Gifts in wills

Gifts in Wills can help change children's lives in the UK and all around the world. Find out how to leave a gift in your Will to Save the Children.

We’ve made it our mission to help children – especially those at risk of being left behind – get a healthy start, be safe from harm, and have the chance to learn.

Leave a gift in your Will to Save the Children and we’ll make a promise to you: to ensure your kindness and care continue far into the future.

With your generosity, we’ll invest in ground-breaking programmes, helping children and communities in the UK and around the world gain the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

What better legacy to leave than life-saving healthcare, education and protection to children who have nowhere else to turn? 

Writing your Will gives you peace of mind that you have provided for your loved ones and contributed to causes you care about. And it's easier to do than you might think!

When is a good time to make my will?

The sooner the better. Making your Will now will give you peace of mind that you have provided for your loved ones and contributed to causes you care about. 
 

I want to take care of my friends and family first. Can I still leave a gift to Save the Children UK?

Of course, looking after your loved ones comes first. After making sure that they will be provided for, it’s still possible to support children around the world with a gift in your Will.  Many people choose to leave a small percentage of their total estate as a gift. 
 

Do I need to use a solicitor to write or amend my will?

We recommend you consult a solicitor or professional Will-writing service to make sure that all the legal formalities are covered and that your Will is valid

We have partnered with FareWill to offer a free online professional Will-writing service. 
 

Are there different types of gifts that I can leave in my will?

Yes, there are three types:

A residuary gift is a percentage or share of the balance of your estate once all other payments and gifts have been made. Many people prefer to give a residuary gift because it keeps in line with inflation and does not lose value over time.
A pecuniary gift is a fixed amount of money.
A specific gift is a gift of a specific item, like personal possessions, land or shares.


What information do I need to include when leaving a gift to Save the Children? 

To ensure your gift reaches us, your solicitor or professional Will-writer will need these details:

Charity name: Save the Children Fund
Charity address: 1 St John’s Lane, London EC1M 4AR
Charity number: 213890 (England and Wales) or SC039570 (Scotland)
We suggest this wording to leave a gift in your Will:

I give to The Save the Children Fund of 1 St John’s Lane, London EC1M 4AR, registered charity numbers 213890 and SC039570 ____% of the residue of my estate / £_______ [specified amount] absolutely for its general charitable purposes.

Don't forget to use our full name and details to make sure the gift reaches us. 


Can a gift to charity in my Will mean there’s less tax to pay on my estate?

Gifts to UK registered charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax, so yes, it may mean less tax on your estate.

In the UK, inheritance tax is currently paid to the government at a rate of 40% if your estate is worth more than £325,000. However, the rate might be reduced to 36% if 10% or more of your estate is left to charity.

Most gifts left to Save the Children are exempt from inheritance tax because we are a charity. You can find out more by contacting HMRC or a solicitor.
 

I already have a Will but I now want to include a gift to Save the Children. Can I?

Yes. You can update your existing Will by adding an amendment, called a ‘codicil’. Your solicitor can help you do this.  Or you can use our partners, Farewill, to write a new Will, including your gift, for free.


Should I tell anyone about my Will?

It’s a good idea to talk to your family about your intentions. Your gift in your Will is a way of showing them the enduring impact of your care and compassion – and your belief that every child should have the chance of the future they deserve.

If you’re planning to remember Save the Children in your Will, we’d also really appreciate you letting us know at [email protected]. It helps us plan for longer term projects – and gives us the chance to thank you properly.


What happens if I don’t have a Will?

If you pass away without making a Will, this could result in your estate not going where you would have wished. If you have no family members to inherit, the entire estate will pass to the Crown.

That’s why it’s comforting to know your assets, savings and possessions will go to the people and causes you care about.

You can write your Will today with our online Will-writing partners at Farewill.  Find out more here


Are there any gifts you cannot accept?

Save the Children is committed to making decisions that are in the best interest of the charity but ultimately in the best interests of children.

Our donation acceptance policy ensures that we do not compromise on our mission and values when it comes to raising income.

We are rigorous when deciding whether or not to accept a donation from any source and follow our Donation Acceptance Policy which outlines our ‘No Go’ areas.

Please get in touch with us at [email protected] if you have any questions about this policy.