Darling Downs Environment Council

How to Include a Gift to DDEC in Your Will

After ensuring your loved ones are cared for, including a gift to the Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) in your will is a meaningful way to protect the environment and continue your legacy of conservation. We recommend discussing your decision with family to help them understand why supporting DDEC's work is important to you.

DDEC has patnered with Gathered Here to create a free online will kit if you don't have a will and would like to write one. 

Step 1: Choose the Type of Gift

You can leave a gift of any size to DDEC that aligns with your values. A bequest doesn't affect your financial situation during your lifetime, as it only takes effect when your estate is administered.

• Residual Gift
  A residual gift leaves the remainder (or part of the remainder) of your estate to DDEC after other beneficiaries and expenses have been covered. This type of gift isn't diminished by inflation, making it a powerful way to support long-term environmental protection.

• Percentage or Nominated Portion
  You can divide your estate among family, friends, and organisations. Your gift to DDEC can be a percentage or proportion of your estate, or what’s left after specific gifts are made.

• Specific Gift or Asset
  You can leave specific assets such as property or shares to DDEC. Gifts like these may also have tax benefits for both your estate and DDEC.

• Cash Sum
  A specific cash amount is another option. It’s worth noting that the value of cash gifts can decrease over time due to inflation.

Step 2: Consult a Legal Professional

To ensure your wishes are legally upheld, we recommend you seek professional legal advice when preparing or updating your will. A solicitor can help ensure your intentions are met and your estate is distributed as you wish.

Step 3: Use the Correct Wording

To include a gift to DDEC in your will, you might consider using the following suggested wording:

“I give the residue… OR

“I give [insert percentage]% of the residue… OR

"I give [insert specific amount or asset]…

…of my estate, free from all debts (secured and unsecured), and all duties and taxes (whether federal or state) payable in respect of my estate to the Darling Downs Environment Council Incorporated (ABN 99 812 729 737) for its general purposes, and I declare that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said DDEC shall be a full and sufficient discharge of this bequest.”

Step 4: Let Us Know

If you include DDEC in your will, we would love to hear from you. This allows us to acknowledge your generosity and include you in our community of supporters. Knowing about your gift also helps DDEC plan for future conservation work.

All information you share with DDEC will be held in strict confidence in line with our privacy policy.