Legacy Futures has been leaders in research and analysis in the charity sector for over fifteen years, driving deeper knowledge and understanding of legacy and in-memory giving. Through our cutting-edge market-leading research and analysis, we have set out the size and scope of these markets. We arm charities with crucial insight and data on performance and potential to direct strategies and investment plans, and help charities better understand their audiences.

Our pioneering research and insight projects are consortium based. We bring together groups of charities to collectively learn, share and fund research and analysis, exploring key topics and emerging market issues related to legacy and in-memory giving. Our programmes spotlight on topics, exploring them in the round using mixed method, multi-stage research to outline learnings, identify future opportunities and help charities engage better with their supporters to increase their income.

Where there is a benchmarking element to the programme, consortium working offers the opportunity for charities to compare against other members, rather than against averages. It provides important context through understanding the nuances of individual charity results as well as the ability to make more meaningful, multi-dimensional comparisons.

The collaborative consortium approach cuts costs, saves time and creates opportunities for joint initiatives. It allows a broad range of charities and sector professionals to engage in research that considers innovative and ground breaking themes which advances their thinking and expertise. It also offers the ability to engage in larger scale research through shared costs and the opportunity for collaboration and collective learning.

Through consortium programmes, members benefit from a more comprehensive research project than their individual budgets would allow. Pooling budgets to commission research enables a more thorough and in-depth exploration of the topic, a wider scope and a more rounded view than would be possible if a charity were to carry out the research alone.

Our consortium programmes also provide an opportunity for collaboration – for peer-to-peer engagement and for members to share and learn from each other. Our consortiums are made up of a truly diverse range of charities across different sectors, cause areas and sizes, which enhances the learning opportunities for all involved.

The consortium perspective is incorporated in every programme and topic we explore together. Members have the chance to discuss key issues and share their experiences and best practice, working together to push knowledge, understanding and expertise forward.

Our programmes also provide an opportunity to share topline learnings more widely, outside of the consortium, in order to lead and advance knowledge and understanding across the charity sector.

Carrying out good, robust, reliable research takes time, resource and expertise. Over the years, we at Legacy Futures have built up a bank of knowledge, insight and expertise, meaning that each programme builds on the last and ensures members gain as much value as possible from the research and insight.

Our next research programme will start in January 2026 and will focus on the longstanding question charity leaders and legacy fundraisers have about the role of brand in driving legacy income. This programme will explore the link between legacy and brand. It will explore what makes a good charity brand and what brand strength means in a legacy context. It will provide practical insights and recommendations on how charities can leverage their brand to grow legacy engagement and income. And crucially, through deeper statistical analysis, it will explore the relationships and correlations between brand strength, fundraised income and legacy income.

Download the proposal or get in touch if you are interested in joining the programme or you’d like to find out more information. We’d love you to join us.