BEQUESTS & GIFTS IN WILLS
Create a Legacy that Protects Rainforests Forever.
A bequest or planned gift in your Will ensures that ancient Australian native Rainforest will continue to thrive for generations to come, keeping millions of years of natural wonder intact. Join a growing community of legacy donors whose generosity protects this irreplaceable ecosystem.
Perhaps the rainforest has always been a part of your life, or you were inspired by its majesty when travelling in Australia. Nature speaks to something deeper in all of us.
Making a lasting difference with a bequest
Gifts left to Rainforest Rescue have accelerated our restoration activities, allowing us to grow and plant many more native rainforest trees than previously anticipated. Depending on the instructions in a bequest, gifts have also been invested in the acquisition of rainforest sites that are of environmental significance, providing much needed undisturbed habitat for threatened native wildlife.
A legacy of respect and reconciliation
Your bequest will support not just the preservation of rainforests, but the ongoing reconciliation between environmental conservation and Indigenous rights. By partnering with Traditional Owners, we are ensuring that conservation efforts are done with respect to the land and its original caretakers, fostering a future of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared stewardship.
Get in touch regarding Bequests today
“I am eager to protect nature because these ecosystems are so fragile, and they support so much life and beauty. I can make small ongoing contributions to Rainforest Rescue but the gift in my Will is more substantial and can make a bigger impact.”
– Elsa, Rainforest Rescue Bequestor
Bequest FAQ’s
To assist with considering how you may choose to support Rainforest Rescue with a bequest in your Will, we have collated essential bequest and planned gift information below.
A bequest or planned gift in your Will to Rainforest Rescue is a lasting contribution to the protection of our rainforests and is your legacy to preserve the future of threatened native species and biodiversity.
It is for those who value the great beauty and diversity of our rainforests and who wish to see rainforest conservation continue beyond their lifetime.
Your gift is guaranteed to be invested in rainforest protection and restoration projects that create a positive difference for native flora and fauna.
While a bequest to Rainforest Rescue is of immense benefit to the natural environment and stewardship of the rainforests, it also offers advantages when it comes to your wealth management and consideration of your future years:
- You would like to make a gift to Rainforest Rescue.
- You want the flexibility to change your mind.
- You want continued access to your wealth, should you need it.
- You are concerned about outliving your resources.
- You want to make sure your legacy is strong and represents your life’s mission.
Several options are available, depending on how you are considering the structure of your Will:
- Leave the balance of your estate to Rainforest Rescue after specific bequests and gifts for family and friends
- Leave a nominated portion or a fixed percentage of your estate to Rainforest Rescue
- Leave specific planned gifts to Rainforest Rescue such as money, property, shares, insurance policies, jewellery or anything of value
- Leave your entire estate to Rainforest Rescue. This occurs when there are no living relatives and the Benefactor wishes to achieve something significant with their estate
Everybody should make a Will, whether they have a few possessions or many. By making a Will you can ensure that all your affairs will be settled exactly as you wish.
If you die without a Will, your estate will be settled according to the laws of the State who will in turn retain some of your assets. If no relatives can be traced, it may mean that your entire estate goes to the Government.
It is necessary for Wills to comply with a number of legal requirements. Whilst it is possible for you to prepare your own Will, we recommend that you seek advice from a Solicitor. You can change your Will whenever you like, and you should review your Will every few years to ensure that it is still relevant.
Your solicitor will recommend appropriate wording, or ask your solicitor to contact us to discuss your wishes. An example of legally acceptable wording that can be included in your Will is:
“I give, devise and bequeath to Rainforest Rescue (ABN 61 086 885 154) free of all taxes and other deductions
(please select the appropriate following statement from the three options below)
the residue of my estate
a ___% share of my estate
the sum of $______
for its general purposes, and the receipt given on behalf of Rainforest Rescue shall be full and sufficient discharge to the executor of my estate.”
Changes to tax laws mean that bequests to Rainforest Rescue are now exempt from capital gains tax. Also, gifts of property (land, shares, building, machinery etc) made during your lifetime can now be claimed as tax deductions. For more information on tax legislation affecting gifts to conservation organisations, read the ATO’s information on New incentives for Tax-Deductible Donations.
If your existing Will is satisfactory but you would like to include a bequest to Rainforest Rescue, you can add a codicil (a legal document used to make changes or amendments to an existing will without needing to create a new will entirely), which must be signed and witnessed the same way as your Will. Consult your solicitor or the Public Trustee for assistance.
It is a great help in planning our future projects – and provides the opportunity to discuss donors’ wishes – if you advise us of your decision to make a bequest to Rainforest Rescue. Any such information will be held in the strictest confidence. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require more information or wish to discuss your bequest wishes.
For further information on leaving a bequest, to discuss your bequest ideas, or to advise us of an intended gift, please contact us or use our Enquiry Form on this page to get in touch with our friendly team.
Our conversations with you will be held in confidence.
See the difference we’re making together
Rest assured, Rainforest Rescue is working hard to put every dollar we receive to good use. Our Annual Reports are a great way for you to understand how supporters like yourself are able to ensure a future for threatened rainforest species.
Alternatively, take a look at the Rainforest Rescue Protection Portfolio to see the amazing sites that are now protected forever, thanks to your help.
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