A gift in your will, however small, is a thank you to NHS Borders
that can go on to change lives for years to come.
Every single gift is incredibly precious.
Your will may be one of the most important documents you ever write. That’s because if you have last wishes, including them in your will is a great way to be certain they’re carried out. A will is an excellent place to record your funeral wishes and is where you can make sure that the right people get whatever you’ve decided to leave for them. It’s a simple way to carry on looking after loved ones when you’re no longer here.
Dying without a will could leave your loved ones with a lot of difficult decisions to make, at an already distressing time.
Finally, your will can also carry on your support for causes that are close to your heart. By including a gift to our charity in your will you can carry on making a difference, long after you’re gone
The three types of gifts…
I'd like to leave part of what's left of my estate
After you've taken care of your family and friends and paid off any debts or taxes, you can gift either a portion or all of what's left - this is known as a residuary gift.
For example, as little as 1% of what remains of your estate could make a real difference. Many supporters like this kind of gift because, as a part of your overall estate, it keeps its value over time.
I'd like to leave a specific amount
Another option is to leave a fixed amount of money or pecuniary gift, which you set aside in your Will.
This type of gift is paid out before the residue of your estate is calculated. Over time, inflation can reduce this type of gifts value which can make it less impactful.
I'd like to leave a specific gift
A specific gift is a particular valuable item - like property, shares or a piece of jewellery. This type of gift might be difficult for our charity to utilise so it is always best to have a chat with us first if thinking about leaving a gift of this nature.
That way we can ensure your gift has the impact you intend it to.
Giving where the need is greatest
We understand that if you or someone you love has received care from NHS Borders, there may be a particular service or team that holds a special place in your heart. Many people choose to direct their gift to a specific area as a way of saying thank you for the support they received.
If you’d prefer, you can still share your thanks and we will make sure your message reaches the team involved, without limiting how your gift can be used.
Gifts that are formally restricted must be used exactly as specified, and because healthcare services change over time, it can sometimes be difficult for charities to use restricted donations in the way originally intended. When possible, we kindly ask that you keep the purpose of your gift as broad as you can. By not placing a specific restriction on your donation, you allow us to use it where it will make the greatest difference at that time.
If you’d find it helpful to discuss the wording of your gift so it can be used exactly as you wish, we’re here to help.
Please email us at hello@nhsbordershealthcharity.org
The good news is that any gifts left to charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax. On top of that, sometimes by including a gift to a charity you can reduce the tax on everything else you leave behind. But Inheritance Tax is a complex and often-changing area of law, so we advise you visit www.gov.uk/inheritance-tax for all the latest information and speak to a professional.
Writing Your Will
What about tax?
It's sensible to keep your will in a safe place - and to tell your executors where it is. Many professional will writers and solicitors offer to store your will. Don't worry if your life or decisions change. It is simple to write a new will that can change your instructions, or to update your will using what's called a 'codicil.