Now in their fourth year, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation and impact across the UK legacy giving sector, recognising the individuals, teams and organisations driving forward this vital income stream for charities.
Fourteen winners, selected from 91 finalists, were revealed during the ceremony, showcasing the extraordinary contributions of legacy professionals and partners from across the sector. The winners were chosen by an expert judging panel of 15 leading figures from the legacy giving community, who assessed entries based on Ambition, Excellence and Achievement.
Legacy giving continues to play an increasingly important role in supporting the UK’s charitable sector, with gifts in Wills projected to reach nearly £5 billion annually by 2030. This year’s awards highlight the sector’s ongoing evolution, with a strong focus on digital innovation, stewardship, collaboration and leadership.
The 2026 winners represent a diverse range of charities, agencies and partners, from national organisations to specialist causes, all demonstrating outstanding commitment to engaging supporters and maximising the impact of legacy giving.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and highly commended organisations. The scale and quality of entries we received is a testament to the dedication and expertise across the sector. It was fantastic to come together and celebrate the achievements of so many organisations and individuals who are pushing boundaries and delivering real impact through legacy giving.
Polly Avgherinos, CEO at MiExact
We are thrilled to honour the incredible organisations and individuals who took home awards this year:
Digital Innovation in Legacy Giving
Action for Children
(Highly Commended: British Red Cross)
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Excellence in Stewardship
Essex Wildlife Trust
(Highly Commended: Victoria and Albert Museum)
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Best Creative Partner
Raw London
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Best Legal Partner
Foot Anstey
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Best Will Writing Partner
Octopus Legacy
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Legacy Campaign of the Year
St John’s Hospice
(Highly Commended: Hospice UK)
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Legacy Champion of the Year
Janet Abraham, Claire House Hospice
(Highly Commended: Catherine Bosworth, Hospice UK)
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Future Leader Bursary Awards
Charlotte Price (Air Ambulance Charity)
Jennifer Connolly (Hospice in the Weald)
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Crispin Ellison Bursary Awards
Sassy Holmes (Yorkshire Wildlife Trust)
Aiste Klisyte (Edinburgh Cats and Dogs Home)
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Legacy Event of the Year
Dorset Wildlife Trust
(Highly Commended: Alzheimer’s Research UK)
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Outstanding Partner to the Legacy Sector
Octopus Legacy
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Legacy Team of the Year
Alzheimer’s Society
The calibre of entries this year has been exceptional, reflecting a sector that continues to grow in confidence, innovation and impact. It is especially meaningful to mark the 10th anniversary of the Crispin Ellison Bursary, which plays an important role in supporting professional development and nurturing future talent within legacy administration. Together, the winners and finalists demonstrate the strength and ambition of the legacy giving community.
Ashley Rowthorn, Executive Director at MiExact’s Legacy Futures and Smee & Ford
Thank you to everyone who entered this year, our finalists and winners, and our brilliant partners – Probate.Auction, Shakespeare Martineau, Inheritect, Just Clear, Remember a Charity and the Institute of Legacy Management. You are all a huge part of why legacy giving is such a powerful and enduring force in the UK.
Could 2027 be your year?
We’re already looking ahead to next year. If you’d like to be part of the 2027 Legacy Giving Awards, register your interest to stay informed about dates, submissions and event updates:
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We’re looking for an Analyst to join our growing team at MiExact, to work across our charity products and services, including legacy income forecasting, benchmarking and research.
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We’re looking for an Analyst to join our growing team at MiExact, to work across our charity products and services, including legacy income forecasting, benchmarking and research.
Read more
