UK charities saw a six-fold increase in legacy income in 2024 according to recent research

September 2025 - Voluntary

UK charities saw a six-fold increase in legacy income in 2024 according to recent research: A recent report shows that legacy income for charities reached 9% in 2024 a significant 7.3% increase compared to the 1.3% annual increase recorded in 2023, putting the total legacy income for charities in 2024 at £4.5 billion.

The first Legacy Giving Report 2025, published by Smee & Ford and Legacy Futures, aims to provide a ‘comprehensive resource’ to increase understanding of legacy giving in the UK and support charities with their legacy fundraising strategies.

Among its key findings, the report shows that in 2024, the number of charitable bequests in the UK increased to 145,000. Not only does this represent a 15% increase from 2023, it is also the highest figure recorded to date. The report continues that a key driver for the increase is due largely to HM Courts and Tribunals Service clearing its probate backlog.

According to the report, in 2024 the average value of residuary gifts to charities (a percentage share of an estate) fell by 5% to £65,5000 when compared to 2023 figures, while the average for pecuniary bequests (a specific sum of money left in a will) remained at £4,500. However, the decline in the value of residuary gifts was offset by an increase in the number of estates that included a charitable gift, which rose 22% in 2024 to 46,000 - the highest number on record.

While gifts in wills provide an invaluable income stream for many charities, some sectors benefit from more substantial legacy gifts than others. Findings revealed that in 2024, the sectors with the highest legacy income were health (39%), animal charities (16%), and conservation (8%). Conversely, armed forces and children’s charities accounted for a significantly smaller fraction of total legacy income, just 3% and 2.6%, respectively.

The report forecasts a promising future for legacy giving. Data indicates that the number of charity supporters bequeathing a gift to a charity in their will is 43% higher than it was ten years ago. Additionally, it estimates that legacy income will more than double by 2030.

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