Planned Giving

Supporting the Bionics Institute of Australia through a planned gift will give you…

“ The knowledge that you are investing in transformational research activities that could revolutionise the treatment and early diagnosis of sensory impairments and diseases of the brain and nervous system.” Robert Klupacs, CEO

A history of distinguished achievement

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Professor Graeme Clark AC pioneered medical bionics research that created the Australian cochlear implant in the 1970s. Since then, over 700,000 people with hearing loss have been implanted worldwide. The Bionic Ear Institute was established in 1986 so that research could continue in an independent, multidisciplinary environment. In 2011 the name was changed to the Bionics Institute to reflect the expansion of our research to other major disease areas.

Having neuroscientists, engineers and clinical researchers working closely together is essential to achieving our goals. We deliver new and improved medical devices to address unmet clinical needs, and transform clinical practice to reduce the burden of disease on individuals and the economy.

Over three decades we have:

• Continued to be a world leader in hearing and deafness research

• Expanded medical bionics research into vision loss, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, brain injury, movement disorders, inflammatory bowel disease and urinary incontinence

• Developed and trialled a prototype bionic eye through the Bionic Vision Australia consortium

• Received numerous peer reviewed grants from Australian Government funding bodies as well as other highly competitive grants from government and philanthropy in the UK and USA

• Trained passionate and talented people as leaders, partners, collaborators and supporters, and continue to mentor the next generation of researchers

• Formed strong links with world leading clinicians in the areas of hearing, vision, and neurology

• Delivered research discoveries to the clinic and commercialised products that will transform the lives of people suffering from debilitating disorders

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Supporting the future of medical bionics researchA bequest to the Bionics Institute of Australia will make a difference to our research and to the health and quality of life for people across the globe.

The Bionics Institute embraces an innovative and collaborative approach to creating life-changing medical solutions for individuals and the greater community. As we translate our high-quality research across the biological, physical, engineering and medical sciences to achieve extraordinary clinical outcomes, we are also inspiring and training Australia’s future leaders in bionics research and commercialisation.

If you are considering supporting the Bionics Institute of Australia with a bequest, we encourage you to contact us and consider the following:

• A bequest as a ‘general contribution’ allows access to both the capital and the income to support the research and scientific purposes of the Bionics Institute and other important initiatives determined by the Board and CEO.

• A bequest as an ‘endowment’ can be characterised as a legacy when the capital amount of the bequest is invested (and cannot be accessed), and only the income generated from the investment may be utilised for the Institute’s purposes.

As a bequestor you become a member of the Bionics Council which will bring you closer to the Bionics Institute. Through Council membership, your bequest will be acknowledged in our annual reports and other publications. Should you wish your bequest to the Bionics Institute to remain anonymous, we will of course respect this and acknowledge your gift privately.

In appreciation of your gift to support the Institute’s research, you will be invited to attend two Council events each year, and a smaller number of gatherings hosted by the CEO and the Chairman of the Board.

Optimising language development in young children

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Enhancing deep brain stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease

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Making a Bequest to the Bionics Institute Why you need a willIt is surprising how many people do not have an up-to-date will. A will gives you the opportunity to say how you wish your estate, whether large or small, to be divided among those who are important to you. This may include the Bionics Institute as a reflection of your passion, interest and support.

By not having a will, you will be letting the state decide who should benefit from your estate. If you have a current and legal will, it avoids delays, problems and extra expense at a challenging time. Making a will is not expensive, but failing to make a will can be costly.

“I have already written my will.”People change their wills for many reasons, particularly when their personal circumstances change. A minor change can be made by adding a codicil, or a new will may be written to ensure clarity of intention. Regardless of age, by having a will you can ensure adequate planning for the future and peace of mind.

“But I have nothing to give.”Often people feel that they do not have the means during their lifetime to help others as much as they would like to.

By making a gift in your will (through the distribution of your assets), you can help support the Bionics Institute in the future – without affecting your independence and self-sufficiency today.

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How to name the Bionics Institute of Australia in your plansBequests ensure the Bionics Institute will continue to operate in the future, improving the health and lives of Australians for generations to come.

You can decide how you wish your bequest to be used by the Bionics Institute. You can also take comfort in knowing that your gift will be well managed in sustaining the Institute’s future financial stability. By helping to build our endowment and other financial reserves, you will ensure we can continue to transform clinical practice through our high-quality research and commercialisation pathways for the next 40 years and beyond.

Forms of bequestBequests to the Bionics Institute can take several forms in a will:

• A specific bequest simply means that the bequestor names the Bionics Institute in his or her will as a beneficiary for a specified dollar amount, or as a beneficiary of a specified percentage of his or her estate.

• A residual bequest refers to the remainder of an estate after all debts and expenses of the estate have been paid and all other specifically named beneficiaries have been paid their bequests. Then the remainder of the estate will be given to the Bionics Institute.

• A contingent bequest is one which only operates in favour of the Bionics Institute as an alternative beneficiary if other named beneficiaries of the estate do not survive the person making the will.

All bequests should be made to the Bionics Institute of Australia ABN 56 006 580 883

Improving epilepsy diagnosis and patient management

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The Bionics Institute of Australia Bequest Program Code of ConductThe Bionics Institute has developed a code of conduct to guide the Bequest Program.

• We are committed to the highest standards of professionalism and adhere to working principles that accord donors courteous treatment, respect and truthful communication.

• Serving the best interest of the donor is a primary concern. No gift will be considered if the financial interest of the donor is compromised.

• All prospective bequestors will be advised to seek the counsel of their solicitor, accountant or tax advisor concerning their proposed gifts.

• All information concerning bequestors, including their names, the names of beneficiaries, the amount of gifts, size of the estate and so on, will be kept confidential by the Bionics Institute and the proceeds will be utilised to support the Bionics Institute’s stated mission and purposes.

• All matters pertaining to the investment of bequest funds shall be under the control and supervision of the Investment Committee of the Bionics Institute Board, except where an independent trustee has been nominated.

A bequest to the Bionics Institute of Australia is a meaningful confirmation of your interest and belief in the work of the Institute, which may have been an important influence or touched your life in some way. Your gift will play a significant role in the livelihood of the Bionics Institute.

For a confidential discussion or, if more convenient, a home appointment, please contact:

Development Executive (03) 9667 7500

384-388 Albert Street East Melbourne Vic 3002 Australia

+61 3 9667 7500 pr@bionicsinstitute.org

ABN 56 006 580 883 ACN 006 580 883

bionicsinstitute.org

© Copyright The Bionics Institute of Australia 2018

The Bionics Institute of Australia is incorporated in Victoria as a company limited by guarantee.