For over 150 years, Quaker Social Action (formerly the Bedford Institute Association) has stood with those living in poverty.
Gifts left to QSA in supporters’ wills are fundamental to the set-up and development of our distinctive and pioneering projects.
They provide the space to listen to the real poverty experts: those who are living it. In response, we can deliver practical projects across the UK, targeting the root causes of inequality.
Down to Earth - an innovative response to inequality, born out of legacies from Friends
Since 2010 our Down to Earth project has been responding to those struggling with rising funeral costs. Our innovative, award-winning project was the first funeral poverty support-line in the UK and remains the only UK-wide service, but without legacy donations from Friends and supporters, it would never have existed. To date, Down to Earth has helped over 5,000 people plan affordable and meaningful funerals.
How to leave a gift to QSA
If you have included a bequest in your will or intend to do so, you have our heartfelt thanks on behalf of everyone who will benefit from your generosity. One of your first steps will be to decide on the type of gift you would like to leave:
- A share of your estate (residuary gift) - a gift of the remainder of your estate after all other gifts have been made and debts, expenses and tax cleared. You may leave either the total remainder or a pecentage of it. It will not lose value over time so it is the most valuable way to give through your will.
- A cash gift (pecuniary gift) - a gift of a fixed sum of money. It is worth bearing in mind that the value of a pecuniary gift will decrease over time as the cost of living increases, unless you link it to inflation.
- Specific gift - a particular named item left as a gift in your will, such as personal possessions, land, building or shares.
- Codicil - if you have already made your will, adding Quaker Social Action can be done easily via a codicil. A codicil is a supplement to the will that can make amendments to allow additions.
Important note: this information is not intended to be legal advice, and we recommend that you consult your solicitor or a professional advisor when writing or revising your will. This also provides a good opportunity for you to review your assets and liabilities. Please do think of your family and friends before us.
For information on tax relief when leaving a gift to a charity in your will, please see this government website.
Quaker Homeless Action
On 1 December 2020 Quaker Homeless Action became part of QSA through a planned merger. If you have included a gift to Quaker Homeless Action in your will, in many cases this can be transferred, without amendment, to QSA for use in homelessness work, if that is your wish. However it will depend on the precise wording of the will, and we recommend that you seek legal advice to ensure that your wishes will be met.
Get in touch
If you’re willing to share plans with us, we would welcome the opportunity to thank you today. Informing us of your intentions will also help us to make important plans for the future.
If you have any questions about leaving a legacy to QSA, please contact our fundraising and communications team on 020 8983 5030 (main QSA office number) or fandc@qsa.org.uk
