Why are gifts in wills so important to Survival?

Survival’s unprecedented success in helping Indigenous and tribal peoples secure their future has depended heavily on legacies, both large and small, from supporters. For many years Survival has had to spend more on urgent campaigns than supporters are able to give. To help stop tribes from being wiped out, we often need to provide crucial help at short notice – and cannot wait to raise the necessary funds.

Survival has only been able to act at such times because past supporters have left legacies, often giving gifts they could not have afforded in their lifetimes. Their generosity will be felt for generations, enabling tribal peoples from the Amazon rainforest to the Kalahari Desert to survive and to pass on their ancestral land to their children’s children.

The kind of world we leave behind depends on what we do today. Please help make a difference for future generations by leaving Survival a legacy.

How to leave a gift in your will

As a registered charity, a gift to Survival in your will is exempt from inheritance tax and is deducted from the value of your estate before taxation. 

Not only is this an extremely tax efficient way to give to charity, it can also reduce any inheritance tax bill on your death and the burden of tax on your loved ones.

If you choose to include Survival in your will, please ask your solicitor to use one of the following suggested texts:

For a share of your estate (residuary bequest)

This is a share of the residue of your estate after all other bequests have been made and all expenses paid. Your gift has the benefit of being unaffected by inflation. This is probably the best way to leave a gift to Survival.

Suggested wording: ‘I give all (or a …. % share of) the residue of my estate to Survival International Charitable Trust, 6 Charterhouse Buildings, London EC1M 7ET, registered charity number 267444, to be applied by Survival for its charitable purposes, and I further direct that the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my Executors.’

For a cash gift (pecuniary bequest)

This is a fixed sum of money. Inflation will reduce the value of a pecuniary gift, so you may wish to review your will from time to time.

Suggested wording: ‘I give the sum of £ (amount in figures and words) to Survival International Charitable Trust, 6 Charterhouse Buildings, London EC1M 7ET, registered charity number 267444, to be applied by Survival for its charitable purposes, and I further direct that the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my Executors.’

For a specific gift (specific bequest)

This is a named item rather than money, for example works of art, stocks and shares, or other valuables.

Suggested wording: ‘I give my (describe the gift you wish to give) to Survival International Charitable Trust, 6 Charterhouse Buildings, London EC1M 7ET, registered charity number 267444, to be applied by Survival for its charitable purposes, and I further direct that the receipt of the Honorary Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my Executors.’

Already have a will?

If you would like to add a gift to Survival to your existing will, you can easily do so by using a ‘codicil’. A codicil is a simple legal document that allows you to make changes to your existing will without having to write a new will. It is kept with your will and has legal status. Your solicitor will be able to help you draft the amendment.

'If it weren't for Survival we Indigenous peoples around the world would have no support. We need Survival for future generations to continue fighting for our planet' Davi Kopenawa, Yanomami leader and shaman

Get in touch

If you're planning to include Survival in your will, or have already, we'd love to hear from you. 

Let us know you're choosing to remember Survival

If you have any questions, or would like legacy information in the post, please get in touch below.

Request further information

Thank you for considering leaving a gift to Survival in your will.