Ken & Jill's Gift
A lifetime shared in the Gardens.
Gift in your Will
By leaving a gift in your Will to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, you play a vital role in helping to protect and preserve our unique plants and iconic landscapes.
A bequest is a powerful acknowledgment of the Gardens’ importance in your life.
We are extremely grateful for bequests of any size and type, as they contribute to the long-term stability of the Gardens. Your gift can support an area that matters most to you, or it can be entrusted to our Foundation to use where it’s needed most in the years to come. Either way, your legacy will help ensure a greener, more beautiful world for those who follow.
As a valued member of our bequestor community, The Perennial Gardeners, you’ll be invited to exclusive talks and tours that celebrate our horticultural and scientific achievements at both Melbourne and Cranbourne Gardens. You’ll also receive updates on our world-leading research and upcoming landscape projects.
If you’ve chosen to include the Gardens in your Will, please let us know by completing the form below or by contacting Sophie on +61 3 9252 2330 or via email at sophie.weedon@rbg.vic.gov.au. This allows us to thank you personally and welcome you to The Perennial Gardeners. All bequestor details are treated with the utmost confidentiality.
By investing in the future of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, you are offering a gift that will continue to grow and flourish year after year. A legacy in full bloom.
Hello, my name is Sophie, and I am the Planned Giving Coordinator here at the Gardens.
I feel so fortunate to be part of this incredible community of nature lovers who recognise the unique beauty and significance of the Gardens. With a background in horticulture and the arts, I have a deep appreciation for the meaningful connections and shared experiences made in our landscapes. The Gardens are such an inspiring and calming place where people can seek knowledge, find solace, and simply unwind.
A gift in your Will to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria helps protect our green heritage, not just today, but for generations to come. If you’d like to learn more about leaving a bequest, or to discuss your wishes so we can best honour your legacy, please contact me on +61 3 9252 2330 or sophie.weedon@rbg.vic.gov.au, I would love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to leave a gift in my Will to Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria?
Ultimately, the decision is yours and we are extremely grateful for whatever you decide. However, an untied bequest to the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria will allow the Gardens to adapt to the priorities of the time and give the greatest flexibility to make an impact where it is needed most.
How will my gift be used at the Gardens?
You can choose to have your gift managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria, where we will grow your gift and direct it to where it is most needed in the future to help the Gardens prosper. Alternatively, you can choose a project you would specifically like to see your gift support. We encourage you to discuss your wishes with our Planned Giving Coordinator , Sophie, so we can best honour your legacy.
What type of gift can I include in my Will?
The most common gift types are a residual gift (percent of your estate) or a gift of a specific sum of money. Your solicitor can help you choose a gift that is right for you. In the instance of gifts of property (shares, collections, etc.) please contact our Planned Giving Coordinator, Sophie, and she will be happy to discuss this with you.
How should I word my bequest to the Gardens in my Will?
The suggested legal wording for a gift in Will for a general-purpose bequest directed toward our Foundation is:
I give and bequeath to Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria (ABN 40 584 408 967), Private Bag 2000, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141 the sum of … ($ value OR % of my residuary estate) free from all duties and charges. The receipt of an authorised officer of Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria shall be an absolute discharge to my executors.
Alternatively, if you would like to support a specific area of work at the Gardens, your gift can be given directly to the Gardens Board with the following wording:
I give and bequeath to Royal Botanic Gardens Board (ABN 36 600 553 934) (business name: Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria), Private Bag 2000, Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra, Victoria 3141 the sum of … ($ value OR % of my residuary estate) free from all duties and charges, for the benefit of < INSERT SPECIFIC PURPOSE>. The receipt of an authorised officer of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria shall be an absolute discharge to my executors.
We are open to gifts towards a specific purpose. Let’s have a chat to make sure we can honour your wishes.
I would like to support a specific project at the Gardens, how do I do this?
Projects, by nature, have a beginning and end, and those at the Gardens will have various timelines. We encourage you to speak to our Planned Giving Coordinator, Sophie, who can advise you on specific projects and programs that you may feel passionate about and how you might support them through your kind gift.
Do I need to let you know I have included a gift in my Will?
It is a personal choice if you would like to inform us of your gift. However, if you do let us know, we can ensure you stay informed on the areas of our work that interests you most and remain involved in the long-term vision for the Gardens. We can also recognise your generosity as a member of our Perennial Gardeners community.
How can my family and friends find out about my gift when it’s realised?
We encourage you to consider a family member or friend who we can communicate with once your gift is realised. We will maintain regular contact with this person to share how your legacy is being honoured. We also warmly encourage you to bring family and friends to events as a Perennial Gardener.