Legacies are a huge blessing to our parishes.
Each year, around 5,000 people leave a gift in their will to a Church of England parish, contributing approximately £60 million in legacy income. These generous gifts help fund ministry initiatives, preserve cherished church buildings, and nurture vibrant faith communities. Unlike regular giving, legacy gifts often enable parishes to explore new opportunities and support areas of mission that might otherwise remain out of reach.
“No gift to the church that will contribute towards the ongoing mission and ministry of the church is too small, because every penny helps us carry on the kingdom work that Jesus has set us into.”
The Revd. Jim Findlay, Priest in Charge Throop
Watch our latest Legacy Giving and Will Writing webinar here…
There are many reasons why parishioners might choose not to leave a legacy to their parish—but one of the simplest is a lack of awareness. If people don’t know it’s possible to leave a gift in their will to their local church, we miss a valuable opportunity for support. That’s why clear and compassionate communication is so important: helping people understand that legacy giving is not only possible, but deeply impactful.
For many people, leaving a gift in their will is a final opportunity to make a lasting gift to God and to their church family. It is also a way to make a lasting difference to the future of their church and community.
PCC Legacy Policy
It is recommended that each PCC has its own unique Legacy Policy and ensures that resources are available to individuals, outlining why legacies are so significant and the way in which people can organise a legacy gift.
We have put together a best practice guide for encouraging legacy giving within a parish. See below.
Interested in Will Writing?
The Diocese of Winchester is pleased to be able to offer a number of FREE wills through our two recommended will writing providers, Farewill and Batt Broadbent.
There is no obligation to leave a legacy gift through this scheme however, both providers will give you the opportunity to leave a legacy to your chosen parish if you would like to do so. All free wills are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. If you require further support, do not hesitate to get in touch with stewardship@winchester.anglican.org
Why is having a Will important?
- Ensures your assets are distributed as you wish
- Can appoint guardians for children
- Minimises the stress for family members
- Allows for effective estate planning
- Provides you with peace of mind
- Enables you to make charitable gifts
Download the ‘Why Every Christian Should Have a Will’ leaflet below to find our more:
Leaving a legacy
Thinking of leaving a legacy gift to your parish?
- The proper receiving body in this case is the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of the parish. These are the preferred recipients.
- All PCCs are charities, therefore exempt from Inheritance Tax
- Example wording: “I give _________ % of my residuary estate or I give the sum of £ _________ (pounds) free of all taxes to the Parochial Church Council of the parish of _________ (registered charity number if applicable _________ ) in the Diocese of _________ for its general purposes, and I declare that the receipt of an officer of the Parochial Church Council shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors and trustees.”
Will Writing Advert for your Parish Magazine
Canva Link to Parish Magazine Article –
For more information, please see the links below:
www.parishresources.org.uk/legacies
www.churchlegacy.org.uk
