We asked Nadine Abrahams, an independent estate planning consultant, all about writing a will and leaving a gift to charity.
Visit https://nadineabrahams.co.uk/ to read more about her services.
From your experience advising clients on estate planning, what misconceptions do people have about leaving gifts to charity in their wills?
In my experience, many people think leaving a gift to charity in their will is complicated or only for those with great wealth. In reality, it’s simple to arrange and can fit alongside family priorities. A gift doesn’t have to be large to make an impact, and your estate plan can be updated anytime to reflect what matters most to you.
What's the process for including a charity like Cheshire Community Foundation in a will? How straightforward is it?
Including a charity like Cheshire Community Foundation in your will is very straightforward. All I would need to add a charitable gift, is the full name of the charity, the charity number, and whether the client would like to leave a fixed amount, a percentage of their estate, or a specific asset. It’s a simple clause that can be added or updated at any time.
Can people leave a legacy gift even if they have family members to provide for? How do you help clients balance these priorities?
Absolutely. Many people think they have to choose between providing for their family and leaving a charitable gift, but it doesn’t have to be one or the other. I often help clients structure their wills, so family comes first, while still setting aside a small percentage or specific gift for a cause they care about. That way, their loved ones are looked after, and their legacy reflects their values too.
What are the different types of legacy gifts and which tends to work best for charitable giving?
There are a few ways to leave a legacy gift. You can leave a fixed amount of money, which is called a pecuniary gift; a specific item, like property or shares; or a residuary gift, which is a percentage of what’s left after everything else has been distributed. In my experience, residuary gifts often work best for charitable giving because they naturally adjust with the size of your estate and make sure family comes first.
Can you explain the inheritance tax benefits of leaving charitable legacies?
Gifts to registered charities are exempt from inheritance tax, which means the full value of your gift goes to the cause you’ve chosen rather than the taxman. If you leave at least 10% of your estate to charity, the inheritance tax rate on the rest of your estate can also be reduced from 40% to 36%. It’s a meaningful way to support a cause you care about while also making your estate more tax efficient.
Are there ways legacy giving can actually benefit the family as well as the charity?
Yes, it can. Leaving a charitable gift in your will can actually help reduce the inheritance tax on your estate, which may mean your family receives more overall. Beyond the financial benefit, families often find it deeply rewarding to see their loved one’s legacy making a positive impact in the community. It becomes something meaningful they can all be proud of.
Do you find that people who don't have children are more likely to consider charitable legacies, or is it across the board?
It’s true that people without children often think about charitable legacies earlier, simply because they have more flexibility in how they distribute their estate. But I see it across the board. Many parents also choose to leave something to charity as a way of passing on their values, showing their family that generosity and community matter.
What would you say to someone who's hesitant about making a will at all?
I completely understand that hesitation, as thinking about making a will can feel daunting or even a bit uncomfortable. But making a will is really about peace of mind. It gives you control over what happens to your estate, protects your loved ones, and ensures your wishes are carried out. Once people take that first step, they’re often surprised by how simple it is and how much relief they feel afterwards knowing everything is in order.
If someone wants to support their local community through their estate, why might a community foundation be a good choice?
A community foundation is a great choice because it focuses on the local area and understands where support can make the biggest difference. By leaving a gift through an organisation like Cheshire Community Foundation, your legacy stays within your community, helping local charities, projects, and people in need. It’s also a flexible option, as the foundation can manage your gift and ensure it continues to have an impact long into the future.
During Wills Month, what's your key message to people about the importance of having an up-to-date will?
My main message is that keeping your will up to date is one of the simplest ways to look after the people and causes you care about. Life changes all the time; families grow and priorities change, so it’s worth reviewing your will every few years. It gives real peace of mind knowing everything’s clear and your wishes will be followed. It also makes things easier for those left behind.
What's the most rewarding aspect of helping clients include charitable gifts in their estate planning?
For me, it’s seeing the sense of satisfaction people get when they know their plans will do some good. It changes the whole tone of the conversation. What can feel like a difficult topic becomes something hopeful and positive. Helping someone leave that kind of legacy is a real privilege.
Visit Nadine's website https://nadineabrahams.co.uk/ for more information about her services.
To discuss a gift to Cheshire Community Foundation, contact us: office@cheshirecommunityfoundation.org.uk
