Why leave a gift in your will
Find out why leaving a gift in your will to charity can make a lasting difference to a cause that matters to you.
A simple way to make a lasting difference
Leaving a gift in a will is a personal choice. After taking care of loved ones, many people choose to leave a gift to charity in their will so they can continue supporting the causes and values that are important to them.
It’s a way of shaping a better future, creating safer lives and stronger communities through a quiet act of generosity.
3 reasons to leave a gift in your will
1. Make a difference to a cause that matters to you
You may choose to leave a gift to charity because it reflects who you are and what you care about. It’s a way to support a cause that has mattered to you whether that’s helping people in need, rebuilding communities or standing up for humanity. It’s not about how much money you have. Even a small gift can make a meaningful difference when it’s part of something bigger.
2. Reduce inheritance tax
Gifts left to registered charities in a will are exempt from inheritance tax. This means that any money or assets you leave to a charity are taken out of your estate before inheritance tax is calculated, so more of your estate can go where you want it to. This can reduce the overall tax paid on your estate while supporting a cause you believe in at the same time.
Leaving a gift of 10% or more of your estate to charity may reduce the inheritance tax on the rest of your estate from 40% to 36%.
Find out about taxes on gifts on GOV.UK
3. Leave a lasting legacy
A gift in your will is a lasting way to make a positive impact. It’s a powerful contribution that can help change lives and protect vulnerable people for years into the future. It can provide a great sense of comfort knowing your values will live on through the difference your gift helps to make.
Why leave a gift to the British Red Cross?
By leaving a gift in your will to us, you can be sure that we’ll be there to respond quickly when emergencies strike and to help communities recover over the long term.
Every year, we support millions facing unimaginable situations all around the world. Humanity in those moments is never forgotten, and that’s what you can give through a gift in your will.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never supported the British Red Cross before or how wealthy you are – we’re grateful for any amount you would consider leaving to us.
A gift in your will is a gift that’s never forgotten. It means we can continue to stand alongside people in need, here at home and across the world for years to come.
Why Pauline left a gift in her will to the Red Cross
Pauline has dedicated over 60 years to the Red Cross, including being a nurse, an events first aider, a bucket shaker and a volunteer at prestigious events. She feels incredibly grateful for it all and has left a gift in her will to ensure the British Red Cross can continue to be there for future generations.
It was a decision she didn’t second-guess, and it's important to her that we’re one of the charities in her will benefiting from her support:
For me, it’s fairly obvious why I’ve chosen to leave you a gift in my will. I’ve been a member of the Red Cross most of my life, and I truly believe in it.
Pauline, British Red Cross volunteer and legacy pledger
Pauline’s lasting legacy reflects our fundamental principles. In her time as a volunteer, it didn’t matter who needed her help, what their background was, or where they came from. None of that would have mattered to Pauline, as she gave them the aid and support they needed. And Pauline’s legacy ensures that, no matter what happens in the future, we can continue to be there for people when crisis strikes, wherever and whoever they are.
Learn more about our work:
Share your story
Everyone has their own reason for choosing to leave a gift in their will. Whether it's a personal connection to the British Red Cross, a value that's important to you, or an experience that inspired you, we'd love to hear your story.
If you've left a gift in your will to the British Red Cross and would like to share what inspired your decision, please get in touch with our team at legacy@redcross.org.uk. Your story could help inspire others to create their own lasting impact.
More help with wills
Get advice and information about how to leave a gift in your will
How to leave a gift in your will
Learn the steps and options for leaving a charitable gift in your will, so you can choose what’s right for you.
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Write or update your will for free with the British Red Cross. Choose how you’d like to write your will, either online or in person with a solicitor.