Legacy and lifetime giving: See the difference you make

Posted: 7th September 2026

As CEO of SELFA Children’s Charity, I’ve been lucky enough to meet some incredibly generous people over the years. They all have one thing in common: they want to make a difference.

On Remember a Charity Week, I’ve found myself reflecting on two donations we’ve received that, interestingly, were worth a very similar amount but felt very different.

The first came through a legacy. The estate was worth just under £500,000 and, after legal fees, administration costs, accountancy fees, valuation costs and a number of other expenses, around £337,000 was left to be shared between eight charities. My understanding is that nearly £30,000 was spent on professional and administration costs alone before the charitable gifts were distributed.

The second donation came from a supporter who chose to give during their lifetime through a donor-advised fund. Over the past few years, that donor has granted £32,500 to SELFA, which is remarkably similar to the value of the legacy gift we eventually received.

But the experience couldn’t have been more different – the individual was able to see exactly where their money has gone, and what their generosity has achieved.

They’ve been able to choose the areas they care most about. They have supported projects that matter to them personally. They’ve seen children gain confidence, make friends, improve their wellbeing and enjoy experiences that many of us take for granted.

Most importantly, they’ve been part of the journey.

As a small local charity, that’s something I don’t think we talk about enough. When people leave money in a will, it’s an amazing act of kindness and we’ll always be hugely grateful. Legacy gifts help charities like SELFA do things that simply wouldn’t otherwise be possible.

But when someone gives while they’re still here, they get to experience the joy of seeing the difference they’re making. They get to hear the stories, meet the people whose lives they’re changing and see exactly where their money has gone.

And although tax isn’t an exciting topic, it’s a practical factor worth considering.

Many forms of lifetime giving can be structured in a tax-efficient way, meaning more money can reach charities than people sometimes realise. In some cases, tax relief can increase the value of charitable giving, while gifts made through donor-advised funds can often avoid some of the complexity and costs that arise when estates are administered after death. Every situation is different, of course, and people should always take their own professional advice.

When I think about the two gifts we’ve received, one through a will and one through lifetime giving, I’m struck by the fact that they have delivered a similar financial benefit to SELFA.

Yet one donor has had the pleasure of seeing every step of the journey.

For me, that’s a powerful reminder that creating a legacy doesn’t have to wait until we’re gone. Sometimes the greatest gift is being able to see the difference you’ve made while you’re still here to enjoy it.

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