How to Work with Solicitors and Wealth Advisors to Increase Legacy Gifts
Legacy giving is a powerful way for charities to secure long-term funding, yet many organisations miss a critical audience opportunity: partnering with solicitors and wealth advisors. These professionals play a key role in estate planning and financial decision-making, making them vital allies in encouraging charitable gifts in wills. By building strong relationships with them, charities can significantly boost legacy donations. Here’s how:
Why Solicitors and Wealth Advisors Matter in Legacy Fundraising
Many supporters rely on solicitors and financial advisors when drafting their wills or planning their estates - it’s that simple! These professionals help clients navigate tax benefits, financial implications, and charitable giving options. However, research shows that if a solicitor or advisor doesn’t mention legacy giving, most people won’t consider it - even if they are long-time charity supporters.
By working closely with these professionals, charities can ensure that legacy giving is part of the estate planning conversation, making it easier for supporters to leave a gift.
1. Build Relationships with Local Solicitors and Advisors
💡 The Strategy: Reach out to solicitors, estate planners, and financial advisors in your network. Offer to meet for an introduction and explain the impact of legacy giving.
✅ The Action:
Create a database of local solicitors and advisors.
Attend professional networking events to introduce your charity.
Offer free resources (brochures, case studies, or guides) to help them discuss legacy giving with clients.
2. Provide Professional Development and Training
💡 The Strategy: Many solicitors and financial advisors don’t feel confident discussing charitable gifts with clients. Offering CPD-accredited training or information sessions can help bridge the gap.
✅ The Action:
Host legacy giving workshops for advisors.
Provide CPD-accredited training on charitable wills and tax benefits.
Offer webinars or lunch-and-learns to educate them on the power of gifts in wills.
3. Develop Clear and Accessible Legacy Giving Materials
💡 The Strategy: Make it easy for solicitors and advisors to introduce legacy giving by providing simple, clear information about how to leave a gift.
✅ The Action:
Create a one-page explainer on leaving a gift in a will.
Develop a solicitor-friendly legacy giving guide.
Ensure your website has a dedicated legacy giving page FOR PROFESSIONALS with all necessary information.
4. Collaborate on Client Engagement Initiatives
💡 The Strategy: Work directly with solicitors and advisors to engage their clients in legacy giving conversations.
✅ The Action:
Co-host estate planning events to educate clients about legacy giving.
Encourage advisors to ask simple questions like, “Would you like to consider leaving a gift to a cause you care about?”
5. Leverage Tax Incentives as a ‘Nudge’
💡 The Strategy: Highlight the tax benefits of legacy giving to both advisors and their clients. Gifts left to charities in wills are exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT) in the UK and can reduce the overall tax burden (capital gains tax) for beneficiaries in other regions.
✅ The Action:
Share real-life examples of how leaving 10% or more of an estate to charity can lower the IHT rate from 40% to 36%.
Provide tax-saving case studies that advisors can share with clients.
Include a section on tax benefits in your legacy giving materials.
6. Recognise and Appreciate Your Professional Partners
💡 The Strategy: Solicitors and wealth advisors are more likely to support your cause if they feel valued and involved.
✅ The Action:
Create a ‘Legacy Giving Champions’ network to recognise supportive advisors.
Host an annual appreciation event to thank them for their contributions.
Share impact stories with them to reinforce how their role is making a difference.
Final Thoughts – How I Can Help
Building partnerships with solicitors and wealth advisors isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ - it’s a game-changer for legacy fundraising. With the right approach, charities can turn these professionals into powerful advocates for gifts in wills.
Need help creating a solicitor engagement strategy? Or need help building a business case to support this? I work with charities to develop effective legacy fundraising plans that strengthen professional partnerships and increase legacy giving.
📩 Let’s chat! Get in touch today to discuss how we can grow your legacy income together.
