Q&A: Gifts in Wills with Ruth Markham
Behind every young person who finds hope and recovery through Sir David Martin Foundation is a community of people who believe in giving others a second chance. One powerful way they show they care is through gifts left in Wills, quiet acts of generosity that continue changing lives long after they’re given.
To explore what makes this kind of giving so meaningful, we sat down with our Philanthropy Manager and bequest expert, Ruth Markham. Ruth has seen firsthand how Gifts in Wills help young people recover from addiction, reconnect with family, and build a future filled with purpose. In this Q&A, Ruth answers some of the most common questions about how to leave a gift, why it matters, and the legacy of compassion it creates.
What does it mean, in your view, to leave a gift in your Will to someone or something you deeply care about?
It’s a deeply thoughtful and personal gesture. Leaving a gift in your Will is a way of expressing what matters most to you. It shows your values and ensures that your care continues beyond your lifetime. It’s also a meaningful way to let your loved ones know what causes or people have been important to you. Leaving a gift in your Will means something different to everyone. You can read one remarkable and unique story from Mark who explains what it means to him here.
What kinds of gifts can someone leave in their Will (for example, cash, property, or percentages of their estate) and how do those work in practice?
The most common types of gifts are a percentage of the estate (known as a residuary gift) or a fixed cash amount (known as a pecuniary gift). Leaving a percentage is often more flexible, as the gift remains proportional to the overall value of your estate, and is less likely to be reduced by inflation over time.
Many people feel leaving a gift in their Will is something only for those with great wealth. What would you say to someone who worries they don’t have enough to make a meaningful impact?
That’s a very common concern, but the truth is that anyone can leave a gift in their Will, no matter their financial situation. You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. In fact, many of the most impactful gifts come from people who lived everyday lives and wanted to help in whatever way they could. Every gift, no matter the size, is valuable and appreciated.
From your experience, what are some of the concerns or myths people have about leaving a charitable gift in their Will, and how do you gently address them?
A common concern is the belief that leaving a gift to charity might take away from what they can leave to their family. And in many cases, people understandably want to prioritise their loved ones – that’s completely natural.
What we often share is that even leaving a small percentage of your estate, say, 1%,can make a meaningful difference to a cause you care about, without significantly affecting what your family receives.
It’s not about choosing between family and charity. It’s about finding a balance that reflects your values and the life you’ve lived.
Could you walk us through the simple first steps someone needs to take if they are considering leaving a gift in their Will to Sir David Martin Foundation?
Absolutely. A great place to start is by downloading our Gifts in Wills booklet from the Sir David Martin Foundation website. It’s a helpful resource you can take with you when speaking to your solicitor or Will-writing professional.
If you’re creating your Will online, there’s usually an option to include a charitable gift during the process. Be sure to use our full legal name and ABN to avoid any confusion.
Once your Will is updated, we encourage you to talk with your loved ones about your decision, so they understand and support your wishes.
And finally, if you feel comfortable, we’d love to hear from you. Letting us know you’ve included a gift helps us plan for the future and gives us the opportunity to thank you for your generosity in whatever way feels right for you.
If someone was thinking of leaving a gift, when would be a good time to do so?
Most people tend to write or update their Will during major life events, such as getting married, having children, going through a divorce, or retiring. These moments naturally prompt reflection on what matters most and who should be included in your plans.
That said, even outside of big life changes, it’s a good idea to review your Will every few years. Your priorities and circumstances may shift over time, and updating your Will ensures it still reflects your wishes, including any desire to support a cause close to your heart. In fact, I’m planning on updating my own Will in the next six months.
Do you have a story of someone whose legacy gift has made a real difference through the Foundation’s programs?
We have many wonderful stories, and every gift in Will we receive has a lasting impact. One of the most significant examples is the creation of David Martin Place, opened in 2017. This specialised withdrawal unit at Triple Care Farm was made possible thanks to the generosity of both our long-term supporters and those who chose to leave a gift in their Will.
Their legacy helped fill a critical gap in youth drug and alcohol withdrawal services. As a result, young people experiencing serious disadvantage now have a safe place to begin their recovery journey.
These kinds of legacy gifts don’t just support a program. They change lives.
How does Sir David Martin Foundation honour or acknowledge those supporters who include the Foundation in their Will?
We are deeply grateful to those who choose to leave a gift in their Will, and we honour their legacy with great care.
Each year, we acknowledge and remember these generous individuals in our Annual Report, recognising the lasting impact they have made through their final gift.
For those who feel comfortable letting us know in advance, we also offer the opportunity to connect more closely with the Foundation during their lifetime so we can thank them personally, keep them updated on the work they’re supporting, and ensure their wishes are understood and respected.
What would you say to someone who wants to do something meaningful and lasting, and deeply cares about young Australians now and in the future?
We are deeply grateful to those who choose to leave a gift in their Will, and we honour their legacy with great care.
We would truly welcome the opportunity to connect with them. Hearing why our mission matters to someone is incredibly special to us and we love getting to know the people who choose to support our work.
If you’re considering leaving a gift in your Will but aren’t quite sure yet, we’d be more than happy to have a friendly, obligation-free chat. You’re also very welcome to attend one of our events to see firsthand how your support could change the lives of young Australians in crisis.
Leaving a legacy is a powerful act and we’re here to help you explore what that could look like in a way that’s meaningful to you.
If you would like to know more about leaving a gift in your Will, please:
- Email us at giftsinwills@martinfoundation.org.au; or
- Call us on 02 9538 0919 for a friendly chat.
