important that your solicitor is aware of the following legal points, which may significantly enhance your bequest.
Deductible Gift Recipient Status
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research (ABN 62 330 391 937) holds Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status Item 1 and is fully Tax Exempt. As the Fundraising and Marketing division of the Garvan Institute, the Garvan Research Foundation (ABN 91 042 722 738) also holds Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status Item 2 and is fully Tax Exempt.
Capital Gains Tax on estate assets and transfer of shares ‘in specie’
As Garvan Institute of Medical Research is fully Tax Exempt, the transfer of all Capital Gains Tax assets such as real estate or shares to Garvan will result in significantly reduced tax liability, rather than pre-selling those assets by executors and transferring the sale proceeds.
Superannuation
Superannuation is not automatically directed through a person’s Will. If you wish to assign your superannuation to the Garvan, the super balance will need to be left to your estate, in which case it will be dealt with as determined in the Will.
How to choose a solicitor
We recommend consulting solicitor who has knowledge and experience in Wills and estate planning. The cost of making a Will can vary according to your personal situation and the simpleness or complexity of your assets and property. If you already have a Will, a simple and inexpensive way to include a bequest to Garvan is to add a Codicil.
More helpful information about making your Will and finding the right solicitor can be found via the Law Society of NSW. You can also find a list of all State and Territory Law Societies.
Online Will options
There are a number of companies in the market offering online Will services. Online Will options would be most suited for simple Wills and can be an inexpensive option for some people. If an online Will may be of interest to you, it is strongly recommended that the service include a review and advice from legal professionals during the process. For more information, visit the Fundraising Institute of Australia website.
When you become a Garvan Partner for the Future
By including Garvan in your Will, you are joining our special group of supporters who we call our Partners for the Future. To become a Partner for the Future, please get in touch to let us know you have left a bequest to Garvan. You’ll be kept up to date with our research and receive invitations to special Garvan events and Lab Tours.
You may also choose to be acknowledged on the Honour Board in the Galleria of the Garvan building (right) in Darlinghurst, Sydney. However, if you prefer to remain anonymous, we will of course honour your wishes.
Contact our Bequest Officer
Contact Donna Mason, Bequest Manager at Garvan if you would like information about leaving a gift in your Will to Garvan and becoming a Partner for the Future. Your enquiry and details will be treated in the strictest confidence and without any obligation
Phone: (02) 9295 8559
Email: bequests@garvan.org.au
Confidential enquiry form (PDF)