Why is effective charity legacy management so important?

A charity legacy is a gift left to a charity by an individual in their Will. Charity legacy management, therefore, refers to the process of handling that gift and ensuring it is safely delivered to the recipient charity.

Stone King have an expert team dedicated to this area of law and, with both the charity sector and our work with private individuals so heavily embedded in what we do, working closely with our clients to find people-focused, strategic solutions comes naturally to us. We work with some of the country’s largest household name charities, as well as smaller not-for-profit organisations and philanthropists to ensure the best legacy outcomes for all.

So, with our 2025 charity legacy conference – this year titled ‘Shaping the Future of Charity Legacies: Law, Collaboration and Compassion’ – fast approaching, we have collated the key reasons why the effective management of charity legacies is so important.

1. In the UK, legacies contribute billions annually to the charity sector, so it is often the case that legacy gifts account for a major portion of a charity’s income, particularly if the charity is a large or long-established household name.
2. Effective legacy management ensures the deceased’s wishes are met and their gifts used as intended. This builds trust in the charity and encourages continued support for it.
3. As legacy income can sometimes come with legal complexities, such as dealing with executors, interpreting Wills, and complying with probate laws, effective management of the process avoids loss of income, potential disputes or even legal action.
4. Word spreads, and the way a legacy is managed can influence the giving decisions of others. The compassionate, professional and efficient handling of a legacy can enhance a charity’s image, making others more likely to leave gifts in their Will.
5. Charity legacy teams work closely with solicitors, executors and financial advisors. The stronger these relationships are, the more likely they are to lead to better outcomes on current cases, as well as future referrals or recommendations.
6. As a form of income for charities, legacies are relatively predictable and resilient, even in economic downturns. They therefore support long-term planning and stability, helping charities weather fluctuations in other income streams.

If you work for a charity legacy team, or in any other role that would benefit from a deeper understanding of the legal process behind the handling of charity legacies, join us on Thursday 18 September for ‘Shaping the Future of Charity Legacies: Law, Collaboration and Compassion’.  

This day-long conference will cover key legal updates on charity legacies including forfeiture, inheritance claims, and assisted dying, as well as practical strategies for complex or cross border cases, and opportunities for collaboration between charities, legal experts and policymakers – all delivered with a human and thoughtful approach to legacy giving.

Find out who our speakers will be and to book your place here.