Recent figures reveal a surprising truth about British generosity: in 2024, people left seven times more money in their Wills to animal charities than to military causes.
Among them is The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon, receiving over £38 million last year making it one of the country’s top beneficiaries of charitable legacies. In total, the charity’s income reached nearly £60 million, with two-thirds coming from gifts in wills.
By contrast, legacies to military charities such as the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes fell sharply. The shift raises questions about why certain causes capture the public imagination, and what motivates people to leave charitable gifts in their wills.
The rise of charitable legacies
Legacy giving is now a cornerstone of charitable funding in the UK. In fact, gifts in wills contribute more than £3 billion to good causes each year. Many people see it as a meaningful way to leave a lasting impact beyond their lifetime, supporting animals, the environment, medical research, or community initiatives close to their heart.
For some, animals represent unconditional care and companionship; for others, it’s a reflection of trust that their money will be well used.
The Donkey Sanctuary, for instance, has become almost synonymous with gentle stewardship, and, thanks to its benefactors, it now plays classical music in its barns and runs out of space for donor plaques.
Why do people choose to leave a charitable donation in their Will?
People include charitable gifts in their wills for many reasons:
- To reflect their values. A will can be a final expression of what mattered most in life.
- To support a cause they couldn’t during their lifetime. For some, a legacy is their opportunity to make a larger impact.
- To create meaning and continuity. Legacy gifts often symbolise connection, whether that’s to animals, faith, community, or humanity as a whole.
- For tax efficiency. Leaving money to charity can also reduce your Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability.
The tax benefits of charitable giving in your will
From a legal and financial perspective, charitable legacies can be highly tax-efficient:
- Charitable gifts are exempt from Inheritance Tax.
Any amount left to a registered UK charity is deducted from the value of your estate before IHT is calculated.
- You can reduce your overall tax rate.
If you leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity, the Inheritance Tax rate on the rest of your estate drops from 40% to 36%. This means that your chosen charity benefits, and your loved ones may ultimately receive more too.
Planning your legacy
When considering a charitable gift in your will, it’s important to:
- Seek professional advice. A solicitor can ensure your wishes are clearly and legally recorded.
- Be specific. Naming the charity and registered number avoids confusion or misdirection.
- Balance your intentions. You can leave a fixed amount, a share of your estate, or what’s left after specific gifts are made.
- Review regularly. Life changes, your Will should reflect your current values and circumstances. Find out the risks of an outdated Will here.
Leaving a legacy that reflects you
Whether you choose to support a cause close to your heart, your local community, or even a sanctuary for donkeys, legacy giving allows your story to continue.
The Private Client team at Burnett & Reid helps individuals structure their wills to provide for loved ones and make a lasting impact through charitable giving, while ensuring appropriate tax advantages are considered.
Burnett & Reid are expert minds for complex times. Guiding generations since 1754.
If you’d like to discuss leaving a legacy to charity or updating your will, please get in touch with our team.