September saw “Remember a Charity in your Will” week. Charities joined forces with the government to highlight the importance of gifts left to charity in Wills.
Apparently, 74% of people regularly support a charity in their lifetime but only 6% of people in the UK have left a gift to charity in their Will.However, during a six month project conducted by the Cabinet Office Behavioural Insights Team, this percentage rose to 10% when Solicitors told their clients that leaving a gift to charity was an option.
When clients were asked if there were any charities that they were passionate about, giving rose again to 15%. During the trial an additional £1m of gifts was left to charities in Wills.
Leaving a gift to your favourite charity on your death is one of the many reasons for making a Will. Making a Will ensures that any specific intentions you have for the disposal of your property, money and possessions, after your death, can be carried out.It also gives you the opportunity to provide for your children, a relative or friend or to minimise potential tax liabilities. Above all, it prevents added stress and worry to your family at a time of bereavement.
