While none of us likes to think about what will happen after we're gone - leaving a bequest to a cause we believe in ensures that we can continue to contribute to making the world a better place even after our passing.

Of course, your first priority will be to provide for your loved ones. But it's nice to know that any additional gift you bequeath to a grass roots citizen science group like Reef Check Australia will still be helping to ensure a more positive future for them.

If you've never considered leaving a gift in your will before, here are a few things to think about:

• If you haven't made a valid will, you are deemed to have died “intestate.” This means the laws of your state of residence will determine how your assets will be distributed. So it's extremely important that everyone, no matter their age or position, makes a valid will. 

• It's best to speak to a solicitor to ensure your will is valid and worded correctly.

• If you do choose to leave a gift to Reef Check Australia in your will, you can either bequest a percentage of your assets, a specific amount or the residual amount of your estate (what's left after all other distributions have been accounted for).

• When adding Reef Check Australia in to your will, you should use our full legal name, REEF CHECK FOUNDATION LIMITED, and also our ABN (46 108 200 933)

Please let us know if you have made a bequest to Reef Check Australia - we'll be sure to send you regular updates on our work and any specific areas of interest. 

For more information or to let us know your intentions to leave a gift to our work, please contact [email protected].