Two men in blue SPANA vet overalls holding a horses mouth
Two men in blue SPANA vet overalls holding a horses mouth

How Leaving a Bequest to Charity Could Make a Lasting Difference

At some point in our lives, will need to decide what will happen to our worldly possessions when we pass away. For most of us, our future intentions for our belongings and finances will be taken care of via a Will. As part of their Will, many people decide on leaving a bequest to charity, after taking care of their loved ones. But how does this process work, and what impact will it have?   Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions on leaving a bequest to charity, so the process is as simple as possible.   

Don’t know where to start with your Will? Whether you’re making one for the first time or updating an existing Will, we know it can seem daunting. Which is why we have a free guide to Bequests in Wills. This contains vital information you will need to leave a bequest to SPANA in your Will including: 

  • Our official name, The Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (Australia) Limited ‘SPANA’ 
  • Our charity ABN number, which is: 53617228109 
  • Suggested wording your solicitor can use to make your bequest to SPANA. 

If you’d prefer to start with a chat with a member of our team, give us a call or send an email, you can use the details on our contact page.

What Does ‘Leaving a Bequest to Charity’ Actually Mean?

‘Bequest’ in this sense simply means ‘gift’. There are a few types of gifts (see below) that you can leave to a charity so they can further their charitable work. A bequest to SPANA would help the charity make its vision, of a world where working animals live a healthy and valued life, a reality. SPANA’s unique combination of treating, training and teaching will transform working animal welfare, but they can’t do it without you.

What Type of Bequest Can I Leave to Charity?

There are different names for different kinds of legacy gifts. These are:

  • Pecuniary bequest: This is a fixed sum of money of your choice to leave to your chosen charity.
  • Specific bequest: This means to leave a particular item, such as a piece of jewellery, art or an ornament which can be sold to support SPANA’s work.
  • Residuary bequest A good way to help is to leave a percentage or share of what is left of your estate (known as a residuary bequest) after you have provided for your loved ones and all financial commitments have been paid. This way, as the value of your assets increases or decreases, your legacy will adjust also. Many people choose this option as it can reduce the number of times you need to update your Will.

Can I Amend My Will to Include a Bequest to Charity?

Leaving a bequest to charity requires either creating a Will containing this information or updating your existing Will. When writing or amending your Will, we recommend seeking legal advice from a solicitor. It makes sure that everything is covered by the law and that what matters to you is protected. You can find a local solicitor who specialises in Wills from the Law Society.

Should I Leave a Bequest to Charity?

That’s entirely down to you. Of course, you will likely want to take care of your loved ones first of all. Then it’s your decision how to donate the rest of your estate. Leaving a bequest to charity is a huge help as many charities need donations to continue their good work and further their charitable aims. So if you have a cause close to your heart, it’s well worth your consideration. It’s always good to leave the world a little better than you found it!

If you’d like to find out more about how you can help working animals by leaving a bequest in your Will to SPANA, contact our friendly team on 1300 149 080 or email giftsinwills@spana.org.

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