For many people, the possibility of tax deductibility is a significant factor in any decision they make about where they will donate, and how much they might give, particularly for larger donations. There are three ways in which a person can make a tax-deductible donation to St Peter's.

This Foundation was established in 1999 to support the activities of St Peter's Church of the City of Melbourne, in so far as they relate to the benefit and support of people in necessitous circumstances and the restoration and maintenance of the buildings used for the benefit of persons in such circumstances. The Foundation therefore helps further the charitable work of St Peter's among those in need in the district. In particular, as an inner city parish, St Peter's recognizes a particular ministry among the homeless and unemployed of the inner suburbs of Melbourne. In partnership with Anglicare Victoria, the Foundation runs a breakfast program for the homeless and other people in need, and funds a part-time chaplain who ministers to those who attend this program. The Foundation is also involved in other initiatives which support people in need, and can assist St Peter's directly by contributing to the maintenance and upkeep of those parts of the church precinct that are regularly used by clients of the breakfast program.

The Magnificat

At St Peter's, music has long been a central element of our Anglo-Catholic tradition of worship. Canon Handfield introduced a surpliced choir in 1862, even though this was contrary to the preferred tradition of the then Bishop, The Rt Rev'd Charles Perry. However, in 1865 Bishop Perry eventually reached a compromise with Handfield when he declared a limited number of churches – including St Peter's – to be, in the words of the rubric, 'places where they sing'. A paid organist, paid choristers and a music director have been a feature of the liturgical tradition at St Peter's ever since. The maintenance of this tradition of fine musical performance in worship is, however, expensive, and donations from those who wish to help in maintaining the highest standard of music at St Peter's are always welcome.

St Hilda

The Diocese of Melbourne has become more liberal in its attitude to music and choirs in churches since Bishop Perry's time. The Melbourne Anglican Cultural Organization was established in 2005 with tax exempt status in order to accept tax-deductible donations for music programs in churches of the Melbourne diocese. The choir and music at St Peter's are an approved cultural project under the terms of this organisation.

Donations to this music fund can be made through the parish office, or by sending a cheque directly to:

The Secretary, The Melbourne Anglican Cultural Organisation Inc.,

The Anglican Centre, 209 Flinders Lane,

Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Cheques should be made payable to 'The Melbourne Anglican Cultural Organisation Gift Fund', with additional notation on the back of the cheque stipulating that the donation is for St Peter's Eastern Hill Choir and Music. Make sure you also provide your contact details for the sending of a receipt. The Anglican Centre may deduct a small administration fee from such donations.

This information page has been prepared in answer to questions from a number of Parishioners about leaving a bequest to St Peter's. It is not intended to be used as a 'Do it yourself Will' kit. Rather, it points out the importance of having a current Will and indicates how you can include St Peter's in it.

Remember that, if you die without a valid Will, your estate will be administered in accordance with the law. This may not be in accordance with your wishes. So when making or altering your Will in any way, do seek the advice and guidance of your solicitor. Wills are a means of providing for the continuation of your life's witness, caring for those you love, and for fulfilling your community responsibilities. Whilst suggesting that you might like to remember St Peter's in your Will, we recognize that family and other commitments may also have a claim on your estate. For many of us, although we may wish to give more while we are alive, this may not be possible, and a bequest is a way in which you can make a lasting contribution to the parish without significantly impacting your family and other beneficiaries.

Memorial over the Crypt

Should you wish to include St Peter's in your Will, there are two basic forms of bequest of which you should be aware. A bequest can be either UNRESTRICTED or RESTRICTED. These terms are defined below.

An UNRESTRICTED bequest does not specify the purpose or intention other than that the bequest be available for use by St Peter's. However, current diocesan regulations mean that 16% of unrestricted bequests must go to the Diocese once the capital is drawn down into the Parish Accounts.

I direct my executor to pay ............% of my residual estate, or an amount of .................................. dollars clear of all deductions (delete as appropriate) to:

The Anglican Church of St Peter's Eastern Hill,
15 Gisborne Street
Melbourne Victoria 3002

to be held by the Parish Council of St Peter's in a Perpetual Trust, with the income being made available for the general purposes of the parish.

OR

to be applied by the Parish Council of St Peter's for the purposes of

..................................................................................................................................................................

OR

I direct my executor to pay ............% of my residual estate, or an amount of .................................. dollars clear of all deductions (delete as appropriate) to:

The St Peter's Eastern Hill Melbourne Charitable Foundation for the relief of persons in necessitous circumstances, such as the homeless, unemployed and those of the district living in poverty.

In each case, the following words may be added:

AND I DECLARE that the receipt of a Trustee, Secretary, Treasurer or other proper officer shall be full and sufficient discharge to my executor for the payment of the said legacy and that my executor shall not be bound to see the application thereof.

As well as making a will, consideration should be given to what form you wish your funeral to take. A form is included below that will help lead you through the process of planning for this. Although this form has no legal status, it is meant to help you engage in planning for your funeral, and can be kept in a safe place with your will so that your family know your preferences in this important matter.