Bequests

We understand that preparing a Will is a personal decision. However, after you have provided for your family and friends, please consider a gift to ASA in your Will.

Leaving a gift to Australian Shareholders’ Association (ASA) in your Will is a personal decision. A bequest to ASA is a legacy for future generations of retail investors and will make a difference to the creation of shareholder education and our advocacy on behalf of individual investors to protect their rights. 

Your gift will assist retail investors to connect with a community of shareholders, learn to become more informed as investors and assist ASA to continue to advocate for the protection of shareholder rights. 

If considering leaving a gift to ASA, an important consideration is whether your gift to ASA will be a specific bequest or a residuary bequest.

Specific bequest 

A specific bequest is a gift in your Will of a specified amount of money or a particular item of value. Those items could include property, shares or works of art (of Gallery standard). Given that ASA exists to stand up for and educate retail shareholders, a gift of shares may feel the most appropriate. 

Residuary bequest 

A residuary bequest to ASA is a gift of the whole or a portion of whatever is left in your estate after all other gifts, taxes and costs have been paid or fulfilled. 

Suggested wording: It is important that the wording for bequest in your Will to ASA clearly expresses your wishes. ASA is not in a position to provide legal or financial advice; however, below is some suggested wording for discussion with your legal adviser. 

‘I give to the Australian Shareholders’ Association (ABN 40 000 625 629) (ASA) [insert as appropriate: (the sum of $XX) or (the whole of my residuary estate) or (XX% of my residuary estate) and/or (the following property....)], free of all expenses and duties of whatever kind.’

Frequently asked questions

Q. Can ASA act as an executor? 
A. ASA will not act as an executor.  

Q. I have already made a Will so how do I include ASA?  
A. You can change your Will to include a bequest to ASA at any time. To change your Will, you can either rewrite the entire document to include a bequest to ASA, or prepare a codicil. A codicil is a separate testamentary document, which amends, rather than replaces, your existing Will. 

Q. Do I need to let ASA know that I have included it in my Will?  
A. It is your choice whether you tell ASA about your bequest. We prefer to know of your bequest gift so we can thank you.  

Q. Are there any gifts that have taxation consequences?  
A. ASA is a not-for-profit organisation, but we are not a charitable institution. Therefore, we are not endorsed as an income tax exempt entity. You will need to seek professional advice on taxation consequences. 

Q. How does ASA manage its donated funds?  
A. ASA is responsible for receipting and managing philanthropic gifts. When a donation is received from an estate, it is receipted, acknowledged as per agreement with the family and logged in preparation for our professional audit.