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Legacy donations
As people live longer, we know there will be more and more with long term health issues and disabilities.
Computers with internet access are hugely liberating, giving choice, freedom and the ability to use your brain and stay independent despite disabilities.
We need more people to be aware of this, and to have the best possible support to chose the right equipment and learn how to use it. We need to do more than scratch the surface of the problem.
Since being founded in 1998, AbilityNet has provided support to 1.2 million people, including professionals and other organisations, many whom we have helped over the years as their needs have changed. We have the opportunity to keep people in touch with life in a positive and pro-active way.
Demand for our services means we are constantly struggling to meet it and keep up to date with the latest solutions, providing the best services to the people who need us most.
Unlike well-established charities we have little legacy income. A legacy can provide money to develop our work, to make sure people hear about the best solutions (rather than be sold ones that are expensive and profitable). It can also provide much needed development funding to help us create ever more efficient solutions.
What you need to do
If you have already made your Will, you can still add a Codicil for a specific gift to AbilityNet or to leave a percentage of your residual estate.
A legacy can leave a lasting memorial and there are considerable tax advantages. Charitable legacies are paid before tax is deducted, reducing the inheritance tax bill.
Some examples of wording:
Whether you use a will writer or solicitor or wish to add a codicil yourself, the following wording might be helpful.
Leaving a residual legacy
"I give (%) of the residue of my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever the same may be to AbilityNet (Registered Charity Number 1067673) Registered Officer Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK and the receipt of the Treasurer or the proper officer for the time being of AbilityNet shall be a complete discharge to my Executors."
Leaving a specific sum
"I give (%) of the residue of my real and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever the same may be to AbilityNet, Registered Charity (Number 1067673), Registered Officer Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London, NW1 3ER, UK and the receipt of the Treasurer or the proper officer for the time being of the British Institute for Learning Disabilities shall be a complete discharge to my Executors."
Adding this wording is strongly recommended
By including the following clause you will ensure your wishes are carried out if, in the future, AbilityNet merges with another charity doing similar work or changes its name:
"If at the date of my death AbilityNet named as a beneficiary in this Will or in any Codicil to my Will has changed its name or amalgamated with or transferred its assets to another charity or body then my Executor(s) shall give effect to any gift made to such charity as if it had been made (in the first case) to the body in its changed name or (in the second place) to the body which results from such amalgamation or to which such transfer has been made."
*A bequest to charity means you can make a planned gift to a charity you care about, whilst ensuring dependants are provided for. Charitable legacies are paid before tax is deducted, reducing the total amount of inheritance tax due from your estate.