How to make a bequest

A bequest which refers to the Sydney Burns Foundation is a contribution to the health of future generations.

In making your Will it is recommended that you seek the advice of your solicitor and financial advisors. If you wish to include an additional beneficiary in your current Will, an amendment or additional clause (a codicil) can simply be added to it.

When considering your gift please note that the correct legal name for the Foundation is: The University of Sydney with specific reference to the Sydney Burns Foundation.

Types of bequests

General purposes of the Sydney Burns Foundation
If you wish to leave a specific sum of money or the whole or part of your residuary estate to the University for the purposes of the Sydney Burns Foundation, you could include a provision in your will in the following terms:

"I give [insert dollar amount/ % of my residuary estate] to The University of Sydney ABN 15 211 513 464 of the University of Sydney, NSW 2006 (“University”) for the general purposes of the University in the field of medicine as advised by the Sydney Burns Foundationat the University. If at any time the University determines that it is impossible or inexpedient to carry out the stated purpose, then the University may apply the bequest, or so much as is unexpended, for such purpose or purposes as the University determines most closely accords with the stated purpose."

Medical research
"I give [insert dollar amount/ % of my residuary estate] to The University of Sydney ABN 15 211 513 464 of the University of Sydney, NSW 2006 (“University”) for medical research [in the field of [insert field] and related fields] as advised by the Sydney Burns Foundation at the University. If at any time the University determines that it is impossible or inexpedient to carry out the stated purpose, then the University may apply the bequest, or so much as is unexpended, for such purpose or purposes as the University determines most closely accords with the stated purpose."

Property
If you wish to leave property (such as shares, debentures, works of art or real estate) to the University for the purposes of the Sydney Burns Foundation you could include a provision in your will in the following terms:

I give [describe property such as shares, debentures, works of art or real estate] to The University of Sydney ABN 15 211 513 464 of the University of Sydney, NSW 2006 (“University”) for use in the field of medical research as advised by the Sydney Burns Foundation at the University. If at any time the University determines that it is impossible or inexpedient to carry out the stated purpose, then the University may apply the bequest, or so much as is unexpended, for such purpose or purposes as the University determines most closely accords with the stated purpose."

A note on special conditions
It is suggested that any special request as to the application of a bequest or donation be expressed in terms as general as possible, unless previous consultation has taken place with representatives of the Sydney Burns Foundation. Otherwise the Foundation may be hampered in carrying out the real intention of a donor by detailed directions which, while they may be appropriate when the will is made, may become unworkable in later circumstances.

In whatever form, a bequest to the Foundation is an enduring way to support medical research and ensure better health for future generations.