Frequently asked questions about Legacies

What types of gifts do people leave charities in their Wills?
People most commonly leave either a Residuary or Pecuniary Bequest to charity.

Residuary Bequest: A share of the remainder of your estate once all other bequests, debts and inheritance tax have been paid. If you wish the rest of your estate to go to one individual or charity then a Residuary Bequest will ensure that happens.

Pecuniary Bequest: This gift is a fixed sum of money made to a person or an organisation. It may be useful to review such gifts made at times of high inflation.

How do I go about making either a Residuary or Pecuniary Bequest?
Simply inform your solicitor who will ensure that your bequest is drawn up correctly in your Will.

For advice and examples of suitable wording for inclusion in your Will please download our legacy leaflet or contact Anna or Kerry on the legacy team for confidential help and advice.

What other kinds of Legacy Gifts could I leave?
'Specific Gift' legacy: You may also like to give a specific item in your possession, for instance a watch or jewellery, to a named person or to a charity, which may then sell the gift to raise funds.

Reversionary Bequest: Allows you to leave a gift to a loved one for use in his or her lifetime, and then it will pass on to a specified person or charity after this time.

It is also possible to combine pecuniary gifts and residuary gifts to the same beneficiary.

I have already decided to leave Action for Blind People a gift in my will – do I need to tell anyone?
If you are intending to leave a legacy gift to us, it would be of great benefit if you could let us know using our confidential pledge form . This information will enable us to plan our future with confidence. Naturally, any information you provide to us will be treated in the strictest confidence and is, of course, not legally binding.

You can let us know by calling Anna Vincent, our Legacy Manager on 020 7635 4894.

I would like to find out more, what should I do?
Making a will can seem daunting. We are here to help. If you would like to talk to someone in total confidence and with no obligation, call our Legacy Manager Anna on 020 7635 4894 or contact us online

You can also download our legacy leaflet for help and advice.