GIFTS IN WILL FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions about Gifts in Will
A. Everyone should have a Will. It ensures that your wishes are carried out by providing for your family, friends and the issues you care about. If you die without making a Will, state laws will determine how your assets will be distributed according to a predetermined formula which may not be as you intended.
A. You don’t have to be wealthy to make a Will. Even a small gift can make a lasting difference to our threatened wildlife and their habitats. In fact, leaving a gift in your Will is a way to support the causes you care about without any current expense. If you do decide to leave a future gift, as a member of our Legacy Society you can be just as involved as those who are able to support us today.
A. Gifts in Wills are future donations to charity, the details of which are recorded in your Will. Your future donation can be in the form of shares or property, a specified amount, or for greatest impact the remainder, or a portion of the remainder of your assets. Your gift in Will will be distributed to your chosen charity after you pass.
A. A charitable bequest is simply the legal term for a gift in your Will to charity.
A. A legacy gift is another way of describing a gift in your Will or charitable bequest. This term is used because by including a gift in your Will to charity you are leaving a legacy to the world for future generations.
A. A gift in your Will is a way of supporting the causes you care about without any current expense. For some, the scale of the positive impact they would like to have today is achievable through a future gift in their Will.
A. WWF is supported by over 5 million people and is active in more than 100 countries. Over the past 50 years, so many major victories for nature have in some way involved WWF’s scientific approach and experience. By choosing to leave a gift to WWF-Australia in your Will you are choosing to contribute to the protection of wildlife and nature for future generations. And giving back to the natural world that sustains and nurtures us.
A. To leave a gift to WWF Australia in your Will you can either write a new Will or update your existing Will. A solicitor, lawyer or estate planner can assist you. Gathered Here offers a free service to WWF supporters. To take advantage of their free service, or to create a bespoke Will visit Gathered Here..
A. Your Will is a record of your wishes at a particular point in time. It is advisable to regularly review your Will when your circumstances change so that it accurately reflects your current wishes. If your current Will still reflects most of your wishes, and you just want to make some small additions or changes, your solicitor can help you create a codicil (which is an addition or supplement that explains, modifies, or revokes a Will or part of one).
A. No tax is paid on gifts made to registered charities, including bequests. Gifts made to charities in your Will will not incur inheritance tax.
A. WWF is a registered charity which means that no tax is paid on the gift that you leave to WWF in your Will. WWF-Australia’s Australian Charities Number is 57 001 594 074.
A. Leaving a specific gift or item is one way you might wish to leave to charity in your Will. The most powerful way to support the causes you care about however is to leave the remainder, or a portion of the remainder of your assets to charity after other gifts have been distributed. This type of gift does not decline in value over time.
A. Most people know they should have an updated Will, but have put off creating or updating theirs because it seems like an intimidating task. Luckily, these days you can create a reputable Will online with a few simple clicks. We recommend using a trustworthy online Will-making website like Gathered Here (where, as a WWF supporter, you can make your Will for free), Safewill, Willed, or Your Wills.