Anaish Yilma-Parmar
Chair, Remember A Charity
Over the past decade, we’ve seen a quiet but powerful shift in how people across the UK are thinking about the legacy they leave behind.
More and more, people are embracing the opportunity to include a charitable gift in their will. It’s a choice that not only reflects their values but has the power to transform the world for future generations.
Growing awareness of wills and their impact
Our research1 at Remember A Charity shows that over one in three charity supporters with a will have included a charity, alongside any gifts for their loved ones. From medical research and hospice care through to poverty relief, animal welfare, conservation and loneliness prevention programmes, these gifts are funding vital services at the heart of our communities.
So, what’s driving this change? For many, it’s the recognition that even a modest gift can make a meaningful difference. For those who have supported a charity for years, leaving a gift simply seems like the natural next step. Others feel it’s a way to ensure the causes they care about are protected for future generations — a lasting expression of what matters most to them.
Many people are rethinking how
best to pass on their wealth.
Financial and social benefits of wills
There’s also a growing awareness of both the financial and social benefits of gifts in wills. With ongoing economic uncertainty and rising demand for charitable services, these donations can strengthen charities’ stability long into the future. With inheritance tax (IHT) impacting more estates each year, many people are rethinking how best to pass on their wealth.
Leaving a charitable gift can reduce the taxable value of your estate. Such donations are tax-free, and if you leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity, then the overall IHT rate reduces from 40% to 36%. So, while it’s always worth getting professional advice on such matters, donating in this way can be a wonderful way to make your money go even further and do more good.
Supporting communities into the future
Ultimately, a gift in your will isn’t just about the financial impact. It’s about hope, kindness and continuity. As more people embrace this generous act, we’re welcoming a world where everyone has the chance to leave a truly lasting legacy for the causes they care about long into the future.
Find out more at rememberacharity.org.uk
[1] Remember A Charity / OKO, Stages of Change Study 2024 – 2000 UK charity supporters age 40+
