Your vision realised
You’ve spent your life standing up for the things that matter most to you – your values, your passions, your vision for a better world. By leaving a gift in your Will (also known as a bequest), you can ensure that your impact lives on:
- for discovery – fuelling research that advances knowledge and creates solutions
- for learning – opening doors for students who might not otherwise have the chance to study
- for leadership – empowering the next generation to shape a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world.
Whatever your passion, Deakin will work with you – with care and respect – to create a legacy that advances knowledge and innovation.
‘We believe that the measure of one’s life is centred on what you contribute, not about what assets you have. Through supporting educators – both researchers and practitioners – we create ripples of impact that extend far beyond the classroom.’
Dr Lewis Hughes, bequest donor
Planning your lasting impact
1
Talk with your loved ones
Sharing your wishes helps those closest to you understand your decision to include a gift in your Will through Deakin. While leaving a gift is a personal choice, letting your loved ones know helps them appreciate the reasons behind your decision, and the impact you hope to create for those who need it most.
2
Reach out to us
If you’re considering leaving a gift in your Will, we’d love to support you. Together, we can ensure your support is directed to the areas at Deakin that reflect your passions and values.
3
Consult a legal professional
A qualified legal advisor can help ensure your wishes are clearly documented and legally binding. We can provide suggested wording for you to share with your solicitor.
4
Stay connected
When your Will is finalised, we’d love to know. Sharing your plans allows us to thank you, welcome you into the Deakin Legacy Society, and keep you connected to the impact your bequest will have on future students, research and our communities.
Helping rural students support
children in need
Creating brighter futures through child play therapy
Lesley and Josh Harvey share a deep passion for helping others and have chosen to leave a gift in their Will to support Deakin’s Master of Child Play Therapy program. Their generosity will fund scholarships for regional and rural students, helping them complete their studies and, in turn, support children and families in need in their communities.
Honouring a lifelong passion
for libraries
Sharing histories, inspiring future generations
Professor Margaret Cameron AM was a passionate advocate for libraries and the communities they serve. Thanks to a generous gift in her Will, and created in her honour, the Margaret Cameron Residency supports projects that uncover and share the rich histories found in Deakin’s Archives and the Library’s Special Collections.
Celebrating your generosity and foresight
We are deeply grateful to those who choose to leave a gift in their Will. Through the Deakin Legacy Society, we honour not just your generosity, but the foresight to build a lasting foundation for the future.
As a member, you’ll be an important part of the Deakin community, with opportunities to meet fellow supporters, attend exclusive events and witness the transformative power of philanthropy.
You’re welcome to reach out at any time. We’re here to support you, with respect and confidentiality.
Susie Taylor
Gifts in Wills Manager
susie.taylor@deakin.edu.au
+61 459 283 885
Legacy gift types
We understand that choosing how you would like to create a lasting gift is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. That’s why we work closely with you to help navigate the different options available.
Whole estate
This type of gift leaves your entire estate to Deakin, to fund an area of impact that’s important to you.
Percentage or fractional
By designating a percentage or fraction of your estate, or its residual, the portion intended for Deakin remains constant, regardless of fluctuations in your estate’s overall worth.
Residual
A residual gift ensures that after distributing specific gifts and settling debts, any remaining portion (or a portion of what remains) of your estate will be allocated to Deakin. This allows you to leave a gift to Deakin without affecting specific bequests to your loved ones. It also maintains its value over time, unlike a specific cash gift that may depreciate with inflation.
Specific
A specific gift means any identifiable property, including monetary amounts, cash balances in bank accounts, residential or commercial properties, artworks and shares in companies.
Gifts in Wills FAQS
Making a Will is an important way to ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes.
When writing your Will, consider which people and charities you’d like to remember, and discuss this with your loved ones. If you would like to include a gift in your Will to Deakin, we can help you determine where to direct your support. You may wish to fund scholarships, research, or direct your bequest to general purpose, which means it will support a cause determined by the University’s Vice-Chancellor at the time.
You can share the wording below with your solicitor for inclusion in your Will.*
A gift for general purposes
I give and bequeath to Deakin University ABN 56 721 584 203, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 (the whole of my estate) or (a percentage of my estate) or (a $ amount) to be used for general purposes.
A gift for a specific purpose
I give and bequeath to Deakin University ABN 56 721 584 203, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 (the whole of my estate) or (a percentage of my estate) or (a $ amount) to be used for (state purpose as widely as possible). If at any time Deakin University determines that it is impossible or impracticable to carry out the stated purpose then Deakin University may apply the income of the bequest for such a purpose or purposes as Deakin University determines most closely accords with the stated purpose.
Creating your online Will
If you would prefer an online option to create your Will, we have partnered with Safewill^ to offer a special discount to our Deakin community.
Yes, gifts of any size will contribute to making a meaningful difference. A smaller gift can be added to an existing fund or directed to an area of greatest need.
Yes, Deakin is endorsed as a DGR from 1 Jul 2000. It is covered by Item 1 of the table in section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
We always appreciate being told when people have generously included Deakin in their Will, so we can thank you and invite you to join the Deakin Legacy Society. Sharing details of where you’re directing your support helps us to ensure your gift is used in a way that reflects your intentions.
No, Deakin is unable to act as an executor.
We recommend including wording in your gift that will ensure it can be used for a similar purpose.
- Email susie.taylor@deakin.edu.au
- Call +61 459 283 885
What's Next
*Deakin University does not provide legal advice.
^Referring to an online Will provider does not constitute legal counsel or an endorsement of their suitability for your needs. Individuals using online Wills should seek legal advice before making any adjustments to their Wills.