Charitable Bequests in Wills: How to Leave a Lasting Legacy

The first week of September marks Include a Charity Week, an initiative to raise awareness of charitable gifts in wills. It’s the perfect time to explore how bequests can make a lasting difference and how they can form part of your personal legacy.

Why Consider a Charitable Bequest?

Most of us have causes close to our hearts, but making significant donations during our lifetimes isn’t always easy, as we balance generosity with our own financial security. A bequest is a gift left in your will to a person, organisation or cause you care about and can be an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way, whether to one cause or many, often at a scale that may not have been possible during your lifetime.

Bequests can take many forms:

• Cash gifts
• Property or shares
• Specific items such as jewellery, artwork, or family heirlooms

By planning your bequests, you can ensure your values and passions live on.

More Than Just a One-Off Donation

Many people think of a bequest as a one-off, large gift to a single charity. While that’s one option, there are other structures that allow your legacy to extend well into the future.

For example, setting up a public or private ancillary fund enables your donation to be invested after your passing, with earnings distributed to nominated charities or foundations over time. This option is well-suited for those with strong philanthropic goals who want their support to have ongoing impact, creating a lasting difference for the causes and communities they care about.

Engaging Loved Ones in Your Legacy

A charitable bequest can also bring family into your giving journey. By involving children or loved ones in managing a fund or simply sharing your wishes for them to carry forward, you create an opportunity for your legacy to inspire the next generation.

For families, this can also provide comfort and connection, giving loved ones a way to feel close to you long after you’ve passed. 

Apt Wealth Partners’ Commitment to Philanthropy

At Apt Wealth Partners, philanthropy is part of who we are. We’re proud to give regularly to a range of charities and to help clients structure their own giving in meaningful ways.

On a personal note, charitable giving is also part of my own financial plan. I am volunteer board member and regular fundraiser for Lungitude, a charity that supports lung transplant patients and carers. Having seen the value of their support in my own family, I donate when I can — but I’ve also planned a bequest to ensure ongoing support for patients and families in need. For me, it’s about leaving a legacy of care while instilling the importance and value of giving in my children.

Making Your Own Lasting Impact

Setting up a bequest is not only a way to create a meaningful legacy– it’s also incredibly rewarding to put the right plans in place during your lifetime.

If you’re considering leaving a charitable gift in your will, we can help you find the right structure for your circumstances and wishes. For personalised guidance, talk to your Apt adviser or get in touch today and take the first step toward creating a gift that keeps on giving.