The Legacy Giving Report 2026, launched recently by Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford shows that legacy giving continues to provide vital stability for the UK charity sector, with total legacy income reaching an estimated £4.4 billion in 2025.
Despite an expected easing following 2024’s exceptional
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More key findings from the report, include:
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Legacy income reached £4.4 billion in 2025, with long-term annual growth rate of 4.3%.
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Charitable estates totalled 44,000, the second highest level on record.
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An estimated 104,000 charitable bequests were made, down 11% on 2024 following the clearing of the probate backlog.
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Average gift values reached £44,000 overall, with residual gifts averaging £98,000 and pecuniary gifts £6,100.
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Health charities remain the largest recipients, accounting for 34% of legacy income.
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The South East, South West and London together account for 44% of all legacy giving
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Legacy income is forecast to grow to £5 billion by 2029 and £10 billion by 2046.
The bigger picture
The report highlights that 2024’s record performance was driven in part by HM Courts & Tribunals Service clearing a backlog of probate cases. While some correction was expected in 2025, probate volumes and gift values held up better than forecast, underlining the strength of the market.
However, the report warns of emerging long-term challenges. Fewer people are giving to charity overall, and engagement among younger generations is declining. As legacy gifts often reflect decisions made decades earlier, this trend could pose risks to future income.
At the same time, upcoming policy changes including inheritance tax thresholds and pension reforms are expected to increase estate complexity and may slow the flow of legacy income in the short term.
Who are the legators?
This year’s report places a particular focus on “who are the legators?”,
It examines the impact of demographic shifts, with Baby Boomers expected to drive a significant increase in legacy income as they age, alongside the growing trend for will-writing and legacy decisions to happen earlier in life. This builds a clearer picture of how legacy giving is shaped and how charities can better understand and engage future supporters.
Ashley Rowthorn, Executive Director at Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford, said:
“This year’s report highlights both stability in the present and uncertainty ahead. Legacy income remains a cornerstone of charity funding, and the outlook is positive in the medium term, with steady growth forecast over the next decade.
“However, the decisions that will shape legacy income in the 2030s and beyond are being made today. Charities that invest in insight, strengthen supporter connections and adapt to changing behaviours will be best placed to realise the full potential of legacy giving in the years to come.”
Claire Routley, Consultancy Director Legacy Futures, added: “Legacy giving continues to show remarkable resilience, even as charities face wider economic and societal pressures. What stands out in this year’s data is the strength of the underlying market, with income, estate numbers and gift values all holding up well despite an anticipated correction.
“But the report also makes clear that future growth cannot be taken for granted. Charities need to understand who their supporters are, how motivations are evolving, and how to build lasting relationships that translate into long-term support through gifts in wills.”
Adding her thoughts,
The Legacy Giving Report 2026 can be downloaded for free here.
