New research commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity has revealed that only one in seven people in the UK have written a will that includes a charitable gift. The survey, conducted by Opinium and released at the start of Free Wills Month, found that just 14% of respondents have taken this step to support charitable causes after their lifetime.
Widespread Desire for Legacy but Limited Action
The study discovered a significant gap between people's aspirations and their actual estate planning. While three-fifths (61%) of those surveyed expressed a desire to be remembered for positive contributions made during their lifetime, only around two-fifths (39%) have written any will at all. Furthermore, more than half (52%) said it is important to them that something they do in their lifetime helps people in the future.
Future Intentions and Current Considerations
Looking beyond current actions, the research identified potential for growth in charitable legacy giving. An additional 11% of respondents stated they intend to leave a charity donation but have not yet formalized this in their will, while approximately one-fifth (19%) are actively considering including such a gift. However, a substantial portion – two-fifths (41%) – said they are not currently considering leaving a gift to charity in their will.
Generational Differences in Legacy Planning
The survey uncovered notable generational variations in attitudes toward charitable bequests. Among Baby Boomers (aged 62 to 80), more than half (51%) are not considering leaving a gift to charity in their will. For Generation X (aged 46 to 61), this figure stands at 44%. These statistics suggest that older generations may be less inclined toward formal legacy giving despite potentially having more established estates.
Key Life Moments That Trigger Legacy Reflection
The research explored the specific life events that prompt individuals to think about the legacy they wish to leave behind. The death of a loved one emerged as the most significant trigger, cited by 14% of respondents. This was followed by becoming a parent or grandparent (12%), reaching a major life milestone (10%), and experiencing a serious illness (9%). These findings indicate that personal experiences often catalyze estate planning considerations.
Awareness and Misconceptions About Legacy Giving
Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity noted that there appears to be some uncertainty about how accessible legacy giving can be. While nearly two-thirds (65%) of people were aware that it is possible to leave a gift of any size to charity in a will, just over a third (35%) were unaware of this option. Additionally, when asked about leaving a small financial gift of up to £100, nearly half (46%) of those surveyed believe it would make little difference to a charity, and 8% believe it would make no difference at all.
Every Gift Makes a Difference
Gabi Field, deputy director of public fundraising at Gosh Charity, emphasized the importance of all contributions, regardless of size. "Every legacy gift, no matter the size, helps Gosh Charity fund vital support for families at the hospital as well as ground-breaking research," Field stated. "Together, these gifts ensure seriously ill children get the best chance and childhood possible, now and for generations to come."
Personal Impact Story
The charity highlighted the story of patient Ary Patel and his family, who have experienced the impact of such support firsthand. Ary, who is approaching his tenth birthday this year, underwent heart surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital when he was just six months old. This month, he is starring in a Gosh Charity television advertisement encouraging people to consider leaving a gift in their will.
Ary's mother, Shiva, shared her family's experience: "To see Ary approaching his 10th birthday is truly incredible, and something we will never take for granted. When Ary needed surgery, the care we received at Great Ormond Street Hospital was extraordinary – not just the life-saving treatment, but the support and kindness shown to us every step of the way."
The Opinium Research survey was conducted in February, polling 2,000 people across the United Kingdom. The findings provide valuable insights into current attitudes toward estate planning and charitable giving, revealing both opportunities and challenges in encouraging more people to include philanthropic elements in their final arrangements.
