Why should I write a will?
While having a properly prepared will is not a legal requirement, it is something we recommend you have for your loved ones’ peace of mind. Your will is the only way for you to decide what happens to your property, money and personal possessions after you die.
Can I write my own will?
We recommend that you only write a will through a qualified solicitor or a member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters. If you make any errors doing it yourself, it can cause your will to become invalidated, which can be stressful for the people closest to you.
What happens if I die without a will?
Dying without having an up-to-date will is known as ‘intestacy’. If this happens, it’s up to the law to decide how your estate is distributed, which might not reflect your wishes.
After taking care of my family and friends, can I still give to the Futures Fund?
After you’ve considered those important to you, any gift you may choose to give to the Futures Fund will be very much appreciated. Even 1% of your estate could make a wonderful difference.
Will I gain any tax benefits?
Most charitable gifts are exempt from Inheritance Tax and they can even reduce the amount of tax your estate has to pay. It is likely that for every £1,000 you leave us, £400 inheritance tax will be saved. To find out more, visit the HMRC website or ask your solicitor.
Can I update my existing will?
If you have an existing will, you can choose to either make a completely new will or add a supplement called a ‘codicil’, which would set out changes to your existing will and be read alongside it. In both cases, speaking to a solicitor is the best way forward.
Can I specify what the gift in my will is used for?
Legacies left to us will be carefully used to further priority areas of work including supporting students, inspiring children and enhancing learning opportunities and professional development.
We appreciate all gifts and use them for the most urgent and beneficial purposes. If you have a vision of how you would like your gift used please contact Elsa Scott at fundraising@theiet.org.
Do I need to let you know I’ve left a gift to the Futures Fund?
If you have already chosen to leave a gift in your will, we’d love to hear from you. We will never ask about the details of the gift, as this is private to you, but it helps us to plan for our future and it is wonderful to know people have supported us in this way. It also gives us a chance to thank you personally and keep you informed about the impact your gift could make.
Contact us
If you’d like to find out more about our work or to discuss leaving a gift in your Will, please contact Elsa Scott at: fundraising@theiet.org or at +44 (0)1438 767253.