Leaving a bequest or gift in your will to Murdoch University is a significant way to make an enduring contribution to the Murdoch community.
Supporting a cause you are passionate about can create a powerful legacy in your honour, or the memory of a loved one. The breadth of subjects and research at Murdoch University is vast, so whatever you are passionate about – helping animals, supporting talented students or enabling life-changing research - you can direct your gift to an area that means the most to you. Alternatively, unrestricted gifts offer the University flexibility to allocate your gift to the area of most need.
What you can give to Murdoch
There are several options to consider when making a bequest including:
- a gift of money
- property
- land
- shares
- artwork or other item of value
- or a residual bequest.
A residual bequest is the remainder of your estate after family and friends have been provided for and expenses in finalising your estate have been met. A residual bequest is a popular choice because it maintains the relative value of your gift in comparison to the value received by the other beneficiaries under your will. It also automatically adjusts to changes in the value of your estate.
We recommend you seek legal advice when drafting your will and consider the below types of bequests and wording examples.
Sample wording:
I give ($xx, a percentage of the residue of my estate, my property situated at and known as xxx) to Murdoch University (ABN 61 616 369 313) for its general purposes. I declare that the receipt of the duly authorised officer of Murdoch University is an absolute discharge to my executor.
Sample wording:
I give ($xx, a percentage of the residue of my estate, my property situated at and known as xxx) to Murdoch University (ABN 61 616 369 313) but without imposing any trust or legal obligation, I express the wish that the income for this gift shall be used for the purposes of (providing a scholarship, supporting teaching, research, in the areas of (be broad and don’t name specific schools), caring for animals etc.) I declare that the receipt of the duly authorised officer of Murdoch University is an absolute discharge to my executor.
We recommend for any specific bequests you speak to us to ensure your intended wishes can be applied in the many years ahead.
Sample wording:
I give ($xx, a percentage of the residue of my estate, my property situated at and known as xxx) to Murdoch University (ABN 61 616 369 313) and I DIRECT that the gift shall be used for the purposes of (providing a scholarship, supporting teaching, research, in the areas of (be broad and don’t name specific schools), caring for animals etc.) I declare that the receipt of the duty authorised officer of Murdoch University is an absolute discharge to my executor.
I declare that if the purposes set out in this clause is impossible or impractical to fulfil, then the university may apply the gift in such a manner that it believes, in its sole discretion, most closely approximates my wishes.
The University has been the recipient of a number of these bequests that have provided a lasting impact on our students, academic staff and the wider community.
Contact us
For more information or to discuss in confidence, contact the Alumni and Philanthropy team on +61 (08) 9360 2443 or email giftsinwills@murdoch.edu.au.
