Leaving a charitable gift in your Will doesn’t need to be complicated. Here is a step by step guide to get you started.

To start, think about everything you own, minus everything you owe. Once you know the value of your estate, you can think about leaving a gift in your Will to a charity.

There are different types of gifts you can leave in a Will. You can leave a percentage of your estate (a residuary gift), a fixed amount (a pecuniary gift), or you can leave specific items, such as jewelry or artwork.

Your Executors will carry out your wishes; you can name one or more people. If you have children under the age of 18, it is essential that you name legal guardians in your Will.

There are many local solicitors who can help you write your Will and leave a gift to charity.

In addition to finding your own solicitor, you also have the option to take part in our annual Will writing event. Every March, we run our ‘Make a Will Fortnight’ event where local solicitors donate Will writing appointments in lieu of a donation to St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Book a Make a Will Fortnight appointment here, or join the waiting list.

Please use this suggested wording with your solicitor to ensure your wishes are carried out:

For a residuary gift:

“I give [all / ___% share] of the residue of my estate to St Wilfrid’s Hospice (South Coast) Limited, Registered Charity No. 281963, for its general charitable purposes.”

For a pecuniary gift:

“I give the sum of £___ to St Wilfrid’s Hospice (South Coast) Limited, Registered Charity No. 281963, for its general charitable purposes.”

If 10% or more of your chargeable estate is left to charity, the IHT rate on the remainder of your taxable estate may be reduced from 40% to 36%. This can significantly increase what you leave to loved ones, while also supporting a cause close to your heart. This reduction applies to pensions now included in your estate, making charitable gifts even more tax-efficient.

Pensions can be a tax-efficient way to support St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Depending on the type of pension you have and your circumstances, pension benefits may sit outside your estate for Inheritance Tax purposes. You may be able to nominate St Wilfrid’s Hospice to receive some or all of your pension benefits by contacting your pension provider and completing an expression of wishes form. Pension and tax rules can change, so we recommend speaking to your pension provider or a professional adviser.

It may be possible to change how an estate is shared after someone has died by making a variation, often called a Deed of Variation. If everyone whose inheritance would be reduced agrees, a gift could be redirected to St Wilfrid’s Hospice. This must usually be completed within two years of the death and may reduce the Inheritance Tax due, including where the charitable gift allows the estate to qualify for the reduced 36% rate. As every estate is different, please seek advice from a solicitor or tax adviser before making any changes.