Charitable gifts left in Wills topped £100 million in 2025 - a record-breaking milestone which highlights the growing number of people choosing to leave a lasting legacy to causes they care about.

But with more families considering charitable giving as part of their estate planning, what should people know before making that decision?

Estate planning expert Steve Bish of S Bish Estate Planning shares his five essential tips for anyone thinking about leaving a charitable gift in their Will, from choosing the right type of legacy to understanding the potential tax implications and making sure their wishes are properly protected.

He said: “Charitable giving can be a hugely rewarding part of estate planning, but it is important that a charitable legacy is considered alongside the wider needs of your family and other beneficiaries.”

Here’s my top five pieces of advice.

1. Choose a charity that means something to you

The starting point should be the cause that matters to you. It might be a charity that has supported you or someone close to you, or a cause you have felt strongly about throughout your life.

There are thousands of registered charities, so it is important to make sure you identify the organisation correctly. Your Will should include the charity's full name and relevant details to avoid any uncertainty about who you intend to benefit.

2. Think carefully about what you want to leave

A charitable gift does not have to mean leaving a substantial cash sum. You could leave a fixed amount, a particular asset or a percentage of your estate.

For many people, leaving a percentage of what remains of their estate after other gifts and expenses – known as the residuary estate – can be an effective way of making a charitable contribution while allowing the value of the estate to change over time.

The important thing is to consider the gift alongside your other wishes and make sure it does not unintentionally affect the provision you want to make for family and other beneficiaries.

3. Don't overlook the tax benefits

Charitable giving can form an important part of Inheritance Tax planning. Gifts to qualifying charities are generally exempt from Inheritance Tax, so the value of the gift is deducted when calculating the taxable estate.

There can also be a further benefit where at least 10% of the relevant estate is left to charity. Subject to the applicable rules, the rate of Inheritance Tax on the taxable portion can be reduced from 40% to 36%.

This is why it is important to look at the bigger picture rather than treating a charitable gift as an isolated part of your Will. Professional advice can help ensure that your wishes are structured in the most effective way.

4. Make sure your Will is clear – and keep it up to date

It may sound obvious, but one of the most important things is making sure your charitable wishes are correctly recorded in your Will.

The wording needs to be clear and the charity correctly identified. You should also review your Will when your circumstances change.

Marriage, divorce, bereavement, changes to your finances or property, or changes within your family can all be good reasons to revisit your estate planning.

A Will should not simply be written and then forgotten about for the next 20 years.

5. Consider talking to your family and take professional advice

A decision to leave part of your estate to charity can sometimes come as a surprise to family members, particularly if the gift is significant.

While you are not obliged to disclose the contents of your Will, discussing your intentions with those closest to you can sometimes help avoid misunderstandings further down the line.

It is also particularly important to seek professional advice if your estate is complex, you have significant assets or there may be an Inheritance Tax liability.

Ultimately, leaving a charitable gift in your Will is a very personal decision. The fact that charitable gifts exceeded £100 million in 2025 demonstrates the significant impact these legacies can have.

For those considering following that route, Steve Bish's advice is to think carefully about what you want to achieve, understand how the gift fits into your wider estate plan and make sure your wishes are properly documented.

A well-planned charitable legacy can provide valuable support for a cause you care about, while giving you the reassurance that your wishes will continue to make a difference long after you are gone.