The Power of Legacy: Why Remembering a Charity in Your Will Matters

This 'Remember A Charity Week' (9-15 September 2024), Ategi is coming together with almost 200 charities, hundreds of legal firms and partners to celebrate the phenomenal impact of gifts in Wills (Willanthropy) in funding vital charitable services for future generations. 

As we journey through life, many of us strive to make a positive impact, whether it's through our careers, the way we raise our families, or the support we give to causes close to our hearts. But have you ever thought about the impact you could continue to have after you’re gone? This is where Remember a Charity Week becomes so significant—a time to reflect on the lasting legacy we can create by remembering a charity in our will. 

Why Remember a Charity in Your Will?

1. A Lasting Impact: Including a charitable gift in your will is a powerful way to ensure that the values and causes you care about continue to thrive. It’s an opportunity to support future generations in a way that resonates with your life’s passions and commitments. 
2. Flexibility and Control: Leaving a gift to a charity in your will is not just for the wealthy. You can choose the size of the gift, ensuring it aligns with your financial situation and your family’s needs. Whether it’s a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset, you have full control over how your legacy will be used. 
3. Potential Tax Benefits: In many countries, charitable gifts in wills can reduce the inheritance tax on your estate. This means you can both support a cause you care about and possibly reduce the tax burden on your loved ones. 
4. Perpetuating Your Values: A charitable bequest allows your values to live on. It’s a way of making a statement about what mattered to you, influencing future generations and supporting causes that may not have the immediate funding or attention they deserve. 

Bev is an Ategi trustee, she explains why intends to leave a gift to Ategi in her Will:

"It's about establishing a home in a safe community. We all strive to do this and most are fortunate to have a broad range of choices. Everyone wants to make a success of their life and this includes having a dwelling which is to an individual’s taste and that is manageable both in terms of affordability and daily living. Most of us at some point in our lives struggle with daily life. This can be about lack of money but, other difficulties too can become overwhelming. We all seek support at some point either from family or support agencies. Some people may need a lot of support during the whole of their adult lives and there must be provision so that they can live fulfilling lives."

What Difference Do These Gifts Make?

1. Sustaining Vital Programs: Charities often rely on bequests to fund programs that might not receive enough support through regular donations. These gifts can be the difference between a charity continuing its essential work or having to close its doors. 
2. Enabling Long-Term Planning: One-off donations are vital, but gifts left in wills allow charities to plan for the future. Knowing they have bequests coming in, charities can invest in long-term projects, research, and development, ensuring they can address issues both now and in the future. 
3. Supporting Innovation: Legacy gifts often enable charities to take risks on innovative projects that could lead to significant breakthroughs. Without the security provided by these gifts, many organizations might shy away from pioneering work due to financial uncertainty. 
4. Reaching More People: Every gift, no matter the size, contributes to a charity’s ability to expand its reach. Whether it’s providing clean water to more communities, funding education for underprivileged children, or providing support groups/ acitivities for adults with additional needs, your legacy can touch countless lives. 

How to Remember a Charity in Your Will

1. Speak with a Solicitor: It’s important to get legal advice when writing or updating your will. A solicitor can ensure your wishes are clearly stated and legally binding. 
2. Choose Your Charity: Consider the causes that mean the most to you. Many charities offer guidance on how to leave a gift in your will, making the process straightforward. 
3. Decide on Your Gift: You can leave a fixed amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific item of value. Whatever you choose, it’s a meaningful contribution to the future of the charity. 
4. Inform the Charity: While it’s not required, letting the charity know of your plans can help them plan for the future and show their appreciation. 

Remember a Charity Week is a reminder of the power we hold to shape the future, even after we’re gone. By including a charity in your will, you can ensure that the causes you care about continue to thrive, making a difference in the world for years to come. It’s a legacy of kindness, compassion, and hope—a gift that truly keeps on giving.

Would you like to leave a gift to Ategi in your Will?

Find out more here

Bev has left a legacy to Ategi in her Will.

"I have no close family, so I made the decision several years ago to make a substantial gift in my will to a charity. As I’ve supported vulnerable adults for many years, worked for charities and supported their work via board positions, this made good sense."

- Bev