Building on the inaugural 2025 edition, this year’s report goes further, with a richer dataset, sharper analysis, and deeper insight into what’s shaping the future of legacy giving.
Amid sustained pressure on fundraising performance, donor participation and long-term financial planning, a clear, evidence-led view of the legacy market has never mattered more. The decisions charities make today will shape their resilience for years to come.
This report seeks to bring clarity during a time of change and uncertainty. By combining comprehensive data from the Smee & Ford notification service with the forecasting, interpretation and sector insight from Legacy Futures, it offers the most complete view of the legacy giving market available today. Following the inaugural 2025 edition, it also builds further with a richer dataset, sharper analysis, and a more developed understanding of what is shaping legacy giving.
Sneak peak
Charitable estates hit 44,000 the second highest total ever seen.
Legacy income reached an estimated £4.4bn in 2025, a 10-year annual growth rate of 4.3%
Health remains the leading cause among charities, taking 34% of income.
1. IDENTIFY
The Baby Boomer cohort currently accounts for 23% of deaths but will exceed 50% by the mid-2030s. Use external market data alongside your supporter data to identify who your legators are, what motivates them, and who among your current supporters shares those characteristics. Prioritise engagement accordingly – the window is narrowing.
2. CONNECT
Supporters who feel a meaningful, sustained connection to your charity are far more likely to include it in their will. Use supporter insight to build deeper relationships – the better you understand legators and their motivations, the more effectively you will be able to develop a lifelong process of engagement that sustains commitment long-term.
3. INFORM
Strengthen trust and belief in charities by highlighting their impact at scale – for example, charities’ role in funding the COVID-19 vaccine. Seeing that giving drives meaningful change reinforces confidence and participation.
More recommendations for charity leaders included in the report.
“We’ve seen a measurable increase in pledger numbers and warm legacy enquiries since our legacy marketing became more intelligent. We’ve also been able to prioritise new accessible resources for supporters with MS, which is already improving satisfaction and reducing barriers to pledge.”
Sarah Rebus, Legacies Lead, MS Society
Case study: Using insight to improve legacy marketing and engagement
Access the latest market trends
A collaboration between Legacy Futures, Smee & Ford and Remember A Charity.
