Leaving a Gift in your Will
For some, it’s the village where they grew up. For others, it’s a favourite view across the Mendip Hills. Wherever it is, there’s a corner of Somerset that feels like home.
A gift in your Will can help communities in the place you love, guided by local people who know where support is needed most. It’s a way of making sure the people, places and causes closest to your heart are looked after for years to come.
Gifts in wills guide
Learn more about the ways you can care for your corner of Somerset through a gift in your Will.
See how a gift in your Will keeps your corner of Somerset thriving for generations to come.
As my mother always said, you can only help in your own little sphere. You can’t put the world right, you can only do what you can in your very small space. The gift can be modest but the impact will be truly valuable.”
Rooted in Somerset, here for good.
For more than 20 years, we’ve built close relationships with charities and communities across Somerset, giving us the local knowledge to ensure your gift reaches the people and places where it’s needed most.
Since 2002, we’ve awarded more than £40 million across the county. As an established Foundation, we’re here for the long term, with the experience and infrastructure to look after your gift today and for generations to come.
We love Somerset too. Whether it’s a village, a cause you care about or a community you want to support, we’ll take care of your gift and honour the legacy you want to leave.
Leave a legacy to the people and places you love.
We’re here if you’d like a free, impartial chat about leaving a gift in your Will.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay inheritance tax on a gift to SCF in my Will?
No. Gifts to charity are exempt from inheritance tax. A gift to SCF in your Will comes out of your estate before tax is calculated, so it’s free of tax.
Could a gift in my Will reduce the tax on the rest of my estate?
Yes. If you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, the inheritance tax rate on the rest of your estate can drop from 40% to 36%.
Do I need legal advice to include a gift like this in my Will?
We’d always recommend it. Wills and inheritance tax can be complex, so it’s best to speak to a qualified solicitor when writing or updating your Will. If you decide to leave a gift to SCF, your solicitor will need our charity name, address and charity number:
- Name and address: Somerset Community Foundation, Yeoman House, The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN.
- Charity number: Registered Charity No. 1094446. Registered in England and Wales No. 4530979.
Will my gift be used the way I want it to be?
Yes. We’ll take the time to understand what matters to you – whether that’s a place, a cause, or Somerset as a whole – so that we can honour your wishes well. We’re here to talk it through before you write anything into your Will so you can feel completely confident about the difference a gift in your Will can make.
What kind of gift can I leave?
There are 3 main ways to leave a gift, and we’re happy to help you work out which suits you best:
A share of your estate – you leave the balance of your estate or a percentage of what’s left after any debts and other gifts are paid. This means the value of your gift stays in proportion to your estate, whatever happens to its value over time.
A fixed sum of money – a specific amount, set out in your Will.
A specific item – something like a property or shares.
Our gifts in wills guide explains each option in more detail, and we’re always happy to talk it through with you and your solicitor.
Will a gift to SCF affect what I can leave my family?
Not if you don’t want it to. However, even leaving just 1% of the remainder of your estate to charity could make a huge difference to communities in Somerset. We explain all the different ways you can leave a legacy in our gifts in wills guide.
Can I change my mind later?
Yes. You can update or remove a gift to SCF at any time by amending your Will with your solicitor.
I’ve included a gift to SCF in my Will. Should I let you know?
We understand that you may prefer to keep your decision private, but if you have decided to leave a gift to SCF in your Will and are happy to let us know, we’d love to hear from you. It means we can thank you and share more information with you about the impact your gift will make in Somerset.
If you wish, we can also invite you to our special events, giving you the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and learn more about the impact of giving on communities in Somerset.
Get in touch with Kristen Pye, Philanthropy and Marketing Director, at kristen.pye@somersetcf.org.uk.
