Gifts in Wills – Support SEE Change to create a more sustainable Canberra

Why leave a gift to SEE Change?

A gift in your will (a bequest) is a powerful way to help build a more sustainable, resilient Canberra for future generations. By including SEE Change Inc (ABN 48762553940) in your estate planning, you support community projects that inspire sustainable living and strengthen local neighbourhoods.

Even a small gift can make a lasting difference.

Types of gifts you can leave

Supporters commonly choose one of the following:

· Residual Bequest – a percentage or the remainder of your estate after other gifts and expenses.

· Percentage Bequest – a fixed proportion of your estate.

· Specific Gift – a nominated amount of money or asset.

Untied gifts are especially helpful because they allow SEE Change to direct funds where they are most needed.

Suggested wording for your will

Your solicitor may find the following wording helpful:

“I give [the residue of my estate / % of my estate / the sum of $] to SEE Change Inc, Canberra (ABN: [ 48762553940]), to be used for its general purposes. I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor.”

We encourage independent advice

SEE Change cannot provide legal or financial advice. We encourage you to speak with your solicitor, financial adviser, or estate planner when preparing or updating your will.

Letting Us know

If you decide to leave a gift to SEE Change, you are welcome to let us know. This helps us plan for the future and gives us the opportunity to thank you. You may remain anonymous if you prefer.

How your gift helps

Bequests support initiatives such as:

· Organisational capacity to deliver long-term change

· Local food production and resilience projects

· Local repair cafes and efforts to encourage the circular economy

· Active transport programs

· Community sustainability talks and workshops

Your legacy becomes part of Canberra’s sustainable future.

Contact us

If you’d like to discuss leaving a gift in your will, please contact: SEE Change Inc (Canberra) Email: executivedirector@seechange.org.au

All conversations are confidential and handled with care.

Frequently asked questions - Gifts in wills

  • A bequest (or “gift in will”) is a donation left to SEE Change Inc as part of your estate planning. It can be a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residue remaining after other gifts and expenses.

  • A bequest helps SEE Change continue building sustainable, resilient communities across Canberra. Your legacy supports practical, local projects that inspire sustainable living and strengthen neighbourhood connections.

  • No—there is no obligation to notify us. However, letting us know is helpful. It allows us to thank you, plan for the future, and ensure your wishes are understood. You may remain anonymous if you prefer.

  • Yes. You may leave a restricted bequest for a specific purpose or an unrestricted (or untied) bequest that SEE Change can use where it is most needed. Unrestricted gifts are especially valuable because they allow flexibility to respond to emerging community needs and priorities in line with SEE Change’s purpose and strategy.

  • In rare cases, SEE Change may decline a bequest if the conditions conflict with our mission, create an unreasonable administrative burden, or involve assets we cannot safely or legally manage. Any such decision is made by the SEE Change Board and documented.

  • Absolutely. All discussions, intentions, and documentation relating to bequests are treated with strict confidentiality unless you give written permission for acknowledgement.

  • No. SEE Change cannot provide legal or financial advice. We encourage you to speak with a solicitor, financial adviser, or estate planner when preparing or updating your will.

  • Your solicitor may find this wording helpful:

    “I give [the residue of my estate / % of my estate / the sum of $] to SEE Change Inc, Canberra (ABN: [insert ABN]), to be used for its general purposes. I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my Executor.”

  • Yes, but SEE Change may only accept non-financial assets that align with our mission and can be safely and responsibly managed, and does not impose a financial, legal or physical burden on SEE Change. If unsure, please contact us to discuss.

  • SEE Change may acknowledge bequest donors privately or publicly (with permission). Donors who prefer anonymity will be fully respected.

  • All bequests are reported to the Board. The Treasurer oversees financial administration, and SEE Change maintains secure records of donor intent and use of funds.

  • If you’d like a confidential conversation about bequests, please contact: SEE Change Inc (Canberra) Email: executivedirector@seechange.org.au

  • Under its Constitution if SEE Change winds up then any surplus funds are required to be distributed to a charity with similar objects to SEE Change.