There’s a quiet shift happening in estate planning. Nearly half of high-net-worth individuals are now including gifts to charity in their Wills.
That’s good news. But here’s the catch: many more would consider it if their professional advisers raised the subject.
And that’s where you, as IFAs, accountants, mortgage brokers, and estate agents, come in.
Why it matters for clients
Clients often don’t realise that leaving even 10% of their estate to charity reduces their Inheritance Tax rate from 40% to 36%.
On paper, a 4% drop might sound small. In reality, it can mean tens of thousands saved.
One recent estate we handled faced an Inheritance Tax bill of £40,000. By leaving 10% to charity, the bill dropped to £28,000. That’s a £12,000 saving and a meaningful donation to a cause close to the client’s heart.
The choice was simple: give it to the government, or give it to a charity making a difference in people’s lives.
Guess which option felt better?
Why it matters for you
You already help clients protect wealth, grow assets, and prepare for the future. Adding charitable giving to the conversation does three things:
- It shows you’re thinking beyond numbers; you’re thinking about legacy.
- It differentiates you from advisers who only focus on financial return.
- It deepens trust, because clients see you care about what matters to them, not just their balance sheet.
This isn’t just philanthropy. It’s smart planning, compassionate legacy, and yes, good business.
Why it matters for charities
Most small charities survive because of gifts in Wills. These are often grassroots organisations, set up by people who’ve faced immense struggles themselves; from mental health battles to bereavement and turned their pain into purpose.
Your clients’ decisions can literally keep the doors of these charities open.
A partnership opportunity
At Secure Inheritance, we work closely with charities to make it easy for clients to give.
Through our free Will service, people can choose to make a donation today or leave a gift in the future.
And here’s the bigger picture: when advisers and charities work together, clients feel empowered. They see that their wealth can look after their family and create lasting good for others.
So the next time you’re sitting with a client, ask: “Have you ever thought about leaving a gift to charity in your Will?”
Well, it might be the most meaningful question you ask all year.
