Mondays can be a grind. The alarm clock feels harsher, your inbox is fuller, and the weekend already feels like a distant memory. But sometimes, a story comes along that makes you pause, smile, and remember that small choices can create a ripple effect far beyond our own lives. This week, that story comes in the form of wills – and the powerful ways Australians are using them to support causes they care about most.
New research from online will-writing platform Safewill reveals that the number of Australians including a charitable bequest in their will has more than doubled in the past five years, rising from 5% in 2020 to 11% in 2025. That means more and more of us are thinking beyond the immediate, imagining a legacy that outlives us in meaningful, tangible ways.
The causes Australians are choosing to support are as inspiring as the numbers themselves. Health initiatives, animal welfare, and community projects consistently top the list. Community-focused gifts in particular have surged in recent years, suggesting a growing desire to strengthen neighbourhoods, nurture social connections, and make a difference close to home.
What’s striking is that these choices aren’t limited by age. Young adults, mid-career professionals, and retirees alike are all recognising that leaving a gift to charity is a chance to reflect values and make a lasting impact. In other words, generosity isn’t bound by stage of life – it’s a universal impulse.
Since 2019, Australians have pledged billions in future income for charities through these bequests facilitated via Safewill. Among the most notable beneficiaries is Cancer Council, which has received nearly $112 million through more than a thousand gifts in wills. These contributions are more than just numbers on a ledger: they fund life-saving research, prevention programs, and support services for the one in two Australians affected by cancer in their lifetime.
Brooke Manzione, Gifts in Wills Lead at Cancer Council, puts it simply: “Every gift, large or small, helps us continue funding life-saving research and providing support services to those affected by cancer.” It’s a reminder that charitable giving isn’t about how much you leave, but the intention and legacy behind it.
This trend also signals a cultural shift in how Australians think about giving. It’s no longer about one-off donations or seasonal appeals. Instead, people are planning for the long game, considering how their assets – big or small – can continue to make a difference well into the future. It’s about ensuring that kindness, compassion, and impact continue, even when we’re no longer around to see it.
What makes this trend especially heartening is its accessibility. You don’t need to be wealthy or famous to create change. Every contribution counts, whether it helps fund a cure, rescue an animal, or support a local community initiative. And in an age where it’s easy to feel disconnected or powerless, knowing that your choices today can affect lives for years to come is incredibly empowering.
So, if your Monday is feeling a little grey, take a moment to think about this: Australians are quietly transforming one of life’s most serious documents into a force for good. They’re turning endings into beginnings, paperwork into purpose, and legacy into hope – proving that even the most ordinary actions can leave an extraordinary mark!