What should you look for before making a bequest or major gift to Guide Dogs?

Choosing a charity for a major gift or a gift in your Will is a significant decision. You want to know your contribution will be managed responsibly and help create meaningful impact for years to come.

If you're considering supporting a guide dog charity, it's worth taking the time to understand how the organisation operates, what it stands for, and how it uses the funds received.

Here are some key areas to consider before making your decision.

A Clear Purpose.

A strong charity should have a clear purpose and a well-defined vision for the future.

Look for an organisation that can clearly explain why it exists, who it supports, and how it makes a difference in the community. Its purpose should guide its services, programs, decision-making, and communications.

At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, our purpose is to build a world that is inclusive and accessible for everyone with low vision or blindness. This purpose helps shape the support we provide to people with low vision or blindness and their families.

Transparency and Accountability.

Trust is essential when making a large donation or leaving a bequest.

A reputable charity should be open about how it operates and how funds are used. Look for organisations that publish annual reports, financial information, governance details, and impact reporting.

Transparency allows donors to make informed decisions and feel confident that their gift will be managed responsibly.

You can read about Guide Dogs NSW/ACT governance, annual reports and financial statements. These resources provide information about how Guide Dogs is governed, how funds are managed, and the impact of support from donors, supporters and partners.

Evidence of Impact.

Before making a major gift, look for evidence that the organisation delivers real outcomes.

This may include:

• Community impact reports
• Stories from people who have accessed services
• Information about programs and support provided
• Measurable outcomes and achievements

We encourage you to visit the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Annual and Impact Reports page to learn more about our work, the people we support, and how donations help us deliver services that promote independence and inclusion.

Strong Leadership and Governance.

Good governance helps ensure a charity remains accountable, sustainable, and focused on its mission.

Consider whether the organisation has clear leadership structures and appropriate oversight. A charity that is well governed is better placed to manage donations and bequests effectively, both now and in the future.

This is particularly important if you're leaving a gift in your Will, as your bequest may support the organisation many years from today.

A Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion.

The way a charity communicates can reveal a lot about its values.

Look for an organisation that provides accessible information and communicates in a way that is inclusive and respectful.

Guide Dogs' communication standards emphasise clear, accessible, effective, and inclusive language.

A commitment to accessibility can help demonstrate a genuine focus on supporting diverse communities.

If you're considering supporting Guide Dogs through a major donation or bequest, we encourage you to explore our Customer Advisory Panel page. You'll learn more about the practical support we provide and how donor generosity helps us meet the changing needs of the community.

Financial Sustainability.

When making a major gift, it's important to consider whether the organisation is well positioned for the future.

A financially sustainable charity should have clear plans for delivering its services over the long term. Responsible financial management helps ensure donations and bequests can continue supporting people who rely on those services.

You may wish to ask how major gifts and bequests contribute to future programs and priorities.

At Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, we are committed to looking ahead and evolving our services to support future generations of people with low vision or blindness. This long-term focus helps ensure donor gifts can continue making a meaningful difference well into the future.

Values That Align With Your Own.

Many donors choose to support organisations that reflect their personal values.

Take time to learn about the charity's culture, principles, and approach to working with the community.

Guide Dogs is guided by values that include going above and beyond, working side by side, listening and acting, and looking ahead. These values influence how we work alongside Clients, supporters, volunteers, staff, and partners.

Questions to Ask Before You Donate.

If you're considering a large donation or a gift in your Will, it can be helpful to ask:

• How will my gift support your mission?
• How do you report on the impact of donations?
• What governance and accountability measures are in place?
• How do you plan for the future?
• How are bequests managed?
• Who can I speak to about my wishes and intentions?

A reputable charity will welcome these conversations and provide clear answers.

Every donor's circumstance and wishes are different. Whether you're considering a major gift during your lifetime or leaving a gift in your Will, our team is here to help.

We can answer your questions, explain the impact of your support, and help you explore the giving option that best aligns with your goals. To learn more, contact our Major Gifts team or Gifts in Wills team for a confidential, friendly and obligation-free conversation.