Leave a legacy

legacies and charity giving

Many of us want to leave our mark somehow in life – and you can do this when you die by leaving a legacy to a good cause; maybe one you’ve supported in life or charity-giving to an organisation that’s supported or delighted you.

You can leave some or all of your Estate to a charity. If you want to, capture this in your Will.

You may want to make a gift to a charity that has supported someone through illness or been a big part of their life.  As well as helping a cause you believe in, it provides a lasting legacy – and it’s good news tax-wise. What’s not to like.

Here are some thoughts:

  • Environmental campaigners – like Greenpeace.
  • Historic buildings – Landmark Trust who look after historical buildings of social interest – not just the houses of the rich and grand.  National Trust  manage many historic local gardens and houses. Historic Scotland, English Heritage, Welsh Heritage,
  • Health, care or medical research charities: maybe one that has played an important part in  care for your family – a local hospice like CHAS, organisations like Macmillan Cancer Care, Alzheimers, MS, AgeUK.
  • Social charities – like Shelter for homeless people, UNICEF who look after children all over the world, Womankind, who support women in communities across the world.
  • Arts organisations – galleries, theatres, concert halls, independent cinemas – all welcome donations.  Many have dedication schemes (name a seat, get your name on a brick in the wall, support an artist… like the Arvon Foundation who support budding writers all across the UK.
  • Animals – World Worldlife Fund, RSPCA, RSPB.
  • Religious or philosophical charities: like Dhanakosa Buddhist retreat.
  • Life-savers: a critical service on this small island of ours: lifeboats – RNLI

Local, national, international, global – whatever the scale of their operation, a fiver will still make a difference. Sports clubs, bowling greens, village halls, allotments…whatever your interest in life, you can leave a little something.  There are various guides and directories designed to help you identify the charity of your choice.

Philanthropy Foundation UK
UK Fundraising
Remember a Charity in Your Will

Get professional help

We have a network of professional independent advisers who can help with Will writing and legacy giving. Contact us.

Showcase

Tell us about your charity so we can showcase your cause here.

The Willow Foundation was founded by football legend and TV presenter, Bob Wilson in memory of his daughter Anna who died of cancer at 31. The foundation invites 16-40 year olds living with life limiting illness to apply for funds for a ‘special day’… a Jim’ll Fix It kind of charity that helps organise a dream date, a family trip, meet someone special.