The gift of giving: charity donations in wills hit a new high
December is a traditional time for giving and receiving gifts. According to English Heritage, we’ve been doing it for thousands of years – even before Christmas became such a big celebration.
As well as giving gifts to loved ones, many Brits make charitable donations at this time of year. The 2025 Christmas Challenge organised by the Big Give raised a record-breaking £57.5 million during just one week of December.
With so many good causes in desperate need of funds, some people choose to continue this tradition of goodwill and generosity even when they are no longer alive. In 2024, gifts in wills generated income worth £4.5 billion for UK charities – a 9% increase on the previous year and the biggest annual total to date.
Leave a legacy for future generations
Making a bequest to a charity gives people an opportunity to thank one or more organisations that have supported them or their loved ones during their lives. In 2024, 39% of wills named one charity, with gifts to health-based organisations accounting for 38% of the year’s total income.
Legacy giving can also be a way to support charities that share your values and goals, helping them to expand their reach and amplify their impact.
There are various ways to make charitable bequest in your will, so it’s important to seek legal advice to see what works best for you. These are the most common types of legacy giving:
- Residual bequest: a proportion of a person’s estate
- Pecuniary bequest: a fixed cash value
- Personal Effects bequest: a specific item, for example property or shares
- Charitable trust: ongoing income often for multiple organisations with a common goal.
Reduce inheritance tax bill for loved ones
Legacy gifts are not only a great way to help others; they can also aid estate planning. Charitable bequests made in a will are deducted from the value of an estate before Inheritance Tax (IHT) is calculated, which can reduce the financial burden for your loved ones. If you leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity, then the rate of IHT may also be reduced.
Before making any legacy donations to charity, it’s a good idea to discuss your plans with your loved ones to prevent any confusion or potential challenges after your death. It’s also important to ensure the wording of your will is clear and accurate – even when leaving a small sum to charity. Any ambiguity around a charity’s name or your wishes could delay probate.
With billions of pounds at stake, there’s a lot of competition for legacy gifting. Take time to research the mission and impact of your chosen organisation/s and check the Charity Commission register.
Expert advice on legacy gifting
No matter how big or small, the experienced wills and probate team at Attwaters can help you leave a legacy that benefits future generations and reflects the spirit of generosity.
From preparing a will and drafting a letter of wishes to structuring gifts tax-efficiently, we can provide support at every stage of the giving journey. Get in touch today on wills@attwaters.co.uk or 0330 221 8855 to find out more.
