Home Take Action Gifts In Wills

Gifts In Wills

By leaving a gift in your will, you can ensure that DSWF’s vital work to protect endangered species continues long into the future.

The late David Shepherd left his own powerful legacy by founding the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, turning his passion for wildlife art into lasting protection for the natural world. Let his example inspire you to create your own legacy today.

Download our easy codicil form

More than 30% of our income to fund conservation and protection of species comes from legacy gifts.

Types of gifts

Sum of money: This can be any sum of money which suits your circumstances
Residuary gift: This is a percentage of what you are worth. It could be 1% to 100% of your “estate” – whatever suits your own circumstances. Just 1% will help.
Specific gift: For example an original piece of art that you would like to leave us. Please do call us to ensure we can fulfil your wishes with regards to specific gifts.
Contingent gift: This is a gift in your Will that depends upon the occurrence of an event which may or may not happen. An example is a gift to a charity which applies only if other beneficiaries named in the Will die before the person making the Will.

Image credit: Nicholas Dyer

What if I want to change my Will?

If you already have a Will and would like to change it, you can use a codicil which is a separate instruction that is then kept with your Will. However, it is also just as easy for your solicitor to adapt your existing Will. You can download our handy codicil template here.

Is it easy to do?

Yes! All you have to do is phone your adviser and it can happen in minutes.

If you do not have a solicitor we advise you to use the Law Society Find A Solicitor service https://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk/ where you can search for a solicitor in your local area who specialises in wills, estates and trusts.

Is there specific wording I should use in my Will?

We have suggested wording depending on what kind of gift you’d like to give.

Including a share of your estate in your Will

‘I give to David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) of Saba House, 7 Kings Road, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8JU, registered charity number 1106893 [all / _% of the residue] of my estate for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of the Chief Financial Officer at DSWF for the time being shall be a sufficient discharge to my executor(s).’

Including a cash gift in your Will

‘I give to David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) of Saba House, 7 Kings Road, Shalford, Guildford, Surrey GU4 8JU, registered charity number 1106893 the sum of [specify words and figures] free of tax for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of the Chief Financial Officer at DSWF for the time being shall be a sufficient discharge to my executor(s).’

Our legacy promise

We understand that leaving a gift in your will is a deeply personal decision, and that your circumstances may change over time.

We promise to:

Not put pressure on you to give a gift in your Will – it is your decision.
Never ask you the size or type of gift if you decide to support our work this way.
Recognise those closest to you come first in your Will.
You never have to tell us your intentions – we respect your right to privacy.
Fully understand that personal circumstances change and there might be a time when you must take DSWF out of your Will.
Use your gift wisely.

Legal disclaimer: This information is guidance, not legal advice. Always contact a solicitor or legal professional before including a trust in your Will.

Please get in touch

If you want your gift used in a special way (i.e. for a particular species or project).
If you want to tell us about your gift, so we can say thank you.

“We share this fragile world with all creatures. Don’t leave their survival to chance. Making a Will is one of the ways we ensure the world is a better place for those we care about. Please leave a lasting legacy to future generations.”

Dame Judi Dench, DSWF Legacy Ambassador