This Remember A Charity Week (9th-15th September), solicitor firms, Will-writers and legal partners are joining charities across the UK to encourage people to consider leaving a gift to their favourite charities in their will, while taking care of their family and friends. Together, they are celebrating the increase in legacy giving to charitable causes, while highlighting the potential for further growth.
Remember A Charity Week – now in its 15th year – brings together almost 200 member charities and a network of Campaign Supporters (900 solicitor firms and Will-writers), legal partners and government. While Remember A Charity runs consumer campaigns all year round, the Week serves as a key moment to equip and activate all those in the consortium’s network to champion charitable legacies, and is all the more crucial in an environment where charities are facing rising costs and increasing demand for vital services. Minister for Civil Society and Youth, Stephanie Peacock said:
“Charitable gifts in Wills provide valuable support for many charities. Not only is it an empowering and meaningful way to support charities and local causes, but it can be an opportunity to ensure their work can live on long beyond our lifetimes. Remember A Charity Week offers an important opportunity to reflect on the valuable impact leaving a gift can have, encouraging more people to continue making a difference.”
Gifts in wills raise £4 billion a year for good causes. Research from Smee & Ford shows that 2023 was a record year for legacy giving when over 38,000 people in England and Wales left a gift in their Will, benefitting around 11,000 charitable organisations of all sizes.
Currently, 15% of Wills at probate include a charitable gift. Remember A Charity estimates that, if this figure were to rise to 20% of wills at probate, it could unlock an additional £1.3 billion in vital annual funding, making a transformative difference to charities nationwide. Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity, said:
“Each year Remember A Charity Week provides a key moment for charities and the legal sector to come together to inspire people across the UK to not only write or update their Will but to leave a gift to their favourite charity. Solicitors, Will-writers and legal partners all play a crucial role in helping to share the legacy message widely, aiming to ensure all clients understand they have the option to leave a charitable gift in their Will.
For professional advisers, it’s also an opportune chance to hold values-led conversations with clients and deepen those relationships.”
