Why leave a legacy to RNIB?
A third of our vital work supporting blind and partially sighted people is only possible thanks to people remembering us in their Wills. Read Lee's story to see how legacy gifts really do change lives.
What are the different types of legacy that I can leave?
There are several different types of legacies but the two main ones are:
Residuary
This is a gift consisting of the residue or part of the residue of your estate, after debts and other gifts have been paid. This is a particularly popular way to leave a gift to a charity.
Pecuniary
This is a gift of a fixed amount of money. Remember that the value of your gift will reduce over time, so you may want to think about index linking it.
I don't have a large estate. How can I make a difference?
Large or small, all legacy gifts are important to us and help to build a brighter future for blind and partially sighted people.
Is it possible to leave a gift in my Will to a specific area of work?
We prefer it if legacies are left for the general purposes of RNIB because, that way, we can adapt to the changing needs of blind and partially sighted people over time.
If you do want to leave a gift to a particular part of our work, please consider expressing this as a preference, rather than a condition. We will do all we can to honour that preference. Please call 01733 375 228 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email legacies@rnib.org.uk if you would like further advice about this.
I don't know where to start - can RNIB help?
Although making a Will can seem like a complicated process, it really isn't once you know what to do. RNIB is here to help.
If you don't have your own solicitor, our Wills and Legacies Advisors can put you in touch with a solicitor in your local area from our Directory of Will Writing Services.
Can I get a Will written in braille?
We do not recommend making a Will in braille as it could easily be altered (by adding or erasing dots) and the meaning changed. However, we can arrange a braille or large print copy of your Will. Just email legacyservices@rnib.org.uk or call 0845 600 0313 for further details.
Who can I contact for confidential help on writing a Will?
We have a team of Wills and Legacies Advisors who can help you with writing a Will. They can discuss the matter with you on the phone or even visit you at home and all information will be kept in the strictest confidence.
If you'd like one of our advisors to contact you, please complete our contact us form. Alternatively you can email us on legacyservices@rnib.org.uk or call 0845 600 0313.
Who do I appoint as an executor?
Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes as written into your Will. You must have at least one and Her Majesty's Court Service will allow a maximum of four. Mostly people appoint two, who may be family, friends or professional advisors.
What would happen if I don't make a Will?
If someone dies without making a Will, they are said to have died 'intestate'. If this happens, the law sets out who should deal with the deceased's affairs and who should inherit their estate (property, personal possessions and money). If you die intestate there are HMRC rules that stipulate who will inherit your estate. So it really is important to make a Will and make your intentions clear.
What if I've already left a gift to RNIB in my Will?
Thank you so much, your generous gift means a great deal to us. In order that we can thank you and keep you up to date with our work, please let us know by filling in our online pledge form.
I have left you a gift in my Will but RNIB has changed its name. Do I need to update it?
Thank you very much for leaving us a gift in your Will; if you haven't already let us know please complete our online pledge form.
We've had several names in our long history but don't worry we've taken the appropriate measures to ensure we will still receive your gift even if you have used one of our previous names. However, if you are about to update your Will we recommended that you also update our charity name to RNIB.
Can I add RNIB to my existing Will?
If you already have a Will you can still help RNIB by adding a codicil to your existing Will, which would amend your Will to include a legacy to RNIB. Although the codicil is a short and fairly simple legal document, we recommend that you consult a solicitor (or a qualified Will writer recognised by a professional body) to prepare it. Please note that simply making handwritten amendments to your current Will could make the whole Will invalid.
Can I change my mind about leaving a legacy to RNIB?
Of course, even if you have told us you are planning to leave a legacy you are free to change your mind at any time.
Are there any tax benefits to making a gift in my Will to RNIB?
Gifts to charities in your Will are exempt from Inheritance Tax. For more information visit HMRC.
How will Scottish Law affect my legacy to RNIB?
Information provided here applies only to England and Wales. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on the different rules that apply to Wills in Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you would like help finding a solicitor in your area, please email us on legacyservices@rnib.org.uk or call 0845 600 0313.
Can RNIB act as executor of my Will or a trustee?
Most people generally appoint a friend, a family member or a firm of solicitors as executors. However in some circumstances, RNIB is able to act as an executor.
What should I do if I'm acting as an executor of a Will?
Please visit our Administering an estate section for information and advice for executors.
Is there recommended wording for people wishing to leave a gift to RNIB in their Wills?
The following are examples of what you need to write in your Will if you want to include a legacy to RNIB:
Wording for a pecuniary legacy
"I give to the Royal National Institute of Blind People at 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE (A charity registered in England and Wales no: 226227 and in Scotland no: SCO39316) the sum of £.... (free of all taxes) for its charitable purposes, and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or authorised officer will be sufficient discharge to my executor/s."
Wording for a residuary legacy
"I give my residuary estate to the Royal National Institute of Blind People at 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE (A charity registered in England and Wales no: 226227 and in Scotland no:SCO39316) for its charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorised officer will be sufficient discharge to my executors."
I would like to leave a gift to RNIB's Sunshine Fund
RNIB opened its first Sunshine Home for Blind Babies in 1918, expanded its services to care for blind children in Sunshine House Schools and today runs Sunshine House School and Children's Home in Northwood, Middlesex; RNIB Pears Centre for Specialist Learning in Coventry and RNIB College Loughborough, helping blind and partially sighted children and young people with significant learning difficulties and disabilities reach their potential in safe and supportive environments.
If you wish to leave a legacy to RNIB's Sunshine Fund, it would be helpful if the gift could be left to RNIB, with an expressed wish that it will be used in connection with our specialist educational provision.
I'd like to support RNIB in other ways
There are so many ways to get involved and help us, from writing to your local MP regarding our latest campaign to raise funds by jumping out of a plane. Every little helps and makes sure we can support more blind and partially sighted people.
What percentage of RNIB's income is spent on administration?
For every pound that comes into RNIB from all sources, we spend 87p directly helping blind and partially sighted people, so you can be sure that your donation is going where it matters most. Find out more about our work.
Can I visit a project to learn more about your work?
RNIB supporters are invited to come and join us at selected venues across the UK to hear more about the vital work we do to help blind and partially sighted people find their lives again. Find out more about our supporter receptions.
Do you have any examples of how legacies have been used?
A third of our vital work supporting blind and partially sighted people is only possible by gifts left in Wills. Hear for yourself the huge difference legacies can make.
Need more help?
If you have any queries about legal terms our Will writing glossary may help. Alternatively call 01733 375 228 (Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm) or email legacies@rnib.org.uk.