Most charities receive some income from legacies from time to time, even those which don’t ask for it. Some charities receive money from legacies through a haphazard approach to asking. But some charities are securing their long-term future by getting really serious about legacies, with high quality – and not necessarily quantity – of effort.

Why are you asking? Do you have a clear policy on the future application of legacy income? Do you advise potential legators on the value of unrestricted bequests? Do you and can you illustrate the differences that future legacy income will make for your beneficiaries?

What are you asking for? Are you familiar with all the options available to those including bequests in their wills and to those settling estates where discretionary legacies or deeds of variation may be applicable – specific, residuary, pecuniary, reversionary, substitutional?

Who should you ask? Everyone? Your closest supporters of all ages? Do you know who cares for your cause?

Who should do the asking? You, the trustees, a hired consultant, other legators, your patrons?

How are you asking? Mass media campaigns, writing, phoning, meeting face-to-face? What support literature do you need, what should it look like and what should it contain? Are you up to speed (or should you be up to speed) with inheritance tax rates?

What is your regular pattern of contact? With declared legators, with potential legators?

Whether you are an experienced legacy fundraiser, a general fundraiser, a trustee, just starting a legacy campaign or wanting to start a legacy programme, Craigmyle can help.

Where next?

Craigmyle can offer

For an informal discussion, phone us on 01582 762441, or send us an e-mail.