Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered!

The Fred Hollows Foundation wants to ensure that you are informed and comfortable with any decisions you make about leaving a gift in your Will. We’ve put together some frequently asked questions, but if you’d like to know more or to chat, please contact Nadia or Natasha on 1800 352 352 or at [email protected].

You can also download our free information pack here.

What is a Bequest/Gift in Will?

A Bequest or a Gift in Will is a legacy that you leave to a cause or causes close to your heart. This could be a percentage of your estate, a fixed sum of money, property, or shares. Making this commitment will ensure that your beliefs and values live on.

What impact will a Gift in my Will have?

A gift in your Will is a really special way to continue your support. By leaving a gift to The Fred Hollows Foundation in your Will, you will train the next generation of eye surgeons and help transform the lives of many millions of people living with avoidable blindness. Your gift means you’ll always be part of something exceptional and it’s something that you and your family can be proud of together.

For every $1 donated, 70 cents goes directly towards eye health programs. We use 7 cents in the dollar for administrative costs and 23 cents goes towards fundraising efforts, allowing us to help even more people.

Importantly, restoring sight also has economic benefits. A Price WaterhouseCoopers (PwC) study, Investing in Vision, showed that for every $1 spent on eye health care in developing countries, $4 of economic gain can be made.

How do I leave a Gift to The Fred Hollows Foundation?

All gifts, no matter their size, make a big difference. For full information on how to leave a gift, download our free brochure here or contact Nadia or Natasha on 1800 352 352 or at [email protected].

Can I specify where my Gift will go?

The Fred Hollows Foundation has three key areas – general projects, international projects and Indigenous Australia. Including a general gift is most valuable, as we can direct your gift towards the people and communities who need your help the most. We know that some people may have a strong connection to a particular region. If you have a specific request, please contact Nadia or Natasha on 1800 352 352 or at [email protected] to discuss.

Do I need a lawyer?

We recommend that you work with a solicitor or public trustee to write your Will. If you have a simple Will, you can use an online service, such as Safewill.

Do I need to notify you if I have left you a Gift in my Will?

We would love to know if you have included us in your Will! While you’re under no obligation to let us know of your intentions, it gives us the opportunity to thank you for your incredible generosity and allows us to share our long-term plans with you. Any information that you do decide to share is completely confidential.

Should I discuss my Gift in Will with my loved ones?

Sharing your decision with your loved ones lets them know why causes like restoring sight to end avoidable blindness for those in need is important to you. It’s something that you and your family can be proud of together.

What if I already have a Will?

If you already have a Will, you don’t necessarily need to start from the beginning to include a gift to The Fred Hollows Foundation. Instead, you could include a codicil – an extra clause which is added to your existing Will. You can find suggested wording here and you will need to have your codicil witnessed by two people when you sign and date it. If your change is complex, you may need to create a new Will.

What kind of gifts can I leave in my Will?

There are many kinds of gifts that you can leave, including:

A percentage of your estate
A specific sum of money
Property
Shares

A percentage of your estate has many benefits, including:

It is simple – 1%, 5%, 10% - it does not change, even if the estate value does
Allows you to take care of your loved ones first

You can find out more about the types of gifts in Wills here.

What wording should I use?

We’ve put together some wording for you here. You can also download our free information pack here.

What if my circumstances change?

Changes happen in life so a good practice is to keep your Will safe and review it every five years. You can then make any necessary changes.

How do I know my information is safe?

We promise to always:

Keep your information confidential and in accordance with our privacy policy
Honour your wishes
Ensure your gift is used in the most effective way
Respect that a decision as important as this needs time – how and when you choose to write it is personal to you
Understand that you might change your mind. Circumstances can change and you always have the freedom to reconsider your decision at any time
Honour your privacy. We would like to acknowledge your generosity, but we will only give you the recognition that you are comfortable with
Continue to communicate and update you with the latest information on our programs and achievements

I’ve been nominated as an Executor of a Will that includes a Gift to The Fred Hollows Foundation, what do I do?

Please contact Nadia or Natasha on 1800 352 352 or at [email protected] so we can help you.

I’m a solicitor of a Will that includes a Gift to The Fred Hollows Foundation, where can I find more information?

You can find out more here or you can contact Nadia or Natasha on 1800 352 352 or at [email protected].

How can I find out more?

We would love to help – for a confidential chat please call Nadia or Natasha on 1800 352 352 or email [email protected]. You can also download our free information pack here.