One of the things I enjoy most about working in the legacy sector is that we're constantly reminded that our greatest successes are built over time.
Whether it's developing stronger stewardship for in-memory supporters, understanding the communities and places we serve, or investing in the people shaping the future of our profession, the common thread is the importance of long-term relationships.
You'll see that reflected throughout this month's edition. We share details of our new In-Memory Insight programme, which will explore how charities can strengthen supporter relationships over time. We also look at why location matters in legacy giving, highlighting how regional differences can help charities better understand future opportunity.
You'll also meet Sassy Holmes from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, who reflects on her first six months in post and the difference the Crispin Ellison Bursary Award has made to her development. Alongside that, I explore why lasting relationships sit at the heart of hospice legacy fundraising, and Claire Routley offers a lighter perspective on what our four-legged friends can teach us about gifts in wills. Plus, the spotlight is on our business development manager Eleanor Cheetham in this month's meet the team member.
I hope you enjoy this month's edition and, as always, if something resonates or sparks a conversation, we'd love to hear from you.
This year's In-Memory Insight research programme is now open for applications, and will deep-dive into the world of in-memory stewardship.
Working with a group of participating charities, we'll examine how supporters' needs evolve over time, identify the moments that matter most in the supporter journey, and develop practical recommendations to strengthen long-term engagement.
Participating charities will be able to:
To see the type of insight the programme delivers, take a look at the public briefing from last year's study on making the most of tribute funds.
Applications close on 7 September. Download the full proposal to find out more, or register your interest to take part.
Legacy giving is often discussed in terms of demographics, wealth and long-term market growth, but geographical location is another important part of the story.
At the recent Legacy Strategy Summit, our session on location and legacy giving explored how legacy potential varies across the UK, and why recognising regional differences can help charities build a fuller understanding of the future market.
Our CharityTracker analysis highlighted that geography influences both the likelihood of someone leaving a charitable gift in their will, and the value of the estates from which those gifts are made. These factors are not distributed evenly, creating regional patterns that have important implications for legacy giving across the UK.
Six months into her role as Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s first full-time Legacy and In Memory Officer, Sassy Holmes, has already begun shaping the future of the charity’s legacy programme.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust protects and restores wildlife across the county, and legacy gifts play an increasingly important role in securing that future. In this article, Sassy Holmes reflects on her first six months as the Trust's dedicated Legacy and In Memory Officer, sharing how a supporter-first approach is helping to shape the charity's legacy programme and build lasting relationships.
Sassy also discusses what receiving the 2026 Crispin Ellison Bursary Award has meant to her professional development, describing it as an opportunity to continue learning and make an even greater difference for supporters and the wildlife the Trust exists to protect.
This month, Ashley took a closer look at the important part legacy giving continues to play for the hospice sector, in a piece with ehospice.com.
For hospices, legacy giving is rarely just a financial decision. It's an extension of the trust, gratitude and connection families feel after experiencing compassionate care at one of life's most difficult moments.
But as Ashley writes, that trust must be handled with care: bereavement is not a fundraising opportunity, and the strongest legacy programmes are built on genuine, long-term relationships – not campaigns alone.
Some of the best lessons in legacy fundraising come from unexpected places. Including...dogs 🐶.
On celebrating her beloved pooch's birthday recently, our Consultancy Director Claire Routley found herself reflecting on five lessons that our four-legged friends can teach us about gifts in wills fundraising, from finding joy and building trust to being there when supporters need us most, including some real examples from across the sector.
Eleanor Cheetham
Business Development Manager
What drew you to working into the charity sector?
Before joining MiExact, I spent over 12 years in sales and business development, with much of that time working in location planning, market research and data insight. I've always enjoyed helping organisations use data to better understand their audiences and make more informed decisions, so moving into a role where those skills could directly support charities felt like a natural fit.
What really drew me to the charity sector was the opportunity to combine commercial experience with meaningful purpose. Every conversation has the potential to help a charity strengthen its fundraising, improve supporter engagement or make better strategic decisions. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the insight, data and services we provide can ultimately help charities increase their impact and support more people. I've also found the sector to be incredibly collaborative, with so many passionate people who genuinely want to make a difference.
What is your role at Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford?
I'm part of the Commercial team, working with charities across the UK to help them get the most from our insight, data and consultancy services. I spend my time engaging with and understanding each organisation's goals and challenges, then matching them with the right solutions – whether that's Legacy Navigator, CharityTracker, forecasting, consultancy or other services that support fundraising and strategic planning. One of the things I enjoy most is learning about each charity's ambitions and helping them use evidence and insight to make confident decisions that will support their future growth.
7-13th September 2026
21 September 2026
Insight in Fundraising Conference 2026
7th September 2026
Navigator Community Workshop - Donor Stewardship 101
Free webinar: How Better Stewardship can Deepen In-Memory Giving
Thanks for taking the time to read this month's edition. See you next month!
Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford
Deepening engagement with in-memory supporters
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Legacy giving is often discussed in terms of demographics, wealth and long-term market growth, but geographical location is another important part of the story.
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