Leave a gift in your will
Help us create a better world for future generations
Whether you can leave us £50 or £50,000, including Humanists UK in your will is the perfect way to make sure your support continues far into the future.
Why your gift matters
Gifts in wills make up a very high proportion of Humanists UK’s voluntary income: in some years as much as 80%. Without the generous legacies we receive, we simply could not carry out the work we do to support and represent humanists.
Gifts to charity in your will are also free of inheritance tax, so a gift to Humanists UK reduces the total amount of tax due from your estate.
Why making a will is so important
Many people never make a will because they assume everything will go to their partner or children, but this isn’t always the case. However large or small your estate, it’s really important to plan what will happen to your money when you die.
To make sure your money goes to the people you choose, you, and your partner if you have one, should both make a will.
Why our supporters leave a gift
The older I get, the more certain I am that this is the right side to be on.
Norman, North London
Member for more than 20 years
I hope that somewhere those acts of kindness live on.
Ruth
Name changed at her request
I have been proud to support it for nearly 60 years and I want that support to continue after I am gone.
Charles, Wembley
Member since 1967
How to leave a gift in your will
1
Make or update your will
We recommend using a solicitor or a will-writing service: it’s far too important to risk a mistake. You can write your will for free with Farewill, or find a will writer through the Law Society, the Institute of Professional Willwriters, or the Society of Will Writers.
Free will schemes such as Free Wills Month and Will Aid run at set times of the year.
2
Choose your gift
- A share of your estate (a residuary gift): once your family and loved ones have been provided for, you leave all or a percentage of what remains to the charity.
- A fixed sum (a pecuniary gift): you leave a specific amount of money to the charity.
3
Use our details
Our registered name is the British Humanist Association, registered charity no. 285987. Humanists UK is our operating name.
Your solicitor will need our name and number to make sure your gift reaches us.
Read our legacy brochure
Everything you need to know about leaving a gift to Humanists UK in your will, and why writing a will is so important.
What should we think about death?
Narrated by Stephen Fry
Death is a natural part of life. Humanists focus on finding meaning and purpose in the here and now, making the most of the one life we have, and helping others do the same.
Questions about leaving a gift
Does my gift have to be large?
No. Whether you can leave us £50 or £50,000, every gift makes a difference.
Is a gift to charity free of inheritance tax?
Yes. Charitable gifts in your will are paid before inheritance tax is worked out, so a gift to Humanists UK reduces the total tax due from your estate.
Can I use a template to write my own will?
If your will is very simple, you could use a DIY template, and many are available online for a small fee. We’d always recommend a solicitor or a will-writing service, though: it’s too important to risk a mistake.
Where can I get independent advice?
Remember a Charity has free, independent information about leaving a gift to charity in your will.
Can people give in my memory?
Yes. Many people ask for donations to a charity instead of flowers. See donating in memory for how to let your family know your wishes.
Thank you for thinking about Humanists UK when you make your will. Your gift will be very much appreciated.
Questions about leaving a gift?
Call us on 020 7324 3060 or email info@humanists.uk. We’re happy to help.