Leaving a legacy

For over 140 years, Brighton Grammar has been inspiring boys to be the best they can be.

But what makes BGS truly exceptional is supporters like you. It is remarkable to see what has been achieved through the generous support of previous generations of Old Boys, parents and friends through gifts in Wills to BGS.

A Legacy Story: Michael Talbot (OB 1965)

From investing in Scholarships that seed opportunity, to investing in our world-class learning facilities that help grow potential in our future leaders, to funding our student wellbeing programs, bequests of every size define what is possible for the next generation of BGS boys. 

Even leaving just 2% of your estate to the School you love can make an incredible impact, supporting the long-term growth of Brighton Grammar.   A bequest is the easiest and best way to make a meaningful contribution to the School without affecting your current financial circumstances.

BGS is honoured to have played an important role in your life’s journey and we invite you to discuss your legacy gift with our Sequamur Society Manager.     

To have a confidential discussion on leaving a gift in your Will, please contact Nickie Warton, Sequamur Society Manager on 03 8591 2274 or at nwarton@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au

Ways of directing your bequest

You can direct your gift to an area that you are most passionate about, including:

Scholarship Fund

Leaving a bequest to our Scholarship Fund is life-changing for worthy and talented boys who otherwise would not be able to attend BGS. Your bequest not only transforms the lives of future BGS scholarship boys but also enriches the diversity of the School.     

Expressions of thanks from our scholarship recipients:

“The Scholarship Fund is a great way to help the School grow by fostering its academic and sporting achievements, broadening its musical and artistic horizons, and culturally enriching each boy’s experiences.” Richard Bowen (OB 1987).

“My BGS scholarship changed my life. As well as wonderful experiences, it gave me the opportunity to enter a world that otherwise would have been closed off to me. Put simply, my scholarship has given me the best chance of success and for that I will be forever grateful.” Michael Afanassiev, Lawyer (OB 2013).

Building Fund

Since its inception in 1882, Brighton Grammar School has been determined to provide our boys and teachers with the best possible learning environments. Recently, the School has benefited from the philanthropic support of our community enabling the construction of the Secondary School Library Resource Building, the Urwin Learning Centre, the Wellbeing Centre, and Annandale.

Including the Building Fund in your Will continues Dr Crowther’s proud resolve and enables the School to confidently plan for the future. Your support guarantees that future.

Early in 2020 the School embarked on its most ambitious project, the building of our Centre for Science, Creativity and Entrepreneurship – for BGS boys, this is their future and your opportunity to share in that future.

Other ways of directing your bequest

There are many options available to you such as leaving your bequest to a specific sporting, academic or cultural activity.

Recently bequests have been left specifically to enhance Drama and Music, whilst a former First VIII oarsman has left his bequest to Rowing. Other specific bequests have been to provide scholarships for indigenous boys, for boys from single parent families, or boys with disabilities. Others have left it up to the School to choose an area of most need.

The School acknowledges your generosity and your right to direct your bequest to an area of your particular interest.

Establishing an Endowment

To establish an Endowment named in your memory or in the memory of a loved one, your bequest is invested under the umbrella of the Brighton Grammar School Endowment Fund. The capital remains untouched in perpetuity and the interest will fund the pre-designated purpose of your choice.

Depending on the specific terms of your Will, your gift will be disbursed in keeping with your wishes, and will be held in the School’s Endowment Fund to provide long-term capital growth as well as a stable annual income stream in perpetuity. The principal and the interest will be directed solely to the specific terms of your will and will not be utilised for any other purpose.

Monies received are invested with professional fund managers by the Fund’s investment sub-committee. While your gift will be directed according to your wishes, it is important to note that investment decisions are at the discretion of the School.

Your Invitation to join the Sequamur Society

The Sequamur Society holds a special place in the life of Brighton Grammar – a growing group of people who care for the School, its heritage and its future development.  With over 100 members, the Society is a wonderful mix of Old Boys, past and present parents, and present and former staff and we express our sincere thanks to those who have supported BGS through their Estate planning.

Tino Marget (OB 1968) father of Luke (OB 1995) and Tim (OB 1993)

“It has been so encouraging to see the School’s development in recent years brought about by the generous financial support of past and current parents, Old Boys and others. I know that similar support will always be needed to further enhance the educational experiences of our boys. With our support, Brighton Grammar will continue to prosper into the future.”

 

 

Notifying BGS if you plan to leave a gift in your Will offers us the wonderful opportunity to acknowledge your support during your lifetime and to keep you up to date on BGS activities. 

We also welcome and respect gifts made anonymously.

We appreciate that choosing to leave a gift in your Will requires planning and consideration.  We hope the below information is helpful in making your decision:

  • What assets can I pass on to the School?

    There are various ways that you may gift your possessions and assets including leaving: a specific sum of money; a percentage of your estate; the residue of your estate after family and other interests have been provided for; specific property, pieces of art, shares or insurance policies; and family memorabilia.

  • Whom should I consult to write my Will?

    It is important to consult a solicitor when writing your Will. This will ensure that you observe all the necessary legal requirements so that your estate is appropriately disbursed according to your wishes. From time to time, legal regulations relating to both Wills inclusion and exclusion are modified and your solicitor will be able to offer advice on such modifications.

    Alternatively, Gathered Here, a free online Will writing service, has provided Brighton Grammar School with the opportunity to write your Will for free, with free and unlimited updates of your Will for life. When considering your bequest, there is no obligation to utilise this service.

    When considering leaving a bequest to BGS, please contact Nickie Warton so the School can express its appreciation for your generosity.

    Nickie’s contact details: (03) 8591 2274; nwarton@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au

    Visit Gathered Here, a free online Will writing service: https://wills.gatheredhere.com.au/c/bgs

     

  • Suggested wording for your bequest

    When leaving a gift in your Will to the School, it is strongly advised to do so in consultation with your solicitor particularly If your bequest is very specific eg ‘a scholarship for an indigenous student’ or ‘to fund a drama production’.

    However, the following wording may be of assistance:

    Bequest to specific fund I GIVE [my whole estate] or [the residue of my estate] or [X% of the residue of my estate] or [the sum of $…… to [Brighton Grammar School Foundation Building Fund] or [Brighton Grammar School Scholarship Fund] or [Brighton Grammar School Foundation Endowment Fund] of 90 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186. I DECLARE that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorised officer for the time being of Brighton Grammar School Foundation shall be a sufficient discharge to my trustees who shall not be responsible to see the application of the gift.

    Unrestricted Bequest to the Brighton Grammar School FoundationI GIVE [my whole estate] or [the residue of my estate] or [X% of the residue of my estate] or [the sum of $….. to Brighton Grammar School Foundation 90 Outer Crescent Brighton Vic 3186. I DECLARE that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorised officer for the time being of Brighton Grammar School Foundation shall be a sufficient discharge to my trustees who shall not be responsible to see the application of the gift.

  • When is it necessary to rewrite my Will?

    Your relationships can change and may affect how your estate will be distributed. You should make a new Will if you or your children get married, divorced or separated, or have children or grandchildren; If you form a de facto relationship; if you buy or receive a significant asset or investment; if you become involved in a new business, company or trust; if one or more of the beneficiaries or executors named in your Will dies.

  • How is the Brighton Grammar School Endowment fund managed?

    Depending on the specific terms of your Will, your gift will either be disbursed in keeping with your wishes, or in the absence of any specific direction, it will be held in the School’s Endowment Fund to provide long-term capital growth as well as a stable annual income stream in perpetuity. Monies received are invested with professional fund managers by the Fund’s investment sub-committee. While your gift will be managed according to your wishes, it is important to note that investment decisions are at the discretion of the School.

  • Is the School really interested in receiving a modest bequest?

    One of the problems confronting a bequest program is the notion that every bequest has to involve ‘mega’ dollars which can be most off-putting to those considering including the School in their Will. Yes, the School is grateful for some very substantial bequests; however, the School celebrates the generosity of all who leave a gift to the School no matter the amount. Many of our bequests are $10,000 or less; it is amazing what these gifts can achieve.

Every generation leaves an important legacy for the next.  What’s yours? 

To have a confidential discussion on leaving a gift in your Will, please contact Nickie Warton, Sequamur Society Manager on 03 8591 2274 or at nwarton@brightongrammar.vic.edu.au