Charitable gifts left in Wills top £100m milestone, new data reveals

09 September 2026

  • New data showcases UK adults’ generous spirit with a 5% increase in the number of Wills including a charitable gift in 2025 compared to 2024.*
  • The estimated value of charitable gifts pledged in Wills written through Co-op Legal Services in 2025 reached £102.1 million, up 6% compared with 2024.
  • Unique gifts left to charities in 2025 included a steam locomotive, a boat, a record collection and a private car registration number plate.
  • The data aligns with Remember A Charity Week (7-13 September 2026) which encourages people to consider the impact they can make through gifts in Wills.

The amount pledged to charities through Wills in 2025 surpassed £100 million according to new data, highlighting the enduring generosity of people choosing to support good causes beyond their lifetime.

The insights, provided by Co-op Legal Services, found that the estimated value of charitable gifts pledged through Wills reached £102.1 million in 2025, a 6% increase on the £95.8 million recorded the previous year.

The number of Wills containing a charitable gift also increased by 5%, demonstrating continued growth in legacy giving.

Cancer charities remain the most popular cause for legacy gifts, followed by other health-related charities and emergency rescue organisations. Animal welfare, mental health and disability charities also featured prominently among the causes people chose to support.

Top 10 charity causes supported through gifts in Wills 1. Cancer Related Support, Research, and Treatment 2. Other Health 3. Emergency Rescue 4. Animal 5. Mental Health & Disability 6. International Aid & Development 7. Children 8. Arts, Culture & Heritage 9. Advancing Religion 10. Environment

While many people choose to leave a cash sum or share of their estate, some gifts reflect lifelong passions and interests. Among the quirkier items gifted to charities in 2025 were:

  • A steam locomotive
  • A record collection
  • A swinging chair
  • A private car registration number plate
  • A collection of musical instruments
  • A boat
  • A garage

Additionally, research conducted by Co-op Legal Services found that the average amount those with a will expect to pass on to beneficiaries is £260,000, with approximately one in eight (12%) anticipating leaving £500,000 or more, highlighting the significant wealth that many Brits plan to bequeath. **

The findings are released to align with Remember A Charity Week (7-13 September 2026), the annual awareness campaign that encourages people to consider leaving a gift to charity alongside providing for family and loved ones.

James Antoniou, Head of Estate Planning at Co-op Legal Services said: "Leaving a gift to charity in a Will is a powerful way to create a lasting impact on the causes that matter most to you. It's encouraging to see both the number and value of charitable gifts in wills continuing to grow, showing that people are increasingly conscious of the difference they can make for future generations.

"What's particularly striking is the variety of gifts being left behind. From treasured collections to unique personal possessions, these donations often tell a story about an individual's passions, interests and values, while providing important support to charities across the UK."

Lucinda Frostick, Director of Remember A Charity, said: "These figures are a powerful reminder of just how philanthropic the nation is, even in such challenging times. Remembering good causes alongside our loved ones in a Will has become such a vital and deeply valued form of giving. And behind every legacy gift is a story and a desire to make a positive difference to the communities and causes that have touched people’s lives.

"This Remember A Charity Week, we’re celebrating the impact of each and every gift in a Will, encouraging more people to consider the lasting impact they could have by including their favourite charity in their Will.”

A gift in a Will can take a variety of forms, including a fixed cash amount, a specific item, or a percentage of an estate. Many charities rely on legacy gifts to help fund vital services, research and community support, making them an important source of long-term income.

For more information about including a charitable gift in a Will, visit: https://www.rememberacharity.org.uk/

ENDS

Notes to editors

*Based on Co-op Legal Services Will-writing and estate-planning data from 2025 compared with equivalent 2024 data.

**Research commissioned by the Co-op and conducted by Opinion Matters among a sample of 2,000 national representative UK adults (aged 18+). The data was collected between 20.3.26-23.3.26.

About Co-op Legal Services Co-op Legal Services is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, providing legal services in England and Wales. It is one of the largest providers of estate planning and probate services in the UK, with specialist practices in family law, serious injury and medical negligence.

Co-op Legal Services’ mission is to help people understand the law, to use the law to protect their future and that of their loved ones. It achieves this by providing accessible, engaging, professional legal advice and support through a blend of digital and 1-2-1 specialist advice.

Co-op Legal Services is part of the Co-op Group.

About Co-op Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,500 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in. For further information, please contact pressoffice@coop.co.uk