The event aims to showcase the impact of legacy giving
More than 200 charities have joined forces to promote this year’s Remember A Charity week.
The event, which runs till 16 September, aims to showcase the impact of legacy giving and encourage the public to leave a gift in their will.
Now in its ninth year, the event sees the launch of the Human Search Engine - the world's first charity-powered search engine and public awareness campaign, highlighting the pivotal role of charities in addressing life's biggest challenges.
Charities have been encouraged to use Remember A Charity Week as an opportunity to open up conversations about legacy giving with supporters.
Supported by Len Goodman, head judge on Dancing with the Stars, the public awareness drive calls on people to “pass on something wonderful” by leaving a gift in their will.
Solicitors and will-writers across the country have been displaying campaign materials and encouraging clients to consider the option of including a charitable donation in their will.
Legacy giving is the largest single source of voluntary income to the charity sector and has become increasingly important to a broad range of fundraising organisations.
Rob Cope, director of Remember A Charity, says: "Gifts in wills now generate over £2.8 billion for good causes annually, funding vital services across the country. And yet, with only around 6% of people currently include a charity in their will, there is huge potential for further growth and to normalise legacy giving.
"Having first trialled Remember A Charity Week in 2009, the campaign has expanded each year, reflecting the sector's growing appetite for legacy fundraising."
The 200-strong consortium now features a diverse range of organisations actively fundraising for legacies, which includes over 70 health organisations, 30 animal and 26 arts, cultural and heritage organisations, among others.
The Human Search Engine, which will continue beyond the week itself, enables people to ask over 150 of life's biggest questions and find responses from charities, their supporters and beneficiaries.
