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Pass on the power of possibility

Unlock potential and make a better world for generations to come

Why leave a gift?

Your Will gift helps us connect poor communities to ingenious solutions, enabling them to build a better future for their families.

Below you’ll find all the information you need to leave a gift in your Will, but please get in touch with our Legacy Officer, Liz Webb, if you have any more questions.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01926 634484

Will resources

“My father’s work has continued long after he passed away. By leaving a legacy to Practical Action, yours can too.”

Nicola Schumacher

As someone who shares my father’s vision, I know you want to leave the world in a better place than you find it. By visiting this website, you may be considering doing something truly special.

If you do leave a legacy to Practical Action, you’ll be laying the foundations of a future free from poverty for poor women, men and children around the world.

You’ll find out here why legacies are so important as well as how to remember Practical Action in your Will. If you can, please help – every legacy Practical Action receives can help people living in poverty face the challenges of the future with greater confidence.

Nicola Schumacher

A personal message from Practical Action supporter, Clive Quick

Retired Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon Clive Quick has been a supporter of Practical Action for over 40 years.

In this video, Clive explains what inspired his decision to include a gift in his Will.

Will resources
  • 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 costs around £150 for a single Will, or £200 for two mirror Wills* (where a couple’s Wills mirror each other in providing for the surviving partner after death) *as of October 2018

     

    I want to provide for my family first.

    We agree with you. We’d never want to take priority over your family and we encourage you to make sure your loved ones are provided for first, 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 which is used to make small changes to an exisiting Will. Again 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. 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?

    You don’t have to, but it gives us an opportunity to thank you for your amazing support and keep you up to date with Will news, and invite you to regional events to meet front-line staff.

     

    What part do Practical Action play?

    Every legacy we receive is a special gift and is often the supporters largest and most heartfelt gift, we recognise this and our legacy promise highlights our commitment 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 gift can I leave in my Will and which would the charity benefit most from?

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

    • a specific amount of money.
    • a proportion 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.

    At Practical Action we welcome all gifts, each one ensures our work to help poor men, women and children build a life free from poverty.