When it emerged that BBC Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright had quietly left a gift to charity in his Will, it struck a chord. No headlines. No fanfare. Just one final act of generosity—made privately, because it felt right.
For many, legacy giving is precisely that: a deeply personal gesture that reflects values, priorities, and purpose. It’s not just about wealth—it’s about meaning.
At Buckles Solicitors, we work with clients who are thinking not only about succession, but about significance. Charitable giving through a Will offers a unique opportunity to do both.
Why Leave a Gift to Charity
Including a gift to charity in your Will allows you to:
• Support causes that have shaped your life
• Honour a loved one or a life’s work
• Create a legacy that reflects your values
• Pass down not just money, but principles
Whether it’s medical research, education, the arts, or local community work, legacy gifts can be tailored to reflect what matters most to you.
Tax Planning with Purpose
Inheritance tax (IHT) in the UK is charged at 40% on estates above the available allowances.
Charitable gifts offer two key advantages:
• Exemption from IHT: Gifts to UK-registered charities are deducted from your estate before tax is calculated
• Reduced IHT rate: If you leave at least 10% of your net estate to charity, the IHT rate on the remainder drops from 40% to 36%
This isn’t avoidance—it’s purposeful planning. It’s a way to support causes you care about while preserving more of your estate for loved ones.
Structuring Your Legacy
There are several ways to include a charitable gift in your Will, and each approach offers different advantages depending on your goals, values, and financial circumstances.
One of the most straightforward options is a pecuniary legacy, which involves leaving a fixed sum of money to a named charity. This method is simple, easy to administer, and unaffected by the overall size of your estate. However, it’s worth reviewing periodically, as inflation or changes in your finances could reduce the value of the gift over time.
Alternatively, many people choose a residuary legacy, which means leaving a percentage of their estate after all debts, taxes, costs, and other gifts have been settled. This type of gift naturally adjusts to the size of your estate and helps ensure your charitable giving remains proportionate, regardless of financial fluctuations.
It’s also possible to leave a specific item to a charity—such as a piece of jewellery, artwork, or even property. While less common, this can be appropriate if the item holds particular value or relevance to the charity.
For those seeking greater control and long-term impact, creating a charitable trust may be the right option. A charitable trust allows you to set aside assets for charitable purposes, either during your lifetime or through your Will. You can appoint trustees to manage the funds, define how and when they are distributed, and even support multiple charities over time. This structure offers significant flexibility—especially if your philanthropic goals are broad or evolving—and can be tailored to reflect your values, family involvement, or specific areas of interest.
Whichever method you choose, clarity is essential. To avoid confusion or delays, your Will should include the charity’s full legal name and charity number. If the charity merges or closes in the future, a well-drafted clause can empower your executors to redirect the gift to a similar organisation—ensuring your intentions are honoured even if circumstances change.
Directing the Use of Your Gift
You may wish to specify how your gift is used—whether to fund a particular programme, support a local initiative, or contribute to research.
You can do so in your Will or draft a separate letter of wishes to guide the charity. However, allowing some flexibility often increases the utility of your gift, especially if circumstances change. However, if your wishes are not feasible, they could be ignored.
It is important to strike the right balance between clarity and impact.
Should you Notify the Charity?
You’re not obliged to, but it can be helpful. Many charities have legacy teams who can:
• Confirm correct wording
• Offer guidance on restricted gifts
• Help ensure your intentions are honoured
It also allows the charity to plan more effectively and can ease administration for your executors. That said, if you prefer to keep your gift private, you absolutely can. As Steve Wright showed, some of the most meaningful legacies are made quietly, out of conviction—not recognition.
A Gentle Legacy That Speaks Volumes
We often talk about “leaving something behind”, but what we leave behind isn’t just measured in money. It’s measured in the stories people tell, the lives we’ve touched, and the choices we make when no one is watching.
Leaving a gift to charity in your Will might not change your life. But it might change someone else’s. And it might just be the kindest thing you ever do with your money.
If you’re considering charitable giving as part of your estate planning, Buckles’ Wills and Probate team is here to help. We’ll ensure your gift is legally sound, tax-efficient, and deeply personal.
Because what you leave behind should be as intentional as the life you’ve lived.
