Legacy gift opens doors for Parkville students during Include a Charity Week

As “Include a Charity Week” (September 1 to 7) highlighted the transformative power of leaving gifts in wills, a powerful example has emerged in Parkville, where a bequest to Janet Clarke Hall has unlocked life-changing opportunities for students.

The residential college, located on the University of Melbourne campus, has been able to award more than $740,000 in scholarships this year alone, supporting 55 students – more than half its student body.

These scholarships provide not just financial assistance, but access to accommodation, meals, academic mentorship and the vibrant cultural, sporting and social life at one of Melbourne’s oldest university colleges.

At the heart of this generosity lies the enduring legacy of benefactor Charles Dunn. In memory of his late wife, Mr Dunn established the May Dunn Scholarship during his lifetime and later left a $5 million gift in his will to continue her legacy in perpetuity. The fund ensures that bright students from diverse backgrounds can thrive at Janet Clarke Hall, regardless of financial barriers.

Principal Dr Eleanor Spencer-Regan said such acts of generosity changed lives.

“A gift in a will is an act of extraordinary generosity and vision. It can open the doors of Janet Clarke Hall to a brilliant young person who might otherwise never have the chance to walk through them,” she said.

“These scholarships don’t just change lives – they honour the belief that talent, heart, and potential should never be held back by circumstance.”

Dr Spencer-Regan said leaving a gift in a will was a proven way to invest in the future. “It’s a statement of faith in the transformative potential of education, and the power of our young people to shape a better world. Your legacy can help ensure that the values you hold dear – curiosity, compassion, courage – continue to thrive in generations to come.”

The story of Janet Clarke Hall reflects the broader message of Include a Charity Week. The national campaign, led by Fundraising Institute Australia, brings together more than 120 charities to raise awareness about the power of legacy giving.

This year’s theme, Plant a Seed Today, Change the World Tomorrow, highlighted how a gift in a will can grow into something far greater – shaping lives and communities long after the donor has passed.

Helen Beeby, campaign director for Include a Charity, said that while most people saw wills as a way to look after loved ones, they could also be a way to make a lasting mark. “Loved ones should come first, but the money you leave to charity is an investment in a kinder, more inclusive tomorrow,” she said.

Dr Spencer-Regan said the impact at Janet Clarke Hall was tangible.

“It is a profound privilege to witness the transformation that takes place here – to see our students learn, grow, find their people, and discover their purpose. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors. Their support doesn’t just fund scholarships; it lights a path for young people to become confident, courageous, and compassionate leaders.”

For students in Parkville, the impact of legacy gifts is already being felt. Scholarships funded through bequests are not only easing the financial strain of university life but also fostering a community of learning and support that extends far beyond the classroom.