Survey finds low rates of charitable gifts in wills despite legacy desires

According to a survey for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, just 14% of people have written a will and included a charitable gift. Research published by the charity found around two-fifths (39%) of people have written a will, but only 14% have included a charitable gift. A further 11% said they intend to leave a charity donation but have not yet written it into their will, while around a fifth (19%) are considering doing so.

More than half of people surveyed said it is important to them that something they do in their lifetime helps people in the future. Three-fifths (61%) of people would like to be remembered for positive contributions made in their lifetime, but many have not made a will. The research also found that two-fifths (41%) of people said they are not currently considering leaving a gift to charity in their will, rising to more than half (51%) of Baby Boomers and 44% of Gen-X.

The survey explored life moments that prompt people to reflect on their legacy. The death of a loved one was the biggest trigger (14%), followed by becoming a parent or grandparent (12%), reaching a life milestone (10%) and experiencing a serious illness (9%). The research suggests there may be some uncertainty about how accessible legacy giving can be.

Nearly two-thirds (65%) of people were aware it is possible to leave a gift of any size to charity in a will while just over a third (35%) were unaware. When asked about leaving a small financial gift of up to £100, nearly half (46%) of people surveyed believe it would make little difference to a charity, and 8% believe it would make no difference at all. Gabi Field, deputy director of public fundraising at Gosh Charity, said, 'Every legacy gift, no matter the size, helps Gosh Charity fund vital support for families at the hospital as well as ground-breaking research.