Posted: Monday, 8 December 2025 @ 13:55
Your Will is more than a financial document—it's the final statement of your values, your beliefs, and what matters most to you. For many, this includes a desire to support causes that have touched their lives. Leaving a gift to charity in your Will is a powerful way to create a lasting impact that echoes your compassion for generations to come.
Such a gift, often called a charitable legacy, can transform your personal estate plan into a force for good, creating a bridge between your life's work and a cause you hold dear.
Create a Ripple Effect That Lasts Forever
Your values, your legacy. A gift in your Will can fund vital research, protect precious habitats, support vulnerable people, or nurture the arts—long after you're gone.
A Legacy in Action: Eleanor's Story
💚 Eleanor's Love for Nature Lives On
Eleanor was a keen walker and birdwatcher her entire life. The local woodland was her sanctuary. When she made her Will, she wanted to ensure others could enjoy that same peace for years to come.
Her Solution: Eleanor left the majority of her estate to her family but included a 10% residuary gift to a wildlife conservation trust. This meant that after all other gifts and costs were paid, 10% of what remained went to the charity.
The Impact: Eleanor's gift wasn't a fixed sum; it grew with her estate. The unexpected sale of a valuable painting years later meant her legacy gift was substantially larger than she had initially imagined. Her gift now funds an annual tree-planting programme, creating 'Eleanor's Grove'—a living, growing testament to her love of nature that her family can visit and take pride in.
"Mum would be so thrilled," her daughter shared. "We feel she's still here with us, making the world more beautiful. It's a comfort and a point of real family pride."
Why Consider a Charitable Legacy?
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For Your Heart
It’s a profound way to support a cause close to your heart, creating a meaningful and lasting personal legacy that reflects your life's passions and values.
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For Your Estate
Inheritance Tax (IHT) Efficiency: Gifts to UK-registered charities in your Will are completely free from Inheritance Tax. Furthermore, if you leave at least 10% of your net estate to charity, the IHT rate on the rest of your taxable estate may be reduced from 40% to 36%.
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For Your Family
It can be a powerful way to share your values with your family, teaching them about generosity and creating a positive story around your memory. Many families find great comfort and pride in seeing a loved one's values continue to make a difference.
How to Give: Understanding the Types of Gift
1. A Pecuniary Gift
A fixed sum of money (e.g., £1,000). Simple, but its real value decreases with inflation over time.
2. A Specific Gift
A particular item, such as shares, jewellery, or a piece of art. Ideal for leaving a tangible asset to a cause that can use or sell it.
3. A Residuary Gift
Often the most impactful. A percentage of what remains of your estate after all other gifts, debts, and costs have been paid. This keeps pace with inflation and can grow if your estate increases in value.
4. A Reversionary Gift
You leave an asset (like a house) to a loved one for their lifetime, with the instruction that it passes to a charity afterwards. This provides for family first, then charity.
📋 The Practical Details: Getting It Right
To ensure your gift is valid and reaches its intended cause:
- Use the charity's full, registered name and charity number. This is crucial, as similar names can cause confusion.
- Consider naming an alternative charity in case your first choice ceases to exist.
- Speak to the charity. Many have legacy officers who can provide the exact wording they recommend and explain how your gift could be used.
- Always seek professional advice. A Willwriter or solicitor can ensure the gift is structured correctly within your overall estate plan, balancing your wishes for family and charity.
Your Next Steps Towards a Lasting Legacy
- Reflect: Which causes align with your values and life story?
- Research: Contact those charities. Ask about their legacy programmes.
- Review: Look at your current Will. Does it reflect your charitable wishes?
- Consult: Speak to a professional Willwriter. They can advise on the most tax-effective and meaningful way to include a gift, ensuring it works seamlessly with the provisions for your family.
Ready to Write Your Story of Generosity?
Including a charity in your Will is one of the most significant gifts you can ever make. It costs nothing today but can change the world tomorrow.
Begin the conversation today. A member of The Institute of Professional Willwriters can help you craft a legacy that cares for your family and the causes you love.
Professional Guidance Recommended: This article provides general information. The rules around charitable legacies and Inheritance Tax can be complex. Professional advice is essential to ensure your Will is valid, your intentions are clear, and your estate is structured in the most efficient way for both your family and your chosen charities.