Leave a bequest

Leaving a bequest in your Will

The need for the programs Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service provides is as real today as it ever was. The number of people seeking our help is growing and we rely on the generosity of people like you to carry out our vital work.

One way in which you can care for the next generation is by leaving a legacy and making a bequest to Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service in your Will.

Each individual legacy will help to sustain our services into the future and respond to emerging community needs.

Leaving a bequest is much more than leaving a financial gift. It is a chance to perpetuate the values and beliefs you have held as important throughout your life.

What is a bequest?

A bequest is an instruction you make in your will, directing that some or all of your estate be gifted to a charity or particular cause. It can be in the form of money, property, shares and debentures, works of art, or other valuables.

You don't have to be wealthy to make a bequest - whatever you choose to give will make a difference.

Types of bequests

You can give almost any kind of asset to Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service through a bequest. Assets may include a specific amount of money, securities, an interest in real estate (such as a residence), or personal property (such as jewellery, art, shares or antiques, etc).

Important information about making a Will

• You must be over 18 years of age for a Will to be valid.
• Your Will must be in writing - handwritten, typed or printed.
• Your Will must be signed by the Will-maker and two or more witnesses in a specific way (all using the same pen).
• The Will must be dated and each page signed.
• If in doubt, it is always preferable to seek legal advice.
• Keep your Will in a safe place and tell your executor where it is.

Keep in touch

If you are planning to leave a gift to Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service in your Will, please let us know so we can thank you.

How can I make a bequest?

A bequest to Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service can be made by creating a new Will, adding a codicil to your existing Will, or including Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service in your revocable trust.

It's important that the wording in your bequest is very specific. If you have any doubts about making a bequest, seek advice from a solicitor.

Recommended wording for your bequest

Recommended wording for your unrestricted bequest

"I bequeath to Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service, a Victorian non-profit organisation with its head office at 117 Johnston Street, Collingwood, the sum of _______________ (insert here a percentage or dollar amount) of the residue of my estate, free of all duties and deductions to advance the work of Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service to be used for its general purpose.
An official receipt from Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service shall be deemed sufficient proof of discharge."

Recommended wording for a specific or restricted bequest

"I hereby give to Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service, a Victorian non-profit organisation with its head office at 117 Johnston Street, Collingwood, the sum of ____________(insert here a percentage or dollar amount) of the residue of my estate, free of all duties and deductions to be used for the following purpose: (eg. Domestic Violence program, Youth Support programs, Foster Care program, Social Policy and Research work): ____________________________________________________

If, in the opinion of the Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service Board of Directors, the need for funds for the purpose described above no longer exists, at some future date the Board of Directors are authorised to use these funds in the best interest of Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service in a manner that will most nearly accomplish my wishes. An official receipt shall be deemed proof of discharge."

Further information

For further information about making a bequest please get in touch with a member of our Fundraising Team on:

Telephone 03 9419 5477
email support@goodshepvic.org.au

Or by mail:

Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service
PO Box 2367
Fitzroy VIC 3067