GIFTS IN WILLS HELP OUR WORK TO BLOOM
Green Light Trust has been on a mission for over 30 years to connect people with nature to improve their health and wellbeing. We’ve achieved so much since starting, and our plans for the future are only getting bigger. By donating to us through a gift in your will, you’re helping to ensure we can support children, young people and adults for years to come.
THE STEPS FOR LEAVING A GIFT IN YOUR WILL
Decide on the type of gift you’re leaving in your will
Decide whether you want to leave a residuary gift, a cash gift or a specific asset.
Update or create your will
Speak to a solicitor or estate planner to ensure your wishes are legally recorded. Include clear wording specifying the charity’s name and registered details to avoid confusion.
Inform loved ones and Green Light Trust
Let significant people know to prevent any misunderstandings. Speak to our fundraising team so we can acknowledge and celebrate your generous future gift.
GUIDANCE FOR LEAVING A GIFT IN YOUR WILL
FOR INDIVIDUALS
Thank you for considering leaving a gift in your will to Green Light Trust. There are three pieces of advice we always recommend people consider when they’re thinking of leaving a gift in their will:
1. Choose a charity that reflects your values
We work with children, young people and adults to improve their health and wellbeing. If this resonates with you, we’d be honoured to receive a donation.
2. Decide on the type of gift that makes sense to you
We’ve provided advice above on the type of gift you can leave in your will. make sure you choose the option that best aligns with your personal circumstances.
3. Get legal advice
This page is for guidance only, but the best person to consult with would be your solicitor. Always get professional legal advice when thinking about this type of donation.
FOR EXECUTORS
As an executor responsible for carrying out the wishes in a will, this is what we advise to ensure someone’s wishes are carried out effectively:
1. Understand the Will & Charity Gift
Carefully review the will to ensure you follow the deceased’s wishes regarding the donation.
2. Speak to our fundraising team
Speak to our fundraising team – Notify us about the gift, confirm any details you might need and ensure the proper documentation is in place.
3. Handle funds legally and effectively
Work with a solicitor if it makes the task feel more manageable. Settle any estate debts first and then distribute gifts according to people’s wishes.
THE TYPE OF GIFTS YOU CAN LEAVE IN YOUR WILL
Residuary gifts
Most people divide their estate into 100 equal units. After leaving money and assets to family members or friends, you can then leave a certain number of units to Green Light Trust. These are helpful donations as they won’t devalue over time. You might give 5%, as an example.
Cash gifts
This is a fixed sum of money, such as £1000, and is also known as a pecuniary gift. These gifts are paid out of the estate first and then anything that’s left is then divided as per the instructions of your will.
Specific gifts
A specific gift can be an object, such as art work or an antique. This can be gifted to Green Light Trust and then sold to help raise funds for our work.
MEET THE PEOPLE WE SUPPORT
FAQ’s
- Do I need to rewrite my entire will to include a charity?
Not necessarily—you can add a codicil (a legal amendment) to your existing will instead of rewriting the whole document.
- Will my family still receive an inheritance if I leave a gift to charity?
Yes, you can specify exact amounts or percentages to ensure both your loved ones and chosen charities receive what you intend.
- Can I leave a gift to more than one charity?
Yes, you can divide your gift among multiple charities or specify different types of gifts for each.
- Are gifts to charity tax-deductible in my will?
In many countries, charitable gifts are exempt from inheritance tax, potentially reducing the tax burden on your estate.
OTHER WAYS GIVE
MAKE A DONATION
Donations help us to protect our woodlands and provide vital mental health and wellbeing support. Every donation makes a difference.
Volunteer with us
Our volunteers extend our reach, expertise and resources to ensure we can help even more people. Enquire now about how you can help.