How Your Will can help us better understand and conserve our Australian native orchids for future generations!

Your simple guide to assisting research into our unique native orchids that benefits not only our understanding of them, but ensures that future generations will be able to enjoy them as well.

How to include The Australian Orchid Foundation in Your Will

Your Will – getting started

Put simply, a Will is a legal document declaring your wishes about the distribution of your property after you die.

It is important to make a Will if you have family or other dependents whom you wish to be beneficiaries of your property and assets after you die. You should consult a lawyer for help in preparing your Will, so you can be sure it achieves what you wish.

You can change, add, or cancel your Will at any time before your death as long as you are mentally competent to do so.

Your Will allows you to leave a gift to support the causes and organisations that are important to you. In fact, a gift in your Will may be the largest donation you are able to give in your lifetime and is a deeply significant way to give witness to the values that have guided you through your life.

People who can help

The Australian Orchid Foundation recommends you obtain legal advice from a lawyer to prepare your will. Your lawyer will ensure:

• your will is properly drafted, signed, and witnessed;
• your wishes are clearly expressed in the will;
• you are advised regarding adequate provision for your spouse and children, or for any former spouse or any dependents;
• you choose an appropriate executor or executors; and
• your will is kept in a safe place.

Choose the gift that suits you best

Your gift in your Will may be part or all of your Estate.  There are three general ways you can give through your Will:

1. The residual of your estate;
2. A percentage of your estate; or
3. A specific gift. (A specific gift of money, property, shares, or anything of value you choose to bequeath. This should be reviewed on a regular basis because it does not allow for changes in your estate or inflation).

Note: if you have an existing Will and wish to update it to include a gift to the The Australian Orchid Foundation, you may be able to do that by including a Codicil: an addendum to your Will.

Join with others who have already left a bequest through their Estate: 

• 2004, Stuart Adrian Ware, NSW;
• 2004, Arthur Raymond Parkin, Vic;
• 2007, Ronald George (Ron) Tunstall, NSW;
• 2014, Noel Lothian, SA;
• 2018, Dean Shannon, Vic;
• 2020, Robert John (Bob) Rowlands, Vic;
• 2021, Lesley Trevor Myers, Vic
• 2022, Hartley Bruce Harris, Vic; and
• 2025, Doreen Fay Allison, Vic.

LIKE TO KNOW MORE?

If you would like more information, please contact:
The Australian Orchid Foundation
P.O. Box 440, Yarra Glen 3775
Australia
Phone: (03) 9730 1995