What is a Bequest? 

Bequests are donations made as part of your overall financial or estate planning. It is a wonderful way to leave a future gift in memory of yourself or a loved one which you can direct to a specific cause or have it apply more broadly. 

Benefits of leaving gifts in wills 

• Costs nothing now 
• Flexible and easy to update 
• Creates a personalised legacy 
• Choice in how you would like your gift applied 

Why make a bequest 

• There are plenty of reasons you might choose to leave a bequest to a charity in your Will. A bequest to charity is a powerful way to leave behind a lasting impact in your honour or in the memory of a loved one. It’s the last gift you’ll give to the people and causes who need it most.  
• Leaving a gift to family and friends has the obvious benefit of ensuring your loved ones are looked after when you pass away. However, leaving a bequest to a charity in your Will can positively affect the lives of people you’ve never met, or with whom you may share a common bond. For example, many people who leave a bequest to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation may have experienced cancer themselves or in a loved one, or else mourn someone who has died from the disease.

What can my bequest support? 

There are many opportunities for support of ATLAS, either with a long-term program or by supporting one or all of our projects such as educating talented students, supporting teachers, new buildings for schools or enabling new business start-ups – you can direct your gift to the area that means the most to you. 

How to leave a bequest 

If you want to leave a gift to a charity in your Will, you can do so without having any financial implications for you during your lifetime. 

Leaving a bequest in your Will is relatively straightforward. Start by deciding on the charity or charities you want to benefit from your bequest. You’ll also need to choose the type of bequest and make sure to outline it in your Will using the proper format. 

If you’re leaving an inheritance for your family, it may be easier to leave a specific bequest for your chosen charity. Whichever option you choose, you’ll have to decide how to divide your assets amongst your loved ones and your chosen charities.  

How we can help 

If you find something that you want to support, we are happy to work with your solicitor or help you word your bequest, so it has the best possible long-term impact. 

If you’d like to know more information about a specific area, or aren’t sure what area you’d like to support, we’d like to invite to chat with a member of our Committee, or where possible we can arrange to visit you. 

For example, if you have a passion for child welfare, education or healthcare, we can introduce you to our project sponsors working in those areas to provide you with more information. 

Please contact our team at info@atlaseasttimor.com.au  and we would be happy to assist you.