Leaving a gift in your Will, large or small, is a significant way for you to help create lasting change.

When you leave a gift in your will to Western Chances, you are helping young people in Melbourne’s West gain access to the educational basics they need to reach their full potential and overcome barriers to success.

Through scholarships, life-changing opportunities and holistic support, your lasting legacy will enable young people to complete their education and thrive in life. You can make a bequest in your own will, in the name of a loved one, or by making a contribution to our Sustainability Fund, a carefully invested financial reserve providing scholarships in perpetuity.

Western Chances is grateful to have you as one of our outstanding bequeaths, no matter how big or small, and we would love to discuss any wishes you have as we work together to create a future where education breaks the cycle of disadvantage.

+ How do I include Western Chances in my Will?

The first thing to consider is making sure your family and friends are looked after. Then, you may want to consider leaving a gift to Western Chances. We advise you to visit a solicitor to have your Will professionally written, or you can use an online option if you prefer. Western Chances has partnered with Gathered Here to provide a free online will service.

+ Simple process

Step 1

Make a list of anything you own including property, investments and debts to help understand the value of your estate.

Step 2

Decide who you would like to give to including members of your family, close friends and charities you want to support in your Will.

Step 3

Decide who you would like to name as executor of your Will. This is the person named in your Will who you want to be responsible for making sure your wishes are carried out.

Step 4

Consider how you would like to include Western Chances in your Will. You can view the types of gifts you can leave in your Will below.

+ What kind of gift can I make in my Will?

A percentage gift

The best form of gift in Will for most people is allocating a proportion of their estate to Western Chances. This allows you to decide the share of your estate that you believe is right. You don’t need to know exactly how much your estate will be worth as the gift will grow along with the growth of your estate.

A residual gift

You can gift the balance – or residue – of your estate to Western Chances after your family and friends have been looked after. This kind of gift automatically adjusts to the growth in the value of your estate.

Specified amount of money

This type of gift is sometimes called a pecuniary legacy. Leaving a specific amount of money is a simple way of leaving a gift in your Will because you know exactly how much Western Chances will receive, regardless of any change in the value of your estate.

Specified items of value

Anything of value, such as property, shares, jewellery or works of art, may be specifically named in your Will and given directly to Western Chances.

+ How do I word my will to include a gift to Western Chances?

“I bequeath [insert details of your bequest] to Western Chances, ABN 17 110 713 865, of Level 3 West, Footscray Hospital, 160 Gordon Street, Footscray Victoria 3011, for purposes that it shall determine, and this bequest will be free from all duties. A receipt signed by the Company Secretary, or any other authorised officer of Western Chances shall form valid discharge to my executor in respect of the [sum paid / assets delivered / property or transferred] to Western Chances.”

+ How can I change my existing Will?

If you already have a Will, the simplest way to include a gift to Western Chances is by adding a codicil – a short legal amendment, to your Will. Please check with your solicitor to see if the codicil is appropriate for the changes you wish to make.

If you have created a free Will online with Gathered Here, you can log into your account and update your Will for free as many times as you like.

+ Does Western Chances have charitable status?

Yes. Western Chances is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and is endorsed by the Australian Tax Office as a deductible gift recipient under subdivision 30-BA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

 
 

We’ve partnered with Gathered Here, a free and easy step-by-step online Will writing service. It takes less than 10 minutes.