Leaving a Gift in your Will is one way you can help create a future where Deaf and hard of hearing children have every opportunity that their hearing peers do.
Of course, DCA recommends that you consider your loved ones first, but even 1% can make a real difference to the programs and services available to deaf children and their families, without impacting your financial situation today.
Including a gift in your Will is very easy. The next time you are updating or changing your Will, simply ask your solicitor or Trustee Company to insert a few simple words into your new Will. Whatever your circumstances, we recommend you see an independent solicitor, and discuss your intentions with your family and loved ones, before making or revising your Will. If your already have a Will that reflects most of your wishes, your solicitor can even simply draft a Codicil to add your gift in a way that ensures your original Will is not affected.
Your gift can be a specify a specific amount, a percentage of your estate or assets like property of shares. You can even leave a residual or conditional gift, which ensures we only receive your Gift after all your loved ones have been taken care of.
Every Gift in a Will we receive – regardless of size – will help empower future generations of deaf and hard of hearing children and young people.
Get In Touch
Please contact our Philanthropy Advisor if you are considering a Gift in your Will. Eran can answer any questions you may have or provide suggested wording that you can share with your solicitor. If you wish to leave property of specific items, it can also be helpful to ensure this can have the impact that you intended.
If you have remembered us in your Will, please also consider letting Eran know. Of course, you can choose for your gift to remain completely confidential or anonymous. However, we would love the opportunity to thank you for your kindness and keep you updated about the type of impact your gift could have.
To have a confidential discussion about leaving a gift in your Will get in touch with our Philanthropy Advisor, Eran, on 0460 294 832 or by emailing giftsinwills@deafchildren.org.au.
DCA's first student, Lucy Lewis
Lucy Lewis Bequest Program
Our Bequest Society was named after young Lucy Lewis who was our first deaf child to be supported by Deaf Children Australia.
Lucy’s parents, Thomas and Sarah, migrated from England to Australia in 1848. No deaf education existed in the colonies at the time, so Lucy’s mother wrote an impassioned plea for education for her deaf daughter which was placed in ‘The Argus’ newspaper.
Our visionary founder and deaf teacher, FJ Rose, responded by setting up a school and our organisation. FJ Rose relied upon the support of generous donors and benefactors just like you to enable Lucy and other young deaf Australians like her to receive an education.
You can help us invest in future generations of children like Lucy, who need our support to ensure they receive the same opportunities as their hearing peers. Even 1% could make an incredible difference to future generations.
When you let us know you’ve included a Gift to Deaf Children Australia in your Will, you’ll automatically become a part of our Lucy Lewis Bequest Society. That means you’ll be invited to events like our Annual Public Meeting, tours of our historic Bluestone and support briefings about new programs.
Make Dreams a Reality
Over the years, generous Gifts in Wills have helped Deaf Children Australia to provide vital support, information and advocacy services to enrich the lives of the group of over 16,000 Australian children and teenagers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Since 2000, annual distributions from The Nelson & Brook Educational Trusts and The Allen & Cecilia Tye Fund have enabled us to offer our Youth Grants, which support young deaf and hard of hearing people all over Australia to pursue their goals and dreams.
Our youth grants helped enable Young Australian of the Year 2015 and deaf advocate Drisana Levitzke-Gray to develop her leadership skills over several years. Drisana received the Young Australian of the Year award in recognition of her passion and dedication in advocating for the human rights of deaf people, and raising awareness about Auslan (Australian Sign Language).
Drisana returned to DCA to inspire children and their families
Write your Will Online
Don’t have a Will? DCA is partnering with Australia’s leading online will-writing platform, Safewill, so you can create your Will online for just $80. It can take as little as 20 minutes to complete your Will and ensure your wishes are honoured and your loved ones taken care of. After family and friends, please consider including Deaf Children Australia in your Will. Your gift, no matter how large or small, will make a real difference to future generations.
Suggested Gift in Will Wording
Most of our supporters choose to leave a residual legacy. These gifts hold their value regardless of inflation and allow you to cover loved ones' needs first.
Here's some suggested wording you may wish to share with your solicitor, including options for the difference types of gift you may choose to leave.
"I give to Deaf Children Australia (ABN 57 108 025 207):
- The residue of my estate, or
- [insert number] % of my estate, or
- the sum of $ [insert amount], and/or
- [insert number] of my [insert name of shares] shares
for its general purposes, free from all duties, deductions and charges. The receipt of an authorised officer of Deaf Children Australia shall constitute a full and sufficient discharge of executor's duties."
