Five Powerful Reasons to Leave a Gift in Your Will 

27 Feb 2025

Planning your will might not seem like a priority, but it’s an exciting opportunity to create a lasting impact. Leaving a charitable gift in your will allows you to support the causes you love and make a difference long after you’re gone.

Here are five compelling reasons to consider leaving a legacy gift:

1. Support a Cause That Matters to You 
Imagine funding educational programs, supporting community projects addressing poverty, or protecting the environment for generations to come. A legacy gift ensures your values live on and positively impact communities across Northern Ireland. Whether you want to support a specific initiative or give broadly, your generosity can change lives.
At the Community Foundation, we are a trusted partner with extensive knowledge of the community sector and grant making process. This enables you the freedom to support the various causes or geographical areas that matter to you.

2. Reduce Your Inheritance Tax Bill 
Did you know that charitable donations are exempt from Inheritance Tax? Better yet, if you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, the tax rate on the remainder of your estate drops from 40% to 36%. This means you can maximize the amount left to loved ones while also supporting meaningful causes.

3. Your Legacy, Your Way 
Leaving a gift in your will gives you full control over your charitable giving. You can specify which causes, communities, or initiatives your gift supports. Whether it’s a named donor-advised fund or an unrestricted gift to benefit multiple projects, your generosity will be directed exactly as you wish at the Community Foundation NI.

4. Inspire Future Generations 
Generosity is contagious. When you include a charitable gift in your will, you set an example for your family and community, encouraging others to give back. Your legacy can inspire future generations to continue making a difference, creating a culture of giving that extends beyond your lifetime.

5. Make Your Gift Go Further with Match Funding 
Here’s an incredible opportunity: through the Community Foundation’s Legacy Match Fund, your gift can go even further! For a limited time, your donation will be matched by 50% (up to a maximum of £50,000), amplifying your impact. This means a £20,000 gift becomes £30,000, directly benefiting the causes you care about most. It’s an extraordinary chance to increase the power of your legacy.

Make a Difference Today 
Leaving a gift in your will is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your kindness continues to shape the future. If you’d like to explore your options or learn more about how your legacy can create lasting change, we’re here to help.

Contact us today on philanthropy@communityfoundationni.org to discuss how you can leave a gift in your will and lock in match funding from the Community Foundation NI.