How to Leave a Gift in Your Will To Charity

Creating a will is an important step in ensuring your wishes are respected after your lifetime. For many, it also provides an opportunity to make a lasting impact by leaving a gift to a charity or cause close to their heart.

This article will guide you through the steps of leaving a gift in your will, addressing common concerns, and highlighting the benefits of charitable giving.

Why Leave a Gift in Your Will?

Leaving a gift in your will, often called a legacy gift, allows you to contribute to causes that have been meaningful to you during your life. These gifts can help charities continue their work, fund research, or provide vital services. It’s also a way to create a lasting legacy, ensuring that your values and passions endure beyond your lifetime.

Charitable gifts can also provide tax benefits, potentially reducing the inheritance tax on your estate. This dual benefit—supporting a worthy cause and providing financial advantages to your beneficiaries—makes leaving a legacy gift an appealing choice for many.

Creating or Updating Your Will

Creating or updating your will is a straightforward process that can be greatly simplified with the help of an online will writing service. If you already have an existing will, you can easily update it to include a gift to your chosen charity.

When creating or updating your will, consider the following:

Decide Who Will Inherit Your Assets: Think about who you want to benefit from your estate.

Choose an Executor: Select a trusted person to manage your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out.

Distribute Your Assets: Decide how you want to divide your estate among your beneficiaries.

Consider Charitable Gifts: Reflect on the causes you care about and how you can support them through your will.

Review and Update Regularly: Life changes, and so should your will. Regular reviews ensure it remains up-to-date.

Sign and Witness Your Will: Ensure your will is legally binding by having it signed and witnessed correctly.

By following these steps, you can create your will with confidence, knowing that your wishes will be respected.

Types of Gifts You Can Leave

When planning your will, you have several options for the types of gifts you can leave to a charitable cause:

1. Residuary Gift: This is a gift of the residue of your estate after all other specific gifts and expenses have been distributed. It ensures that the charity receives a portion of whatever remains, providing flexibility regardless of the estate’s final value.


2. Pecuniary Gift: This is a gift of a specified sum of money. It allows you to allocate a precise amount to your chosen charity, making it straightforward to manage.







3. Specific Gift: This involves leaving a particular item or asset, such as property, stocks, or personal belongings, to a charity.

You can also choose to leave gifts to multiple charities or divide your gift among different causes. It’s important to consider the tax implications of your gift and ensure it is legally valid. Consulting with a tax specialist can help you navigate these decisions and ensure your wishes are properly documented.

Choosing a Recipient

Selecting the right charity to receive your gift is a crucial step. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Research the Charity: Look into the charity’s mission, values, and the impact of their work. Ensure they align with your own values and goals.

• Check the Charity’s Status: Make sure the charity is registered and has a valid charity number. This ensures your gift is going to a legitimate organisation.

• Consider the Impact: Think about how your gift will benefit the charity and its beneficiaries. Some charities provide detailed information on how legacy gifts are used.

• Alignment with Your Values: Choose a charity that resonates with you and reflects the causes you care about most.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your gift will make a meaningful difference and support a cause that is important to you.

Wording Your Gift

Using the correct terminology when wording your gift is essential to ensure it is legally valid. Here are examples of wordings that are used in wills for different types of gifts:

1. Residuary Gift: “I give the residue of my estate to [charity name], a charity registered in [country] with charity number [number], for its general charitable purposes absolutely.”


2. Pecuniary Gift: “I give the sum of £[amount] to [charity name], a charity registered in [country] with charity number [number], for its general charitable purposes absolutely.”


3. Specific Gift: “I give [specific item or asset] to [charity name], a charity registered in [country] with charity number [number], for its general charitable purposes absolutely.”

It’s also wise to include a clause that ensures your gift remains effective if the charity merges with another organisation or changes its name. For example, you might add: “If at my death the charity has changed its name or amalgamated with another charity, the gift shall be made to the charity in its new name or to the amalgamated charity.”

By using precise wording, you can ensure that your gift is executed exactly as you intend, providing a full and sufficient discharge to your executors and benefiting the causes you care about.

Steps to Leaving a Gift in Your Existing Will

1. Reflect on Your Wishes: Start by considering the causes you are passionate about. Whether it’s supporting cancer research, environmental conservation, or educational initiatives, think about the impact you want to make.

2. Choose the Type of Gift: Each type of gift has its benefits. For example, residuary gifts ensure the charity receives a portion of your estate, regardless of fluctuations in its total value.

3. Decide on the Charity: Research the charity or charities you want to support. Ensure they align with your values and are reputable. Most larger charities provide detailed guidance on their websites about how to include them in your will.

4. Include the Gift in Your Will: Make sure you are happy with the words oin yur Will which should include the necessary details, such as the charity’s registered name, and charity number. For example:

“I give [percentage/sum/item] to [charity name, registered charity number] for its general purposes, and I declare that the receipt of the treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full discharge.”

5. Review Your Will Regularly: Life circumstances change, and your will should reflect these changes. Regularly reviewing your will ensures that your wishes remain up-to-date and that your legacy continues to align with your intentions.

Overcoming Common Concerns

Will My Family Lose Out?

Many people worry that leaving a gift to charity might disadvantage their loved ones. However, you can structure your will to ensure both your family and chosen charities are provided for. For instance, a residuary gift allows you to leave the bulk of your estate to your family while dedicating a percentage to charity.

What If My Estate Value Changes?

Residuary gifts offer flexibility, as they are calculated as a percentage of your estate’s value. This means the charity will receive a proportional amount, regardless of fluctuations in your estate’s worth.

How Do I Ensure My Wishes Are Respected?

It is crucial to avoid disputes or misunderstandings. Clear wording will ensure your will is followed precisely. Additionally, obtaining a proper discharge receipt from the charity receiving the said gift is crucial to ensure your wishes are respected.

The Impact of Gifts in Wills

Gifts left in wills play a significant role in supporting charitable organisations. For example, legacy gifts fund essential services like cancer care nurses, financial advice, and emotional support for those affected by cancer. By leaving a gift, you can contribute to life-changing work and ensure that future generations benefit from the causes you care about.

How to Start the Process with a Will Writing Service

If you’re ready to include a gift in your will, consider these practical steps:

Reach Out to Charities: Most charities have legacy teams or resources to help you navigate the process. Ensure you include the charity's registered charity number to direct your gift accurately.

Talk to Your Family: Discuss your intentions with your loved ones to avoid surprises later.

Celebrating Your Legacy

Leaving a gift in your will is a deeply personal decision, but it can also be an inspiring one. Sharing your plans with family and friends can encourage others to consider legacy giving. Some charities also offer opportunities to commemorate your gift, such as planting a tree or including your name on a donor wall.

Final Thoughts

A will is more than a legal document; it’s a reflection of your values and priorities. By including a gift to charity, you can make a lasting difference, supporting causes that matter to you and creating a legacy of compassion and generosity.

Start planning today to ensure your wishes are fulfilled and your impact is felt for years to come.