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Protecting the Lake District for future generations

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Leaving a gift in your Will to Lake District Foundation will cost you nothing today, but will help us to protect this magnificent part of the planet for years to come.

You can help to care for the spectacular wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage of the Lake District and Cumbria.

Our vision is that the Lake District will be an inspirational example of sustainable development in action, ensuring that is stays special for future generations to enjoy. And as the Lake District evolves, so will we.

The Lake District Foundation is a small, local charity and we are here to stay. Therefore, any gifts you make will stay in the Lake District.

Any gift, no matter how large or small, will make a lasting difference. Rest assured that whatever gift you leave will be used wisely and effectively. Take a look at our recent campaigns here.

For more information about leaving a gift in your will, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions below, or get in touch, we would love to hear from you:

You can call us on 07497 816 091 during office hours, or email [email protected]

Alternatively, you can write to us at Gifts in Wills team, The Lake District Foundation, Murley Moss Business Park, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 7RL.

How will my gift make a difference?

The Lake District is treasured by many, including the millions of visitors that enjoy exploring the Lake District every year. But this beautiful place is fragile, and we need your help to look after the Lake District today and for future generations.

Working with local communities, your gift to the Lake District Foundation will make a difference to projects in every corner of Cumbria, from wildlife protection to footpath restoration, scientific research and flood resilience.

We are local, small and non-political and we guarantee that your gift will be used for effective evidence-based projects that meet the needs of the current challenges facing this spectacular National Park and surrounding areas.

How do I leave a gift in my Will?

We know that when you make a Will, your priority is to provide for your loved ones.  But many people find that even after they have done this, they can leave something to causes that they hold dear.

How to include us in your Will:

If you don’t have a Will

  1. Make a list of everything you own, including property and investments, and decide who to name as executors. These are the people who will make sure your wishes are carried out.
  2. Decide who to include. For many people, loved ones will come first, but then you might also like to think about leaving a gift to a charity.
  3. Use a solicitor to write your Will so that the legalities are properly covered.

If you already have a Will

To add The Lake District Foundation as a beneficiary, talk to your solicitor about updating your Will, or completing a codicil and storing it with your Will.  If, as part of your discussions with them, you decide to leave a gift to The Lake District Foundation just let them know and tell them our registered charity number 1174201 in England and Wales.

What types of gift can I leave to The Lake District Foundation?

There are three types of gift you can leave to The Lake District Foundation in your Will:

A pecuniary gift – a fixed sum of money

A specific gift or a gift in kind – a particular item e.g a piece of jewellery or a work of art

A residual gift – the gift of all (or part) of the value of your estate after debts, liabilities and other gifts have been paid.

Gifts to charitable organisations are exempt from Inheritance Tax, so leaving a gift in your Will not only helps us with our work, but normally reduces your inheritance tax liability as charity donations are deducted from the value of your estate prior to taxation.  For all tax advice, we would strongly recommend talking with your solicitor.

Do I really need a Will?

Having a Will isn’t a legal requirement, but it’s the only way to ensure that your estate is passed on to the people and charities that you want it to go to.  Without a Will, it’s the legal system that will decide who receives what from your estate.

What is Inheritance Tax and how does it affect me?

Inheritance Tax is a tax that is charged on the portion of your estate that exceeds a certain level at the time of your death.  A gift to charity in your Will could reduce your liability.  You can find out more about Inheritance Tax on the HMRC website: www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax

Everybody’s financial affairs are different, so we always recommend talking to your solicitor or financial advisor.

What if I want to change something?

Many people make a Will and assume that’s all they need to do.  But circumstances change, so it’s a good idea to review it every few years to make sure it reflects your wishes and is appropriate to any changes in your circumstances.  These could be:

  • Marriage, divorce or separation
  • Children born since your last Will
  • Death of named beneficiaries
  • A change in your financial circumstances.

A codicil is a simple way to make specific changes or additions to your Will while leaving the remaining provisions untouched.  For example, if you decide to add a gift to The Lake District Foundation to your Will, a codicil is a simple and inexpensive way to do this.  You will need to ask your solicitor to draw a codicil for you.

What wording should I use to include a gift to The Lake District Foundation in my Will?

We strongly recommend you have your Will drafted by a solicitor to ensure your wishes are properly carried out.

I want to leave a gift to The Lake District Foundation. What are the charity’s details?

The Lake District Foundation

Murley Moss

Oxenholme Road

Kendal

Cumbria

LA9 7RL

A charity registered in England and Wales (1174201)

Should I tell you if I have left a gift to the Lake District Foundation?

We realise that making a will is a private affair but if you wish to inform us of your intentions we can thank you and keep you updated on how your intended gift can help support the Lake District Foundation in the future. It will also help us plan our future work with more certainty and gives us the chance to invite you to the special events to see how your gift will help.

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