You may be considering a future donation or bequest. You therefore need to know that any contribution will support our mission to advance the understanding and treatment of cancer by making an internationally recognised contribution to cancer research.
We very much appreciate the trust of our community. It is only through this generous support that our Institute can continue to Fight Cancer Through Research.
Leaving a bequest to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute is a simple and straightforward way to continue your support and leave a legacy. If you are planning to remember the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute in your Will, we strongly recommend that you discuss this with your Accountant and Solicitor, who can assist with the preparation of your Will to ensure your wishes are met.
Download our Bequest Booklet
Frequently Asked Questions
Why leave a bequest to us?
Research is making a difference. Fighting cancer through research has yielded many positive results over the past two decades. Research has given us ways of diagnosing cancers earlier which is leading to improved outcomes. Enhanced and targeted treatments are seeing more people overcome the disease. Survival rates are climbing. Understanding the biology of cancer and the role the immune system plays in overcoming the disease is giving researchers and clinicians more avenues to treat people and enable them to lead long and productive lives. Leaving a legacy in your estate, enables us to continue the long-term research required to make a real difference.
Our work is internationally recognised, and we make a genuine impact on people facing cancer in Victoria, throughout Australia, and right across the globe.
Why do I need a Will?
A Will provides that you have say and control over the distribution of your assets to people and the causes that you care about.
Do I need professional advice to make a Will?
It is advisable to work with a solicitor or trust company to ensure your Will is legal and correct.
What ways can I leave a gift in my Will?
Whilst there are many ways to leave a gift in your Will, the simplest and most common are:
- A percentage: This allows you to ensure your loved ones are looked after as well as giving a gift to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. This is often regarded as the most flexible way to leave a bequest, as you don’t have to keep altering your Will to adjust the value of your gift to account for inflation, or changes to your circumstances.
- A specific sum: Leaving a fixed amount of money from your estate. It’s important to know this does not allow for changes in your circumstances or inflation and may need to be changed over time.
- The residue: The residue is a gift of ultimately whatever remains in your estate after your loved ones have been taken care of.
- Whole estate: In this instance, a person might bequeath their entire estate to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
- Other types of bequest: Gifts such as shares, paintings, a life-insurance policy or property can also be left to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
I’d like my gift to be used in a specific cancer research area. Is this ok?
If you feel strongly or have a particular interest in an area of cancer research, you can stipulate that your gift goes to a particular area or project. If you would like to discuss your idea, please contact Sarah Stapleton on (03) 53 313101 to discuss in confidence how this wish can be best achieved.
What wording should be used to make the bequest?
If you would like to make a bequest, you will need to ask your solicitor to insert a clause in your Will. You may wish to use the following sample wording:
I give and bequeath to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute ACN 108 331 657 the sum of $…. [OR ..… % of my estate OR the rest and residue of my estate] provided that if this gift cannot take effect, to the charitable organisation in Australia which my trustees consider most nearly fulfils the objects I intend to benefit. The receipt of the treasurer, secretary or public officer for the time of such charity will be a sufficient discharge to my executor for the gift and my executor will not be bound to see to the application of the gift.
I already have a Will
Your Will can easily be amended to include a gift to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. Your official trustee/solicitor can advise you on the best way to do this. It may be as simple as adding the sample wording as a codicil (addendum).
If I make a bequest, do I need to tell you?
If you’ve already directed a bequest to us or are considering it, please let us know. It helps us with planning and forecasting, and provides us with the chance to thank you. You can notify us of your intention to leave a bequest using the below online form.
I’m an executor of a Will that includes a gift to the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute. What should I do?
Please send the cheque and a covering letter with estate details to:
Bequests
Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute
PO Box 549
Ballarat VIC 3353
Contact Us
If you are thinking or have left a gift to FECRI, or would simply like some more information, we would like to know and say thank you.
