5 February 2026

The legacy we leave: Thoughts from our departing Philanthropy Director

As I approach my last day at Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) after 7 wonderful years, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to leave a legacy – both my own, and the legacies of the incredible supporters I’ve had the privilege to meet.

I’ve felt the urge to leave things better than I found them. Fixing niggly problems, updating processes, and leaving a strategy in place to guide my successor and help my team thrive in the years ahead.

Over the years, I’ve had many conversations with people from all walks of life who are interested in leaving gifts in their Wills to support Somerset’s communities. I’m struck by the similarities of these conversations, despite how organic they often are. What I love most is sitting back and listening to people share stories about their life and what matters to them.

Often, thinking about the future and what we want to leave behind means we start at the very beginning. For many people, their early experiences shape their views on helping others.

One supporter told me how getting involved with a community band in his teens had a profound impact on his life, broadening his horizons and helping him build skills and confidence. His legacy will fund community music groups so more people can benefit from the same experience he did.

For others, things that impacted them or their loved ones shape the legacy they want to leave. Like Pam, whose husband Graham achieved remarkable things in the face of physical and mental health challenges. Pam’s Fund with SCF has already helped us donate over £50,000 to local mental health groups and her legacy will help us continue that life-changing work for generations to come. I’ve loved hearing more about Pam’s life with Graham and seeing the meaning and warmth that giving back brings.

Across these conversations a few themes stand out:

A love of Somerset

Whether they’ve lived in Somerset all their lives or moved here later in life, they love this very special place. They may have worked here all their lives, fell in love here, or retired here. This county is entwined with many of their happiest memories and they want their legacy to benefit local people and causes they care about.

A wish to be remembered

Many supporters want to leave a lasting legacy that lives on for generations. Creating a Forever Fund or contributing to a Collective Giving Fund allows them to be remembered while generating funding for local communities year after year.

A passion to improve life for future generations

Almost everyone I’ve spoken with shares the same desire: to make life better for those who come after them. Whether through counselling, sport, music, art, or supporting young people and those living in poverty, it’s always so moving to hear this genuine passion to leave the world a better place.

As I think about my own legacy at SCF, I’m moved by thinking about the stories and the gifts that will be given in years to come that will leave a life-changing legacy for Somerset. It’s been a true privilege to play a small part in those stories.

If you want to add your story to that of many of our supporters, you can read more about leaving a gift in your Will.