How you can help future-proof charities by leaving a gift in your will

Lucinda Frostick

Director, Remember A Charity

“Charitable gifts in wills are changing the world around us”, says Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity. Even a small amount can make a big difference.

Q: How important is it to leave a gift to charities in your will?

Gifts in wills make such a difference. In the UK, rising financial pressures are taking their toll on charities and the public alike. We are becoming increasingly reliant on charitable services – from medical research to rescue centres and food banks — and this form of giving is critical in funding these vital services.

Because of its nature — a donation received at the end of someone’s life — the challenge is it’s not something we talk about every day. But the British public has a long history of charitable giving, and we’re seeing more and more people choosing to donate in this way, leaving a better world for future generations.

Q: Why do you think more people are choosing to leave a gift in their will?

People often feel deeply connected to the charities that have touched their lives and, after taking care of their loved ones, they find it a really special way to give. When you start thinking about leaving a gift in your will, it’s a positive, heartwarming aspect of later life planning. It’s a chance to think about what matters to you and how you can shape the world you leave behind.

Q: Which type of charities benefit from legacy giving?

More charities are being named in wills all the time – and those gifts are changing the world around us. Even on my morning run, I can see their impact. The woodland I pass through is partly funded by gifts in wills. Nearby, there’s a church and village charities supported in people’s wills. And from the top of the hill, I can see the London skyline where countless services rely so heavily on this funding.

It’s a chance to think about what matters to you and how you can shape the world you leave behind.

Q: Is leaving a gift in your will easy to do?

Will-writing is relatively simple these days, and it doesn’t have to be costly. You can work with a solicitor or will-writer, and there are online providers too. It’s important to explore what works best for your needs. When it comes to remembering a charity – that’s very easy to do – you just need to name the charity (or charities) clearly in your will. It’s a wonderful thing to do and even a small sum can help make a big difference!