Many people have a cherished vision of an enduring contribution they want to leave at the end of their life. They may wish to provide a testament to lifelong values, or direct an outpouring of generosity to a cause that resonates, or support some endeavour that will make a difference in the lives of family and friends. On a practical level, however, it can be daunting to figure out the sequence of steps that can make this dream a reality.

At the Down Syndrome Research Foundation UK, we have been deeply moved by the kindness of those who have remembered our work in their will with a legacy or bequest. These gifts will have long-lasting effects on generations to come through the research it enables us to carry out. Sometimes people let us know their intent to make such a gift, but at other times this help comes out of the blue, and is a huge surprise!

We realise there are people who have similar intentions to support the kind of research we do, but have unanswered questions. How do I include a charity in my will? How do I choose which charity to support? What steps should I take to inform a charity of my intended bequest? Can I specify how my charitable gift should be used?

We have gathered some practical answers to commonly searched questions here, to offer an overview about donating to charity via your will. This can help you evaluate and plan if you intend to leave these kinds of gifts.

1. Think about how you want your resources to be used

There’s a lot to weigh up from the outset: individual people in your life, your resources, the tax environment, and ordering your priorities. The good news is that giving to charity often creates a maximum win-win situation, as the UK government has put a lot of effort into creating an encouraging environment for anyone who wants to leave a legacy for charity. You will find many incentives to support this process if you wish to go in that direction.

Some of the most important things to think about are summed up here.

• Make a list of your beneficiaries who come first – family, friends, and dependents, so you can work out how the most significant relationships will be provided for in the way you intend.
• Know what your assets are, and take stock of what you have to work with. Two good steps are to create a comprehensive list of your assets (such as property, savings, investments, valuables, business interests, digital assets), and then gather supporting documentation. It’s a good idea to keep this list reviewed and updated.
• Be aware of the tax relief aspects, so you can maximise the value that will be transferred to the people you care about, and exercise a greater choice over how your money will be spent.
• Inheritance Tax Benefits: essentially, instead of a large portion of your money ending up as tax that a relative must pay, this value can go to a charity of your choice. Assets donated in a will to a UK charity can help you keep other gifts below the threshold of £325,000 (at which point, 40% inheritance tax would need to be paid).
• Gift Aid Scheme: do you know that charities can also claim back 25p for every £1 donated to them in a will? This increases the impact of your gift, but doesn’t cost you anything additional.

2. Choose a cause you believe in and find a specific related charity

What inspires you? Which organisations best embody your values and aims? There are many charities in existence, and there’s surely at least one which closely matches what matters most to you.

It’s important to select an organisation that genuinely aligns with your priorities. The most familiar charity names might not automatically be the best fit, so before you choose, it’s a good idea to research what charities do, and why they do it. Most organisations have websites where you can gain insight into the ethos and impact of their work.

3. Communicate with your chosen solicitor or estate planning expert.

Solicitors or estate planning experts must be contacted to draft and update your will. It is important to work with these professionals to ensure that your will is legally binding, unambiguous, and clear. These experts can also guide you through strategies for tax efficiency.

It is possible to make an amendment or ‘codicil’ to an existing will or by setting up a Trust. Your solicitor or professional adviser will be able to tell you more.

Farewill offers will writing services and has many charity partners.

Did you know that there are ways to make a will for free in certain months? Free Wills Month provides a way to have simple wills written or updated free of charge in the UK, in the months of March and October each year.

4. Decide which type of legacy will be best suited to you

There are three primary ways that you can include a charitable gift in your will.

• Pecuniary: the simplest form of giving, involving a fixed monetary amount.
• Specific: this allows you to donate specific assets such as property, shares, or personal valuables.
• Residuary: this option allows to you designate the remainder of your estate to charity, after other gifts and expenses have been distributed first.

These all have advantages and drawbacks, and your solicitor can help you decide which has the most benefits in your situation.

5. Reach out to the charity you have selected

Charities will always be glad to hear from someone considering leaving a legacy to them, particularly so they can express gratitude and foster a relationship with you. They can often discuss details of how such a gift could be used, and will appreciate the chance to understand your intentions for the legacy, and may work with you to create a plan for achieving this.

Additionally, charities can assist in guiding you through the process. If you are interested in leaving a gift in your will to the Down Syndrome Research Foundation UK, you can email us on dsrf@dsrf-uk.org

6. Review details

Having made your plan, there are some things you can do to ensure that there are no knots that could hold up the process later.

• Make sure you include accurate details of the charity you want to donate to, including the charity registration number and address. Being clear about this is important to help avoid delays and legal disputes.
• If you have preferences on how the charity should use your gift, make sure to include instructions on this.
• Update your will when life circumstances change, to accurately reflect your current plans and wishes.
• Keep your documents in a safe place and make sure the executor of the will knows where to find them.

7. Inform your loved ones of your plans, to share your vision and motivations.

This is not a strictly necessary step, but it can provide a very good opportunity to speak about what matters greatly to you, and can also help to manage expectations (perhaps giving a chance to explain tax reduction strategies!). These conversations may be useful to avoid misunderstandings.

Knowing your intentions can also help relatives and friends feel invested in the charity you have chosen. Your generosity may also inspire and encourage them to get involved in some way, knowing what this charity means to you. For many people, one of the most meaningful aspects of leaving a legacy to charity is the lasting connection it can provide between work they admire and their loved ones.

In following these stages, you’ve set the scene for your intentions to be honoured, and for a charity as well as your loved ones to benefit from your kindness. Taking these steps can reassure you that your resources and hard work will continue to bear good fruit well into the future.