Discover more
Gifts in wills and bequests
Leave a legacy to shape a better future
Leaving a gift in your will to the University of Sydney is a meaningful way to make enduring contribution to future generations through the progress of learning and discovery.
Elwin à Beckett left a gift in her Will to advance research into bowel cancer, in honour of her brother Martin.
Free Wills Week (20-26 March)
Making a Will is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. This March we’re celebrating Free Wills Week and offering alumni, supporters and staff the opportunity to create a Will at no-cost through our partnership with Safewill. There is no obligation to leave a gift to the University, but should you choose to, you are making an enduring contribution to future generations.
Please note: this offer only applies during Free Wills Week (20-26 March) but there is no reason to delay. You can start today, save your progress and submit it during the promotional period. Start your Will today.
What is a bequest?
Bequests (also known as gifts in wills) are donations passed on to a beneficiary through a will or other estate planning documents. It is a wonderful way to leave a legacy in memory of yourself or a loved one and create a lasting impact on the lives of others.
Whether you’re passionate about contributing to medical breakthroughs, helping transform disadvantaged communities, finding solutions to global issues or supporting animals in need, a gift in your will to the University can be life-changing.
Thank you for considering how you could change the lives of others for generations to come. Find out about areas you can support and how to include a gift in your will, or get in touch directly for more information:
Alexandra Miller
Deputy Director, Planned Giving
+61 439 301 629
planned.giving@sydney.edu.au
You can choose to make your gift unrestricted or direct it to a specific purpose. The five main types of gifts you can leave in your will are:
- residual
- percentage or fractional
- whole estate
- pecuniary or specific
- endowment gifts
Our team will work closely with you to understand the impact you want to create and provide advice and support to ensure your gift will carry out the impact you intended.
- Your assets remain in your control during your lifetime.
- You can modify your gift to address changing circumstances.
- You can direct your gift to a particular purpose (be sure to check with us for our future-proofing gift recommendations).
As a way of expressing our gratitude to those who make the generous decision to include a gift in their will to the University, we offer exclusive membership to our Challis Bequest Society.
While not obligatory, for many, it is an integral part of maintaining an ongoing connection to the University. Membership comes with a range of benefits, including:
- a letter of acknowledgment
- invitations to society-only events and luncheons
- behind the scenes tours
- updates on the latest discoveries
- an annual newsletter.
Stories from our bequestors
