Gifts in Wills

Leave a lifesaving legacy.

A gift in your Will to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute provides important funds to develop research projects that would otherwise not be possible.

Your Will does not need to be complicated – it just needs to reflect your wishes. The most important people you should consider are your loved ones. Once you have provided for them, consider nominating QIMR Berghofer as an additional beneficiary.

Gifts in Wills, both large and small, play a vital role in funding crucial research. The reality is that most gifts in Wills left to QIMR Berghofer are left by thoughtful Australians – people like you that share our vision and want to make a positive difference to the world after they’re gone.

We appreciate that this is a very personal matter and it is something that needs to be discussed with your family and a solicitor. If you do not yet have a Will, contact a solicitor about drawing one up. While some people draft their own Will using kits online or bought from a newsagency or post office, a solicitor will ensure all requirements are fulfilled in order for your Will to be valid. Your solicitor may advise you that a simple extension to your will (known as a codicil) may be all that is required rather then re-writing your will.

Many people decide to remember someone special to them and thoughtfully pay tribute to a loved one through a final gift in their Will.

Make sure you talk to your family about your intentions. Family comes first and it’s important your loved ones know about your desire to support QIMR Berghofer so they can fulfil your wishes.

Including a gift in your Will to QIMR Berghofer enables you to join a special group of people we call The Bancroft Society. As an honoured member you will receive invitations to exclusive events, access to our scientists and facilities, and you’ll be an important part of our Institute now and into the future. This is our way of thanking you.

This prestigious society is named after the Bancroft family, who pioneered medical research in Queensland from the 1860s and laid the foundations for QIMR Berghofer.

We will also acknowledge your generosity, with your permission, by including an inscription on our Wall of Appreciation at the time your estate is finalised. Any request to remain anonymous will be respected.

QIMR Berghofer is signatory to principles and standards of fundraising practice set out by the Fundraising Institute of Australia. We uphold the highest ethical and professional standards for fundraising and are also governed by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

100% of your gift will go directly to support research.

We thank you for your generous support.

You will join a special group of people

Leaving a gift in your Will to QIMR Berghofer is a wonderful act of compassion.  We believe it’s important to honour and celebrate this exceptional gift.  If you choose to leave a gift in your Will, you will be provided with the opportunity to join a special group of people – The Bancroft Society.  This is our way of thanking you.  This prestigious society is named after the Bancroft family, who pioneered medical research in Queensland from the 1860s and laid the foundations to QIMR Berghofer.

As an honoured member you will receive invitations to exclusive events, access to our scientists and facilities and you’ll be an important part of our Institute now and into the future.

We will also acknowledge your generosity, with your permission, by dedicating a specially crafted plaque with your name inscribed and added to our Bancroft Society Benefactors Wall. Any request to remain anonymous will be respected.

For information on how you can join the Bancroft Society and change the future of health contact our Gifts in Wills team today for a friendly and confidential chat on 1800 993 000 or email giftsinwills@qimrbeghofer.edu.au

THE BANCROFT SOCIETY BENEFACTORS WALL

 At QIMR Berghofer, gifts in Will play a crucial role in funding vital medical research that saves lives and creates a healthier future for all.  We believe it is important to honour and celebrate these exceptional gifts and acts of compassion, which is why we have commissioned the new Bancroft Society benefactors’ wall.  Now a permanent fixture in our central building, the Bancroft Society wall is a tribute to the generosity of the many people who have a left a gift in their Will to QIMR Berghofer – people who shared our vision and wanted to make a positive difference.

Download free copy of our Gifts in Wills brochure (PDF 6 MB)

Once you’ve decided on the type of gift you’d like to make, ask your solicitor to draft a clause. We recommend using the following wording:

I give and bequeath (specify the type of gift) to the Council of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, 300 Herston Road, Herston QLD 4006, ABN 31 411 813 344, to be applied for general charitable purposes, and in respect of such legacy I declare as follows:

(a) A general charitable intent shall apply;

(b) The receipt of the Secretary for the time being shall constitute a full and sufficient discharge to executors and trustees;

(c) My executors and trustees shall not be obliged to see or to enquire into the application of money or assets, the subject of such legacy.’

 Types of Gifts

You can leave a gift in your Will in a variety of ways. Discuss these options with your family and your solicitor to work out what works best for you.

  • A Residual Gift: With this type of gift, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute receives the balance of the estate after those specifically named in the Will have been provided for.
  • A Percentage Gift: This can be any percentage of your total estate up to 100 percent. This type of gift enables you to share your estate among several people or organisations without specifying the property or amounts.
  • A Pecuniary Gift: This is a gift of a fixed sum of money made to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.
  • A Specific Gift: This type of gift enables you to leave a specific cash amount or other asset to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

Download free copy of our Gifts in Wills brochure (PDF 6 MB)

For more information about including a gift in Will to QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute or joining The Bancroft Society, please don’t hesitate to contact our Gifts in Wills team for a confidential chat on 1800 993 000 or email giftsinwills@qimrberghofer.edu.au

Making the decision to leave a gift in your Will to support vital medical research is one that we want you to feel content with. That is why we make the following promise to you:

  • We will always respect your privacy. We recognise and appreciate that your Will is completely personal to you
  • We understand your family and loved ones will always come first and we respect that
  • We will never pressure you and recognise that it is your decision and you need to make it in your own time
  • 100% of your gift will go directly to support research. We will use it carefully and cost effectively so it has the greatest impact
  • We will give you and your loved ones the opportunity to connect to the work we do that is made possible by gifts like yours
  • We will thank you and remember you for your enduring support