Legacy Giving Programmes

As the ultimate gift someone can make, legacy giving can transform both an organisation’s finances and its relationship with its supporters.

Many organisations are nervous about launching Legacy Giving Programmes due to the obvious matter of speaking about death and so opt for the ‘soft approach’ of a few discreet leaflets dotted around a facility or available online. However, those charities who embrace a proactive Legacy Giving Programme see transformational results for the organisation and its long-term ability to deliver its objectives.

To do this effectively, we undertake a review of the organisation and its current giving levels and programmes so we can understand giving patterns amongst your supporters. Detailed research, undertaken on a face-to-face basis will be conducted with a select range of individuals connected to the organisations, which is usually complimented by a wide-reaching survey sent to all members, volunteers or supporters.

This research enables us to understand what appeals to your supporters in terms of any recognition that may be offered, the level of understanding currently in place about Inheritance Tax and other matters, and identify who might champion your Programme, all of which enables us to design a bespoke Legacy Giving Programme that embodies your charity’s vision and values.

Key elements of a Legacy Giving Programme

Planning and undertaking a Legacy Giving Programme, whatever the size or shape of your organisation, usually involves the following:

The key benefits

  • Increased income from a new source which can transform your charity's financial sustainability
  • A proactive programme which enables you to discuss the use of a giver’s planned gift before they die, thus giving them peace of mind that their money will be spent how they desire
  • These delicate discussions allow you to build stronger relationships with your most committed givers
  • Receiving pledges of giver’s intentions enables your organisation to plan for the future

“The success of our legacy campaign at the British School at Rome was underpinned by Gifted’s sound professional guidance. From helping us to communicate our vision, through to planning and implementing an exciting programme that created significant engagement with major donors, Gifted’s advice was invaluable. Talking about the impact a gift will have, long after we are gone, can sometimes feel like a delicate task. But, I can honestly say that leading this campaign was such a positive experience, one that celebrated not only the organisation’s work but the unique community that makes the BSR so special.”
Professor Christopher Smith, Former Director, the British School at Rome

Further information

Client assignments
  • British School at Rome
  • Gloucester Cathedral
  • Great St Bartholomew's London
  • Malvern St James Girls' School
  • Peterborough Cathedral
  • Solihull School
  • St Peter's Morley
  • The Bach Choir
  • The Kennel Club Charitable Trust
  • Vintage Trains Charitable Trust
Services list

Feasibility Studies
Campaign Management

Strategy Reviews and Development Audits
Periodic Consulting

Legacies
Communications

Legacies resources

Case Studies

The British School at Rome

How to design and deliver a transformational Legacy Programme.

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Guides

How To Appoint A Fundraising Consultancy

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The National Lottery Heritage Fund

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Insights Videos

Finding A Way Through Your Next Fundraising Challenge

Newsletters

Update - Autumn/Winter 2024

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Update - Spring/Summer 2024

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2024.

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Update - Autumn/Winter 2023

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2023.

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Update - Spring/Summer 2023

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Spring/Summer 2023.

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Update - Autumn/Winter 2022

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Autumn/Winter 2022.

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Update - Spring/Summer 2022

Read about the latest Gifted updates from Summer/Spring 2022.

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Update - Autumn/Winter 2021

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Update - Spring/Summer 2021

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Update - Autumn/Winter 2020

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Update - Spring/Summer 2020

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Update - Autumn/Winter 2019

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Update - Spring/Summer 2019

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Update - Autumn/Winter 2018

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Update - Spring/Summer 2018

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Update - Autumn/Winter 2017

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Update - Spring/Summer 2017

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Update - Autumn/Winter 2016

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Podcasts

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 3: Legacies - the extraordinary lifetime gift

In this episode, we discuss how to create a Legacy Giving programme:

  • Today, 78% of UK wealth is held by 'baby boomers', with £5b forecast to be given away by 2050.
  • Short-termism in fundraising planning, by putting off a proactive legacy campaign, will cost your charity many future major gifts.
  • "These are the most unforgettable people you may never have met"

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 2: Planning your next Christmas/Winter Campaign

Gifted Directors Amy Stevens, Chris Goldie and Andrew Day share their extensive fundraising experience, reflecting on current challenges and emerging opportunities across the Third Sector. These candid "kitchen table" conversations offer practical insights and helpful tips on a range of fundraising topics.

In this episode, we discuss how to turn the season of 'good cheer' into fundraising success:

  • Being clear about the objectives for your Christmas Campaign.
  • When is the best time to engage your prospects?
  • Are Christmas Cards worth the effort?
  • Keeping the engagement personal, and meaningful.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Gifted Talks Fundraising Podcast 1: School Bursaries - fundraising that changes lives

Gifted Directors Amy Stevens, Chris Goldie and Andrew Day share their extensive fundraising experience, reflecting on current challenges and emerging opportunities across the Third Sector. These candid "kitchen table" conversations offer practical insights and helpful tips on a range of fundraising topics.

In this episode, we discuss how the bursaries at independent schools:

  • Have a powerful fundraising case.
  • Are grounded in a long history of educational philanthropy.
  • Not only transform the prospects for specific children, but strengthen the overall school culture.

Please send your questions or suggestions for future discussion topics to: [email protected]

Service Videos

Legacy Giving Programmes

Surveys

2025 Trusts and Foundations Insights Survey

Our latest report on the trends, challenges and opportunities in the Trusts and Foundations sector.

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Webinar Videos

2025 Trusts and Foundations Insights Survey Webinar

Is your database working hard enough?

Gifted Asking: Asking Well

How Can Churches Come Back Stronger?

Winter Webinar Three: Getting Back To Asking

Winter Webinar Two: Grant Funding - The State Of Play

Webinar Three: Designing A Transformational Legacy Program

Webinar One: Planning For A Major Project

Find out more

To arrange a no-obligation discussion of your fundraising needs, contact [email protected]

What might a Legacy Giving Programme look like?