For many of us, our time at university was transformative. It was more than just academia—it was a defining chapter coloured by intellectual discovery, expanding perspectives, lifelong friendships, and steps towards independence. Our alma mater shaped the people we’ve become and continues to evolve and serve new generations. Given the profound role universities have played in our lives, it’s no surprise that many alumni wish to give something back. One increasingly meaningful way to do so is through providing a legacy gift—also known as leaving a bequest—to the institution that once nurtured their potential.
A legacy gift is more than a financial contribution; it is a powerful expression of gratitude, vision, and belief in the enduring value of higher education. Choosing to leave a portion of one’s estate to a university is a deeply personal decision that reflects not only individual philanthropic values but also a commitment to the greater good of society. This kind of giving shapes the future—facilitating research breakthroughs, improving facilities, supporting financially disadvantaged students, and enabling the university to maintain academic excellence while adapting to an ever-changing world.
Legacy giving enables universities to plan their long-term future with greater security and confidence. Unlike one-time donations, legacy gifts help build endowments: pooled investment funds where the capital is preserved and the generated income fuels university activities for years—sometimes indefinitely. This enduring support provides stability for institutions often under pressure from fluctuating government funding, inflationary costs, and increasing operational demands.
Moreover, these gifts are often deeply purposeful. Donors can express their wishes regarding how the funds are used—whether to sponsor a student bursary, finance a future research chair, preserve historic buildings, or develop cultural programmes. Each choice mirrors the diverse passions of alumni and their desire to leave a mark that resonates well beyond their own lifetime.
In some cases, legacy gifts have transformed university departments or sparked new centres of excellence, bringing prestige and benefits to both institution and donor alike. A bequest doesn’t merely ‘fund’ something; it invests in ideas, opportunities and the continued advancement of society’s collective knowledge.
There are several ways to remember a university in your will, and the most appropriate type of legacy depends on individual circumstances and the complexity of your estate.
The most common method is a pecuniary legacy, a fixed amount of money left to the chosen institution. This is straightforward and allows the university to use the total sum once the estate is finalised. However, with potential economic shifts over time, the actual impact of a fixed sum may diminish.
In contrast, a residuary legacy refers to a percentage of the remainder of an estate after other bequests and expenses have been settled. This method ensures the relative value of the gift is protected from inflation, and it is often a preferred option for many charities and institutions. It can increase in value if your estate grows or ensure proportional support even if the estate is smaller than anticipated.
Other less common though equally beneficial legacy types include reversionary legacies—where the gift only goes to the university after a named beneficiary has passed—and specific gifts of property, investments or valuable possessions. These can include land, shares, artwork, or even rare books. In all cases, it is strongly recommended individuals seek legal advice to ensure their intentions are clearly stated and legally enforceable.
Deciding to include a university in your will is deeply reflective. For most donors, it stems from a strong sense of gratitude and allegiance. Perhaps their time at university opened doors that would have otherwise been closed. Perhaps they were the first in their family to attend higher education, and the experience changed the narrative for generations to follow. Or perhaps, simply, university life brought joy, stimulation, and personal growth—so much so that continuing its mission feels like a natural and worthwhile act.
Some alumni feel particularly drawn to support students who face hardships, recalling how a scholarship or bursary made their own education possible. Others are passionate about cutting-edge research and wish to fund innovation in disciplines close to their hearts. Still others are especially connected to heritage or the arts and want to preserve the cultural treasures housed within university archives and collections.
Legacy gifts are often made even more personal through naming opportunities—establishing an endowment or facility in the donor’s name or that of someone they wish to honour. This not only keeps their memory alive but also inspires current and future students to appreciate the continuing cycle of support and investment.
In the United Kingdom, leaving a charitable legacy to a recognised institution such as a university can also carry meaningful tax benefits. Legacy gifts are typically exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT), which currently sits at 40% for estates above the £325,000 threshold. By including charitable gifts in your will, you could potentially reduce the total tax liability on your estate.
Furthermore, if more than 10% of the net estate is left to charity, the rate of IHT on the remaining estate may be reduced to 36%, which could generate a considerable saving for other beneficiaries. For individuals with substantial assets, this often means that charitable giving can form a key element of responsible and rewarding estate planning.
To take full advantage of these benefits, it is essential to ensure the gift is properly structured with the support of a qualified solicitor or estate planner. A letter of wishes can accompany the will, indicating how exactly the donor would like the funds to be used, though this is not binding. For more specific or complex intentions, it is always best to discuss matters directly with the university’s legacy or development team.
Most universities have developed thoughtful strategies to recognise and honour legacy donors. Many have established legacy societies—special groups that provide alumni with updates, invitations to exclusive events, and a sense of belonging to a select community devoted to supporting the university’s long-term growth.
These societies fulfil a dual purpose. First, they express sincere appreciation and stewardship, ensuring the donor feels respected and engaged. Second, they can function as advocacy tools, encouraging other alumni to consider similar philanthropy through the power of shared stories and testimonials.
Additionally, existing legacy donors are often consulted on how their gifts will be recognised in perpetuity, whether through engraved name plaques, tribute events, named lectureships or references in university publications. This approach roots the legacy within the institutional memory, ensuring that future generations are aware of the people whose generosity helped shape the environment they experience.
Including a university in your will requires deep reflection, careful planning, and open communication. It’s a decision that often evolves over time as alumni assess their financial situations, life experiences, and philanthropic priorities. While it’s never too late to make a will or amend an existing one, earlier conversations can mean more comprehensive planning and greater peace of mind.
It’s also helpful to share your intentions—either publicly or confidentially—with the university. Not only does this offer the opportunity for dialogue about how your legacy will be employed, but it also helps institutions plan more accurately. Furthermore, declaring your intentions during your lifetime allows the university to acknowledge and thank you accordingly, which can be deeply affirming.
Of course, not everyone is in a position to make a substantial financial gift, and universities are equally appreciative of modest legacies. The cumulative power of many small bequests can have just as significant an impact as one major donation. What matters most is the intention and faith being demonstrated in the institution’s future.
As society confronts global challenges—climate change, health inequities, misinformation, and shifting labour markets—universities remain at the forefront, incubating the knowledge and innovation necessary for progress. They produce critical thinkers, pioneering researchers, and thought leaders who shape the world in innumerable ways.
By supporting higher education, donors are uplifting institutions that act as catalysts for societal transformation. They are investing in the training of doctors, engineers, teachers, artists, and civic leaders. They are funding inquiries into vaccines, renewable energy, cybersecurity, cultural diversity, and digital ethics. In short, they are enablers of human advancement.
Therefore, legacy giving to universities is not merely about giving back to where you once belonged—it is about building the world you wish to see.
For many, their legacy gift is one of the last significant messages they will communicate to the world. It reflects their identity, their passions, their gratitude, and their principles. Many donors find this form of giving immensely meaningful not only because it supports an institution they care about but because it offers continuity. Their values live on in the buildings, books, minds and research their gift facilitates.
As with any philanthropic act, leaving a legacy should come from a place of authenticity and purpose. It doesn’t require wealth beyond measure, only a commitment to invest in something enduring and broader than oneself. Whether helping a first-generation student access education, enabling a researcher to confront disease, or preserving the vibrancy of campus life, every legacy matters.
Legacy giving to universities is a rich and meaningful avenue of philanthropy. It harnesses the journey of the past to support the ambitions of the future. More than a financial transaction, it is an emotional, ethical and communal gesture—one that reinforces the shared importance of education, knowledge and service.
As you assess your vision for the future and the imprint you’d like to leave behind, consider how your university might play a role in that story. Explore the ways in which your legacy could empower discovery, equity, inclusion or innovation. And reach out to your alma mater’s legacy team—they will be ready and deeply honoured to walk that journey with you.
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