Leave a legacy

The gift of a lifetime.

Overview

By leaving a legacy to Motivation, your gift will continue long after you have gone. Over 70% of the UK population have not written a will, which can often leave family and loved ones with increased stress at what is an already a very difficult time. Writing your will ensures your family and loved ones are cared for in the way you intended and gives you the reassurance of knowing where your property will go, who will benefit from your legacy, and what arrangements will be made after your death. It also means that you can leave money for a special purpose – such as helping the Motivation in its vital work.

How to leave a legacy

There are three main ways that you can leave a gift in your will:
  1. A share of your estate (residuary legacy)
  2. A specific sum (pecuniary legacy)
  3. A specific item such as jewellery, a painting, shares or a house (specific legacy)
Making a will isn’t complicated and needn’t be expensive:
  1. Appoint a professional adviser – usually a solicitor or bank.
  2. Work out how much you have to leave, including the total sum of your property, money and possessions, less any outstanding mortgages or loans.
  3. Decide who you want to benefit from your will. For example you’re family, friends, a favourite charity or other good causes.
  4. Choose executors to make sure your wishes are carried out. These can be professional advisers, friends or family members – or one of each.
  5. Keep your will safe and make sure your executors know where to find it. Give one copy to your solicitor or bank.
Inheritance Tax: currently set at £325,000 in the year 2010; the Tax is payable at 40 per cent on the amount over this threshold. An added bonus: in the UK any legacy you may wish to leave to Motivation is free of tax, no inheritance tax. If you are planning to leave a gift in your will or you would like more information, please contact our Fundraising & Communications Manager Terri McDonald on 01275 464012. You can also remember someone close to you by making a donation to their memory, celebrating the life of a loved one while making a difference to the Motivation.