One in four people leave money to charity with trust at 10-year high

Charitable giving in wills surges as public trust in charities hits a decade-high peak. Our latest blog article explores the link between legacy donations and charity credibility, and what this means for the third sector.

One in four people leave money to charity in their wills, according to research by the polling company Savanta. That is 50% higher than in 2014. The increase may be due in part to public trust in charities being at a ten-year high.

The Charity Commission, the regulator of charities in England and Wales, has published fresh research that shows public trust in charities at highest level since 2014. The research reveals that information about how money is spent by a charity is the single most important factor for most people. This is followed closely by knowing that the charity achieves its purpose, that it makes a difference and that it operates to high ethical standards. 

Overall, trust in charities is high and continues to recover. Charities now score 6.5 out of 10 for trust, up from 6.3 in 2023, from a low of 5.5 in 2018 following a series of scandals. Nearly 60% of people have “high” trust in charities (7 out of 10 or higher), placing it among the most trusted groups in society, second only after doctors. 

In a challenging financial environment, the research illustrates a growing reliance on charities for support, alongside a declining percentage of people donating to charities.

Charity Commission Chief Executive, David Holdsworth, said: “These findings are encouraging, demonstrating that charities collectively are once again firmly trusted by the public, making a visible, essential difference locally, nationally and globally.

“But there is no room for complacency, for charities or for us as regulators. The new findings point to the challenging financial environment charities are operating in, with a decline in the number of people giving to charity, whilst the high cost of living appears to be driving more people to access charity services.”

Please contact us if you would like to make a donation to charity in your will or if you would like advice on any aspect of wills and probate on 020 8290 0333 or email info@judge-priestley.co.uk.

For further information on our Wills, Trusts, and Probate services, please click here.