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Leave a gift in your Will

Make a better world for generations to come

A gift in your Will to Practical Action is a promise of a world that works better for everyone. Together we’ll find powerful ways to create lasting, positive change in the future – whatever that future may hold.

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Our transformative work simply wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of people like you.

Gifts in Wills are essential and make up over a third of the donations we receive from our amazing supporters. They provide vital long-term income, so we can work with communities long into the future with the confidence that we can see things through.

Because life-changing transformation takes time.

Remembering Practical Action in your Will is the most significant, lasting way you can make a real difference to our work.

Read on to find out more about how you can pass on the power of possibility to future generations.

Nicola Schumacher

My father’s work has continued long after he passed away. By leaving a legacy to Practical Action, yours can too. If you can, please help – you’ll be laying the foundations of a future that works better for everyone.

 

Nicola Schumacher, daughter of E.F Schumacher

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Our promise to you

A gift in your Will to Practical Action is a promise of a world that works better for everyone. It is a promise that together we will help people find solutions to the world’s toughest problems, so people in poverty can thrive, not just survive.

We understand that when you leave a gift to us you are making a special commitment. Here is our promise to you:

  • Your loved ones come first – we respect and understand that.
  • We are always here to answer any questions you may have, honestly and quickly.
  • We care and will handle your legacy gift with sensitivity.
  • Every single gift will change lives – we will use your gift wisely and effectively.
  • We are discreet and your privacy is important to us – any information you share with us will be treated in confidence.

The work Practical Action does to enable individuals and communities around the world to improve their lives and future prospects and those of their children is both essential and truly inspiring. Such support will be needed for many years hence my decision to remember Practical Action in my Will.

 

Janice, Practical Action supporter

A smiling family poses outdoors. A man holds a child wearing a red shirt and backpack, while a woman in a red patterned sari stands beside them.

Contact us

If you have any questions about making a gift to Practical Action and the amazing work it will support around the world, please get in touch with Liz Webb, our Legacy Officer.

We’d also love to hear from you if you do decide to leave a gift to Practical Action in your Will. It’s such a significant decision, and a wonderful tribute to the beliefs we have in common. We’d love the opportunity to thank you.

Email: [email protected]
Or call us on 01926 634484

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Why make a Will?

    A Will gives you and your loved ones the certainty that your estate will be distributed according to your wishes. It can also avoid entitlement disputes. Including a gift to a qualifying charity can also lead to tax advantages. But as everyone is different you should seek professional advice on the advantages available to you.

  • Is it expensive to make a Will?

    It usually costs around £150 for a simple, single Will, or £250 for two mirror Wills (where a couple’s Wills mirror each other in providing for the surviving partner after death) but you can take up our Free Will offer using our voucher code PRACTICALACTION-FREE.

  • What if I want to provide for my family first?

    We’d never want to take priority over your family, and we encourage you to make sure your loved ones are provided for first, and know your wishes, before leaving a gift to your chosen charity.

  • Do I need to use a solicitor?

    You don’t have to use a solicitor, but as a Will is a legally binding document it needs to comply with existing statutes and common law. A solicitor is trained to advise you on this and ensure compliance. Remember, if you do choose to do it yourself and your Will is deemed invalid, your assets will be distributed by rules governed by UK law.

  • I already have a Will, can I add anything to it to leave a gift to your charity?

    Yes. A ‘codicil’ is a legally binding document that is used to make small changes to an existing Will. It is best to instruct a solicitor to prepare and advise upon its contents and then (most importantly) to properly execute the document.

  • How long does all this take?

    The whole process usually takes around 10-14 days, if using a solicitor, but may be shorter via other methods. You’ll start by spending an hour with a solicitor, explaining your wishes. They will then send you a draft Will in the post to approve. Once approved, you’ll be sent a copy of the final document to be signed with witnesses.

  • Do I need to tell you that I have left you a gift in my Will?

    There’s no obligation to tell us, but being aware of your kind intentions helps us communicate with you better. It also gives us an opportunity to thank you for your amazing support. We will keep you up-to-date on the big issues and how our innovative work is helping people to tackle some of the world’s toughest challenges.

  • What part do Practical Action play?

    Every legacy we receive is a special gift and it is often the most heartfelt gift that anyone will make. We recognise and appreciate this and our promise to you highlights the commitment we will make to you and your family.

  • How will you use my legacy gift?

    We promise to use your gift wisely and effectively. Any gift left to us in a Will, which is not subject to any restrictions regarding its use, will be allocated to our work around the world and will make a lasting difference, helping us put ingenious ideas to work so people in poverty can change their world.

  • What happens if I change my mind?

    Don’t worry, if you change your mind the easiest thing to do is write a new Will that revokes all previous Wills. You can revoke specific sections, but you’ll need to seek legal advice on your available options before you do.

  • What about inheritance tax?

    The good news is that gifts to charity in your Will do not incur inheritance tax. However, there is also an additional advantage – if you leave at least 10% of your taxable estate to charity, the inheritance tax rate on everything else is reduced from 40% to 36%, which will mean other beneficiaries could also receive more.

  • What types of gifts can I leave in my Will and which would the charity benefit most from?

    There are three different types of gift that you can choose to leave:

    • a specific amount of money.
    • a percentage or share of your net estate after family have been provided for and following the deduction of estate costs, taxes and pecuniary gifts.
    • a certain item of property such as jewellery or an antique.

    At Practical Action we welcome all gifts. Each one is unique and supports our work to help vulnerable communities change their lives.

  • Can you offer any advice for executors?

    If you are an executor for the estate of someone who has left a gift to Practical Action in their Will, please get in touch with Liz on 01926 634484 or [email protected] who will be able to advise you on what to do next, such as how to make payment.

  • Where can I find out more about your work and finances?

    Take a look at our Annual Report to find out more about what we have achieved in the last year.