Leaving a Gift in Your Will
We are deeply grateful that you are considering leaving a gift in your Will to Salesian Missions Australia. Your gift is more than a financial contribution, it is a lasting expression of your compassion and commitment to helping vulnerable young people gain access to education and become empowered to shape their own futures and communities.
Your legacy ensures that we can continue supporting marginalised youth around the world, helping them grow into self-reliant citizens who, in turn, uplift those around them.
Step 1: Write or Update Your Will
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a lasting difference.
If you already have a Will and wish to include a gift to Salesian Missions Australia, you can do so by adding a Codicil—a simple legal amendment to your existing Will.
If you do not yet have a Will, you can include your gift when creating one. We recommend seeking advice from a solicitor to ensure your wishes are clearly expressed and fulfilled.
Because Salesian Missions Australia works across many countries and projects, we kindly ask that your gift not be restricted to a specific region or initiative. This flexibility ensures your donation will always go where it is needed most.
Step 2: Decide the Type of Gift
You may choose to leave your gift in the way that best suits your circumstances:
Residuary gift: A percentage of what remains of your estate after all costs and specific gifts have been distributed.
Pecuniary gift: A fixed amount of money.
Specific asset: Property, shares, bonds, or other valuable items.
Residuary and percentage: Gifts are considered more beneficial as gifts can accumulate in value and have a great impact over time, while cash means your bequest could reduce in result to inflation between the period your Will is written and when it is realised.
Step 3: Suggested Wording for Your Will
Below is our recommended wording to include when writing or updating your Will:
“I give, free of all duties or taxes, [the sum of $____ or ____% or the residue of my estate] (‘the bequest’) to the Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund (ASMOAF), to the attention of the Director of Salesian Missions Australia, 3 Middle Street (PO Box 264), Ascot Vale, VIC 3032.
It is my wish that this bequest be used exclusively for the Salesian Mission in the country or countries of [insert name(s) of country and Mission, if applicable], or otherwise for general overseas mission purposes.
I direct that the receipt of an authorised officer of the Australian Salesian Mission Overseas Aid Fund or Salesian Missions Australia shall be a sufficient discharge to my trustees.”
You may also wish to include the following clause to ensure your charitable intentions are honoured:
“If at the time of my death any of the above-named charities have changed their name, merged with another organisation, or ceased to exist, I declare that the bequest shall not fail but instead be directed to the charitable organisation that my executor believes most closely reflects my original intentions.”
Step 4: Notify Your Loved Ones and Salesian Missions Australia
We believe it’s important to talk with your family and loved ones about your Will. Open communication helps ensure your final wishes are understood, respected, and carried out. Let your family know that leaving a gift to Salesian Missions Australia is something that means a great deal to you, and inform your executors and guardians of your intentions.
We also encourage you to let us know if you have included a gift to Salesian Missions Australia in your Will. Knowing about your decision helps us plan confidently for the future. Most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to thank you personally and welcome you into our community of supporters dedicated to helping vulnerable children and communities around the world.
For any additional questions, please contact us please contact the Mission Office Staff or phone (03) 9377 6060.
We understand that leaving a gift in your Will is a deeply personal decision, and we are truly grateful for your consideration in leaving a lasting legacy for marginalised youth.