Leaving a legacy
Have you considered including a gift to your favourite charity in your will? As the largest single source of income to UK charities, legacies make a vital difference to good causes across the country. A legacy allows you to make your mark on the world by providing for a good cause that is close to your heart. Free of inheritance tax, a donation made in your will can also help reduce the tax burden on your estate.
Making a Will is not as expensive or difficult as many people think. It is a good idea to get professional advice from a solicitor - start by asking your friends and family if they can recommend one. After that there are four easy steps to writing your Will…
1. Work out what you have of value
This will include things like your house (if you own one), jewellery, savings, antiques and paintings but also sentimental items that you want loved ones to receive.
2. Decide who gets what
List names and addresses alongside what you want them to receive. Once you’ve decided what you want to leave to your loved ones, why not think about leaving a legacy to a charity like Jeevika Trust? Leaving a legacy to Jeevika Trust will ensure that the beliefs you hold during your life time will live on. Talk to your solicitor about the appropriate type of gift and the wording for your Will.
3. Appoint an executor
An executor is an individual or individuals, you can have up to four, who is entrusted with ensuring your wishes within your Will are carried out but also that they are carried out quickly, efficiently and effectively. It is a good idea to appoint at least two in case one is unable to act.
4. Keep your Will safe
This is very important – most people ask their solicitor or bank manager to look after it but it is a good idea to keep a copy for yourself and let your executor know where the original is kept.
If you would like to discuss any questions you have with our team, please do not hesitate to contact us on 020 8973 3773 or by emailing contact@jeevika.org.uk and we’d be happy to help.
Leaving a gift to Jeevika Trust means that we can continue to help individuals support themselves – whether you lived, worked, visited or just loved India during your lifetime, this is a fitting and very special gift.
Rosemary's story
"Rosemary was typical of many of her generation and background. She was born in India in 1916, was married in Ajmer in 1936 to a Scot who, having aready served in the Indian Army, had joined the Indian Political Service - that part of the 'British Raj' responsible for maintaining good relations with the 'princely states' throughout the country. During World War II her husband and she, with two young sons, moved around India from Kashmir and Lahore to Calcutta (at a time when the Japanese invasion of north-east India was a huge threat). She had a deep interest in rural India, with its life, people and cultures, and was a strong supporter of Jeevika's work until she died in 2008."
Rosemary's family
Rosemary's legacy to Jeevika of £40,000 was in the form of shares which generated a further £15,000 profit when they were sold in 2010. Her gift meant that we were able to plan, get funding for, deliver and monitor vitally needed projects in rural India for well over a year.
We will remember her with appreciation and gratitude.
