We rely on bequests to Guide Dogs to grow our services and continue supporting people with low vision or blindness.
The future of our services depends on gifts like yours. With more than 80% of our work funded by donor support, a bequest in your Will to Guide Dogs ensures we can meet the growing need to train more guide dogs, support more clients and support greater independence for Australians living with vision loss.
With demand for our services rising year on year, gifts in Wills to Guide Dogs are not just appreciated. They are essential.
An estimated 564,000 Australians are living with blindness or low vision, and this number is expected to increase to over 800,000 by 2030 as our population ages. As the need grows, so too does our reliance on the generosity of people who choose to leave a lasting legacy.
Guide Dogs depends on bequests to ensure we can continue to provide vital services, from orientation and mobility training to access to assistive technology, so that people with low vision or blindness live independently.
By including a gift in your Will to Guide Dogs, you will help meet the increasing demand for life-changing support now and into the future.
If you’re considering leaving a gift, our team can walk you through the process with care and confidentiality.
It’s important to use the correct wording when leaving a gift in your Will to Guide Dogs.
I give to [Guide Dogs state/territory and ABN number]:
free of all duties and testamentary expenses for its general purposes and I direct that the receipt of that organisation shall be sufficient discharge to my executors for this bequest.
Note: you must reference the Guide Dogs state/territory and include its specific ABN as outlined below:
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT – ABN 52 000 399 744
Guide Dogs Victoria – ABN: 68 004 621 461
Guide Dogs SA/NT – ABN 91 183 168 093
Guide Dogs Queensland – ABN 89 009 739 664
Residuary gift
This is what remains of your estate after all specific gifts, expenses and liabilities have been settled. For example, you might leave properties to loved ones, use savings to cover funeral costs, and gift the remaining balance to Guide Dogs.
Percentage-based gift
You can choose to leave a percentage of your entire estate, or a percentage of the residuary once other gifts and costs have been distributed. A simple 1% share of your estate can make an incredible difference.
Pecuniary gift
This is a fixed amount of money. For example, you might choose to leave $3,000 to help fund the training of a Guide Dog.
Specific asset
You may choose to gift a particular item, such as real estate, shares or bitcoin.
Yes, please! If you are comfortable doing so, please let us know. This gives us the chance to say, ‘thank you’, keep you up to date with news and stories from Guide Dogs, and involve your family in relevant special events throughout the year. Please fill out the form above to let us know.
We recommend you seek the advice of an independent solicitor or qualified legal advisor before making or revising your Will and choosing an executor to administer your estate.
Leaving a small percentage in your Will goes a long way. Even 1% of an estate can have a lasting impact. People often find they can afford to be more generous by leaving a gift in their Will than they are able to be during their lifetime.
Both! Bequests/a gift in your will to Guide Dogs in your state or territory is vital for our ability to continue to strengthen and broaden our low vision services while exploring new ways we can play a supportive role in the community.
Yes, there can be small differences between states and territories when it comes to Wills. The basics are the same across Australia, but things like signing and witnessing requirements can vary.
That’s why it’s important your Will is prepared or updated under the laws of the state or territory you live in. A solicitor can help make sure your wishes—including any gift to Guide Dogs Australia—are set out clearly and correctly.
If you need help or have a question, we’re always happy to help.
You can indicate a general area you’d like your gift to support, such as guide dog training, mobility services or programs for people with low vision.
Because gifts in Wills to Guide Dogs are often realised years later and programs can change over time, we often recommend phrasing your bequest as a preference rather than a strict condition. This way, your gift can still be used effectively to make the greatest impact, even if specific programs evolve.
Our team can chat with you about options and provide guidance to help your wishes be as clear as possible.
Guide Dogs Australia is committed to using every gift carefully and responsibly. We’re a registered charity and are governed by a national board, with strong financial controls and regular independent audits in place.
Gifts in Wills help fund our long-term work—training guide dogs, supporting people with low vision or blindness, and ensuring these services can continue into the future. If you choose to leave a gift, it will be used thoughtfully to make the greatest possible impact.
If you ever have questions about how gifts are managed, our team is always happy to talk them through with you.
People of all ages choose to include a gift in their Will. It’s simply a way of planning ahead and deciding what matters to you, whenever you make or update your Will.
Many people include a gift early on and update their Will over time as their circumstances change. It doesn’t lock you into anything—it just ensures your wishes are clear.
No matter your age, a gift in your Will can be a powerful way to support future generations.
Creating a Will or updating an existing one is often quicker than people expect. For many, a simple Will—or an update like adding a gift to Guide Dogs Australia—can be done in a single appointment.
If your situation is more complex, it might take a little longer, but a solicitor will guide you through the process and let you know what to expect. Either way, once it’s done, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your wishes are clearly recorded.
We’re also happy to answer any questions before you start. Enquire above and we’ll get in touch.
