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Leave a gift in your will

Create a brighter tomorrow.

Philanthropy plays a vital role in ensuring the future of ECU, helping us to build the leaders of tomorrow. The generosity of our community of donors has a tremendous impact through helping us to create a diverse and dynamic learning environment for our students, supporting world-shaping research, or simply providing us with the flexibility to be responsive in today’s ever-changing world. Each gift creates a ripple effect, generating a direct impact on beneficiaries and their families and inspiring others who are witness to such generosity.

Remembering ECU in your will will support the future growth and development of ECU. It is a gift that will live on, providing long-term benefits for future generations.

We would be delighted to work with you to structure your legacy in the way that is most meaningful  to you. Whilst Edith Cowan University is not able to provide legal or financial advice in the making of your Will, we can help you plan a gift that suits your wishes.

Why do I need a Will?

1 in 2 Australians don’t have a Will, so you are not alone in querying its necessity.

Keep in mind, however, that if you do not have a valid Will, the legal system oversees your Estate's distribution, not your preferred Executor, a family member or a friend.

A Will makes your intentions clear, including:

  • Identifying who manages your Estate (your Executor).
  • Determining how your Estate is to be shared with your beneficiaries and who is responsible for any children or dependents.
  • Help minimise legal claims against your estate.

It considers your unique situation, including business interests, investments, blended families, etc.

It’s important to note that certain changes in circumstances could also invalidate your existing Will, which could lead the courts to treat your Estate as if there is no Will in place. These circumstances include marriages or divorces, alterations, date errors, etc.

What is a Simple Will?

A Simple Will, often called a “Mum & Dad Will”, is suitable for relatively straightforward situations.

For instance, you may initially leave your Estate to your spouse, who would, in turn, leave it to your children, with a few gifts for friends and charities.

However, you may need a Complex Will and further legal assistance if any of the following circumstances apply to you:

  • Complex financial situations - including property investments and extensive business interests.
  • Blended families - including children from previous relationships.
  • Ongoing care & support - including caring for dependents with special needs.
  • Tax considerations - such as strategies to minimise estate tax and financial burdens on beneficiaries, and trusts.
  • Business continuity - management and succession planning.
  • Self-managed superannuation funds - tax considerations and trustee responsibilities.
  • Protecting the Estate – including testamentary trusts to provide protection when the beneficiary has addictions, is not financially responsible, or requires protection in the event of a divorce.

What is a bequest?

A bequest is a gift left in your Will.

You can leave gifts to any beneficiary you choose, including individuals, families, and charities like Edith Cowan University.

There are several different types of bequests, including:

  • A pecuniary bequest is a gift of a specific sum. It ensures the beneficiary receives a set amount regardless of the Estate’s overall value. These are usually distributed from the estate immediately after the costs have been settled and before the balance or residuary is shared.
  • A percentage of an Estate distributes a specific portion of the Estate to a beneficiary. This type of bequest is flexible, as it is based on the Estate's overall value and automatically adjusts for inflation.
  • A residuary bequest is the most common way to distribute your Estate fully. It allocates any remainder of your Estate after settling all other bequests and debts.
  • Assets in Wills can vary from real estate to shares, works of art and even jewellery.
  • An endowment bequest uses the gifted assets to establish a fund, which is then invested. The income from the interest generated is then used to benefit the designated beneficiary. This type of bequest can be structured to generate income forever.

How much does a Will cost me?

You can create a Simple Will for no cost via our online partner, Gathered Here, our online option, or register to attend our Free Wills workshop.

We can also connect you to a legal professional from our network of trusted solicitors who can assist you with drafting a Simple Will. When a donor is leaving a Gift in their Will to ECU, a Simple Will is free, however, more complex Wills are likely to incur additional costs.

For further information on supporting students and research at ECU through a gift in your will please contact a member of our team.

Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Phone: (61 8) 6304 2761
Email: development@ecu.edu.au

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