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.
The report shows that legacy income reached an estimated £4.4 billion in 2025. While this represents a modest easing from the exceptional £4.6 billion peak recorded in 2024, the market performed significantly better than many expected.
Following the clearance of the probate backlog by HM Courts & Tribunals Service last year, a slowdown in estate administration and a corresponding fall in legacy income had been widely expected. Instead, probate volumes remained robust, charitable estates held close to record levels, and average gift values remained high.
Alongside this short-term performance, the report highlights factors that are expected to shape the outlook for legacy income in the years ahead, including demographic change, evolving charitable giving patterns and emerging policy developments. These influences suggest that while the market remains strong today, future performance will be shaped by a more complex and changing environment.
The UK charity sector is changing. Fewer people are giving to charity, but those who do are donating more than ever before.
At first glance, that sounds encouraging. But beneath the headline figures sits a more complex picture with significant implications for fundraising and legacy giving.
Research from CharityTracker, presented at a recent Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) webinar, suggests the giving market is becoming increasingly polarised. Participation in charitable giving is shrinking, while income is becoming more concentrated among a smaller group of highly engaged supporters.
For charities thinking long-term, this matters.
Even the most seasoned communicator knows the feeling. You spend months shaping a campaign, the launch lands, the room fills with anticipation – and then, almost immediately, the energy drains away. The post-launch blues.
You may see some promising outputs or encouraging anecdotes, but can you honestly say who heard you, what they took from it, or whether it nudged the dial you needed to move? For organisations doing vital work in a crowded, fast-changing world, that uncertainty shouldn’t be the norm.
When you’re tracking, the picture is different. You get feedback rather than silence. You can see who saw the campaign, how they responded and whether it shifted awareness, credibility or motivation. Instead of a vacuum, you gain momentum. Teams feel re-energised because they have fresh knowledge to take into the next launch – and the means to make it sharper, more targeted and more effective.
You can find the full Insight to Action series here.
PS want to know which AI persona you are? Complete the survey to find out. You'll also receive a copy of the report behind the segments.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Crispin Ellison Bursary Award, a milestone for both Legacy Futures and the wider legacy sector.
Over the past decade, the award has helped nurture talent, strengthen professional development and open doors for 24 people working in charity legacy administration throughout the UK and across a wide range of cause areas, reflecting the diversity of the sector. More than that, it has carried forward the values and vision of the man whose name it proudly bears.
Since its launch, the Crispin Ellison Bursary Award has supported professionals at different stages of their careers, from those new to legacy administration to experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise.
Dr Claire Routley has put fingertips to keyboard writing another inspirational article. Pulling from her recent personal literary explorations she applies the thinking of Charles Duhigg's book "Supercommunicators" to legacy giving.
In his book, Duhigg talks about there being three types of conversation, and how, for communication to work effectively, you need to:
a) understand which type of conversation you’re having and
b) be having the same type of conversation as the other person.
The three types of communication are practical (fact-based, solution seeking), emotional (focused on feelings) and social (about identity and values).
But, of course, being the self-described "legacy nerd", Dr Claire Routley applies his thinking to gifts in wills conversations.
Hannah O'Ryan-Roeder
Product Marketing Manager
What drew you to working into the charity sector?
I've always been drawn to work where you can make a difference and see the impact of what you do. Before moving into the charity sector, I worked in education and volunteered in a school. After leaving, I did contract work for a charity, which gave me valuable insight into the sector. Around the same time, I became a trustee of my child's preschool, where I'm now Vice Chair and part of the fundraising team. It gave me first-hand experience of the difference charities and volunteers can make, which made me want to build on my career in the charity sector.
What is your role at Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford?
I'm Product Marketing Manager for the charities division. My role is to help charities understand how our products & services can support the work they do. I create resources, communications and campaigns that explain what our solutions are, the problems they solve, and how they can help charities achieve their goals.
7-13th September 2026
21 September 2026
Insight in Fundraising Conference 2026
7th September 2026
Navigator Community Workshop - Donor Stewardship 101
CharityTracker: AI in charities report.
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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