Leaving a gift in your Will

How does 'legacy fundraising' work?


Most charities ask their supporters to consider leaving a bequest gift. This may take the form of a mailing, or through adverts in the charity’s magazine or newsletter.

Some charities also run events or workshops to pass on information about how to make this type of gift and some have legacy advisers who can come to your home to talk to you about this sort of giving.


Legacy approaches typically ask you to consider making a Will, or think about making a change to your existing Will.

Some charities, aware that there are costs associated with this, offer the opportunity to make or change a Will at no cost, or at a reduced cost. This will be by arrangement with one or more firms of solicitors who have agreed to undertake the work either free of charge or at a reduced rate.

If you do decide to take advantage of one of these schemes you are not obliged to leave a gift to the charity in question, (but they are obviously hoping you will).

Most charities recognize that a legacy gift will be the single largest donation a supporter will ever make and will want to acknowledge this. They will ask supporters to let them know if this sort of gift has been arranged.

They can then ensure that they don’t ask for a legacy again, and can send out invitations to events or special occasions where they can thank supporters personally. Telling a charity that you have left them a gift in your Will also helps them to plan their resources more effectively. 




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