Legacies

The Enduring Power of a Legacy

Let’s Help Others to Leave a Lasting Gift That Builds the Future of Your Church
Did you know the legacy giving market in the UK is worth over £4.1 billion each year? Major charities are already making the most of this, and it’s time the Church did too. Legacy gifts help fund mission work, preserve our historic buildings, and allow individuals to express lasting gratitude to God.
 
Why It Matters
Christians are known for their generosity. Many leave gifts to well-known charities in their wills — but not always to their own church, which is also a registered charity.
According to the 2021 Anglican Giving Survey:
  • Anglicans are three times more likely to leave a gift in their will to another charity than to their church.
  • Only 15% of respondents had ever been asked to consider leaving a gift to their church.
 
Clearly, there’s an opportunity here.
 
Making It Easy
Some people would love to support their church this way, but:
  • They may not know it’s an option.
  • They might not know who to talk to.
  • They may never have been invited to consider it.
 
That’s where we come in.
 
We’re here to help make legacy giving simple and accessible — whether for regular members, visitors, or those who have moved away but still cherish their church community.
 
How You Can Help
We’re encouraging churches to:
  • Run occasional legacy campaigns.
  • Talk about gifts in wills throughout the year.
  • Make resources and guidance easily available — without pressure or obligation.
 
This isn’t about being forceful. It’s about offering an opportunity to make a difference that lasts for generations.
 
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We’d love to:
  • Meet with your PCC.
  • Speak at your church about the power and potential of legacy giving.
  • Provide you with everything you need to get started.
 
Please get in touch with us Your Generous Giving Team: generousgivingteam@dioceseofnorwich.org
 
We look forward to hearing from you.
 
Naomi, Robert & Colin

Here are Some Resources to get you Started

  1. Find out about Appointing A Legacy Officer here
  2. Read an Example Legacy Policy here
  3. Link to free wills from Farewill here
  4. Download Legacy Booklet here
  5. Order resources here