When considering a bequest to the Historic Houses Trust you have the option to give to either:

• The Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales OR
• The Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales
• Bequests are usually directed to either of these entities for use at their discretion – with all funds used to support the work of the HHT. Such unencumbered gifts allow flexibility to use these donations in areas of particular need.

Alternatively, bequests can be directed to a specific area or purpose. For instance, you can make a bequest to:

• The Endangered Houses Fund
• The Acquisitions Endowment
• The Caroline Simpson Library & Research Collection Endowment
• The Exhibition Fund
• Any specific property or program

Some significant bequests to date include several properties of great historical and architectural significance and important collections of furniture.

BENEFITS

The government encourages personal and corporate philanthropy through the allowance of tax deductions.

For more information on the tax deductions available for bequests or testamentary gifts, please see the Philanthropy section of the Australian Valuation Office www.avo.gov.au or speak to your solicitor, accountant or trustee company.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Foundation and the HHT like to recognise the generosity of their donors. Names of donors are included on an honour roll at The Mint, Macquarie Street, Sydney and on certain printed material – unless you prefer to remain anonymous in which case your wishes will be respected.

TYPES

There are generally three types of bequests:

Specific bequests
You can leave specific property such as land, buildings, art, objects, jewellery, paintings or furnishings.

General bequests
You can leave a specified amount of money or a percentage of your estate.

Residual bequests
You can leave the residue of your estate, once your family and others have been provided for.
You can nominate the Foundation or Historic Houses Trust as an alternate beneficiary.
You may leave some or all of your estate to relatives or friends for so long as they live, after which the residue vests in the Foundation or HHT.

MAKING OR CHANGING A WILL

Making a will is not complicated but we would advise you to seek assistance from your solicitor or a trustee company.

Suggested wording could include:

"I devise and bequeath to the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales (or the Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales) of The Mint, 10 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW:

a) property (this could include land, buildings, art, objects, jewellery, paintings or furnishings); AND/OR
b) the sum of $; OR
c) % of my estate; OR
d) the residue of my estate free of all duties, taxes, levies and charges and I direct that the receipt of the Director of the Historic Houses Trust (or General Manager of the Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust) shall be sufficient discharge to my executor(s).

A codicil is an addition, alteration or supplement to your existing will. Your solicitor or trust officer will be able to advise you on this.

CONTACT US

To avoid any confusion or misunderstanding please contact us to discuss your plans. This enables us to explain our collection policies and talk about how your gift may be used.

All correspondence or discussions regarding bequests will be strictly confidential.

By informing us about your bequest we are able to thank you in your lifetime and discuss how to best use and direct your gift.

Please contact either Kate Clark, Director of the Historic Houses Trust on 02 8239 2288 or David Hely, General Manager of the Foundation for the Historic Houses Trust on 02 8239 2255 to discuss this.