Why More People in the UK Are Leaving a Gift in Their Will – And Supporting the Arts

Writing a will is something many people put off, but a growing number of Brits are now taking estate planning more seriously. From an aging population to the rise of online will-writing services, more people are making sure their final wishes are in place. And increasingly, they’re choosing to leave a lasting impact by supporting charities, including the arts.

The Growing Trend of Legacy Giving

So, why the sudden interest in legacy giving? Several factors are at play. The UK’s population is aging, and with a historic transfer of wealth from the Baby Boomer generation, people are becoming more aware of the importance of planning their estates. Rising property values also mean more people fall into the Inheritance Tax bracket, prompting them to think carefully about how their assets will be distributed.

The COVID-19 pandemic was another major turning point. Faced with uncertainty, many people started thinking seriously about the future, leading to a sharp rise in will-writing. Law firms and charities reported a 50%+ increase in will inquiries during 2020-2021 alone.

A Historic Transfer of Wealth

The UK is also experiencing a historic transfer of wealth, as Baby Boomers pass on assets. This generational shift has made legacy giving a crucial part of estate planning. With growing awareness and increasing opportunities to make an impact, more people than ever are choosing to leave a legacy—not just for their loved ones, but for the arts and future generations of performers.

Why Do People Leave Charitable Gifts in Their Wills?

There are several reasons why more people are choosing to leave a charitable gift in their will:

• Tax Benefits – In the UK, inheritance tax is 40% on estates over £325,000, but if 10% or more of an estate is left to charity, the tax rate drops to 36%, making legacy giving financially attractive.
• Personal Values and Impact – Many donors view legacy giving as a way to continue supporting the causes they care about beyond their lifetime.
• A Way to Give Back – Some donors have personally benefited from generosity that changed their own lives or a family member’s life, and they want to extend that kindness to others.
• Passion for the Arts – Arts and culture organisations rely heavily on private donations, and many donors recognise the role they play in keeping the arts alive for future generations.

The ENBS Legacy Circle – A New Way to Give Back

In March, the ENBS philanthropy team announced an exciting new initiative: the Legacy Circle. With a rising trend in legacy giving and supporters looking for meaningful ways to contribute, it seemed the perfect time to introduce this option.

Giving, of any type, is deeply personal. Whether ballet has played a role in your life or you have witnessed firsthand how transformative a sponsorship or donation can be, ENBS has created another avenue for support. While legacy programmes are not new, they are certainly growing in popularity.

In 2023, gifts in wills contributed over £4 billion to UK charities, making it one of the fastest-growing forms of charitable giving. It is estimated that around 20% of wills in the UK now include some form of charitable donation, a figure that has increased by more than 12% in the past decade.

While there are no exact figures on how these legacy gifts are distributed, we do know that arts, culture, and heritage organisations have seen substantial growth. The arts sector specifically has grown by 10% annually over the past decade. According to a 2024 Remember A Charity report, 21% of UK charity supporters aged 40 and above have included a charitable gift in their wills, up from 15% in 2018.

This upward trend highlights the increasing importance of legacy giving as a vital funding source for the arts—and now, ENBS is part of this movement.

More Ways to Support ENBS

While legacy giving is a powerful way to support the future of ballet, there are many other ways to help:

• One-off or Regular Donations – Contributions of any size help fund student scholarships, training programmes, and performance opportunities.
• Sponsorship – Support an individual student or a specific programme.
• Corporate Partnerships – Businesses can get involved through sponsorships, grants, and collaborations.
• Fundraising Events – Attend or host events to raise funds for ENBS.
• Volunteering – Giving your time can be just as valuable as a financial contribution.

---

Thinking about leaving a legacy to The English National Ballet School? We provide personal guidance on how to include a gift in your will. Your support can help shape the future of ballet and ensure its beauty continues for generations to come.

Find out more about the ENBS Legacy Circle here.

Or for more information on our Scholarship Programmes and other ways to support ENBS, go to our Support Us page.