Guide
How to leave a gift in your will to animal rescue
What is a legacy gift to animal rescue?
A legacy gift is a donation you leave in your will — a sum of money, a percentage of your estate, or a specific item. It costs nothing during your lifetime. Because World Animal Rescue Network is a community interest company, naming it precisely in your will is what makes sure the money reaches animal rescue work.
The three types of legacy gift
UK wills recognise three main ways to leave something to a cause, and your solicitor will offer all three. A residuary gift is a share — often a percentage — of what is left after debts, taxes and other gifts are paid; it automatically keeps pace with the value of your estate. A pecuniary gift is a fixed sum of money, simple to state but eroded by inflation over time. A specific gift is a particular item — jewellery, shares, a property — which the organisation can sell or use. Most people remembering a cause choose a residuary gift, even a small percentage, because it grows as their estate grows.
The exact wording your solicitor will ask for
Solicitors need the organisation's precise legal identity so the gift cannot fail or drift to the wrong place. For gifts to this site's donation partner, that is: World Animal Rescue Network CIC, company number 17298990, a company registered in England and Wales. The "CIC" matters — World Animal Rescue Network is a community interest company with a statutory asset lock, not a registered charity, and writing the full legal form into your will avoids any confusion with similarly named organisations. Your solicitor can verify the details free on the Companies House register before drafting.
Tell the organisation, and keep your will reviewed
You are under no obligation to tell anyone what is in your will — but letting the organisation know helps it plan, and means it can answer your solicitor's questions quickly. To tell WARN about a legacy, email [email protected]. Then review your will after big life events — marriage, divorce, a death in the family, new grandchildren — and every few years regardless, so executors, guardians and gifts all still reflect what you want.
This page is not legal advice
Wills are legal documents, and small errors in wording or witnessing can cause large problems for the people you leave behind. Use a solicitor to write or update your will — many offer fixed-fee wills, and some run charity will-writing schemes at reduced cost. A solicitor will also advise on inheritance tax, including how gifts to different kinds of organisation are treated.
Common questions
Can I leave a gift to a CIC in my will?
Yes — a legacy to a community interest company such as World Animal Rescue Network CIC is valid in law. One difference to know: because a CIC is not a registered charity, the inheritance-tax exemptions for charitable legacies may not apply. Ask your solicitor to confirm the position for your estate.
Do I need a solicitor to leave a gift in my will?
It is strongly recommended. DIY wills often fail on wording or witnessing, and a residuary gift in particular needs careful drafting. A solicitor will also advise on inheritance tax and record the organisation’s legal name and company number exactly.
Can I leave a percentage instead of a fixed sum?
Yes — that is a residuary gift, the most common way to remember a cause in a will. You leave a share of what remains after other gifts and costs, so the gift keeps its value as your estate changes over the years.
How do I make sure the money reaches animal rescue work?
Name the organisation precisely: World Animal Rescue Network CIC, company number 17298990. WARN receives donations and directs funds to partner animal shelters and rescue organisations. You can also record a wish for the kind of work you would like to support — discuss wording with your solicitor.