Raising Awareness of Charitable Legacy Giving

Many Australians are active supporters of charity during their lifetime, but not so many think to put the necessary arrangements in place to ensure this support continues after their death.

Include a Charity is an annual campaign that aims to address this by raising awareness of charitable legacy giving and encouraging more Australians to leave money to charity in their Wills.

Research suggests that a third of Australians would be prepared to leave money to charity in their Will once they have looked after their friends and family, but currently only around 12% of Australians over the age of 60 actually do so. Include a Charity aims to increase the proportion leaving a charitable legacy in their Will to 15% by the year 2020. According to the charity, this would raise an additional $440 million for the charitable sector.

The campaign is organised by the Fundraising Institute of Australia, and this year is taking place from 11^th to 17^th September. Charities taking part in the campaign cover a wide spectrum of causes, including supporting children, medical research and animal welfare.

“Including a gift in one’s will is an opportunity for people to leave a life-changing legacy,” commented Include a Charity committee member Jakki Travers, speaking to Pro Bono News. “In addition to volunteering or donating in one’s lifetime, it’s another way people can support the causes they are passionate about, and make an impact for years to come.”

Obviously, the priority for most people when writing a Will is ensuring that loved ones are taken care of, but including a gift to charity in your Will is an effective way of supporting a cause close to your heart after you pass away.

Contact our Wills & Estate Solicitors Sydney

If you would like to find out more about leaving a charitable bequest in your Will then contact us today. Szabo & Associates, Solicitors can offer expert advice on a wide range of legal matters, including contesting, making or updating a Will. Please call George Szabo on (02) 9281-5088 or fill in our online contact form.