Wales ‘misses out on millions of pounds’ in charitable donations every year

Each year, Welsh charities receive approximately £33M in legacy giving through people making donations in their Wills.

However, based on population share, Wales should reasonably expect closer to £225M.* That’s almost £200M that could be going to Welsh charities to support Welsh people and Welsh communities.

For charities working across cancer research, community support, emergency services, culture, heritage and sport, this scale of long-term, unrestricted income could transform what is possible, not just now, but for generations.

Making sure your gift stays in Wales

Most people donate money in their Will to causes they believe in, have been supported by, or affected by. But people may not always be prompted to consider whether their charitable gift will benefit Wales or their local community specifically, or be directed elsewhere in the UK.

Four charities – Cancer Research Wales, Community Foundation Wales, the Cymru Football Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance Charity – have come together to encourage people to donate their money to Welsh charities. The aim is to help ensure that any gift people wish to go to Wales and Welsh communities goes exactly where they mean it to go.

Under the banner Your Legacy for Wales, the charities are inviting people who are planning to leave a charitable gift in their Will to consider leaving it to a Welsh charity.

As a group, they have launched the Yma am Byth | Here for Good campaign, so people can access the information they need to make an informed decision about a charitable donation in their Will. They are also inviting solicitors and financial advisers across Wales to join Yma am Byth | Here for Good, as they play a vital role in equipping people with knowledge during the Will-writing process.

A significant opportunity for Wales

Richard Williams, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Wales, said on behalf of the group:

“Every year, millions of pounds are left to charity by people in Wales, but only around £33M is currently received by Welsh charities through legacy giving.

“That means there is a significant opportunity for more charitable giving to benefit Welsh people and Welsh communities for generations to come.

“We are extremely grateful for all the donations we receive as a collective, and to anyone who has supported us in any way in the past. Legacy gifts can have a lasting impact on the work charities are able to deliver, from supporting community groups and cancer research to providing football facilities and helping save lives.

“We know that times are hard, and that many of us are feeling the pinch, but if you are in a position where you are considering leaving a charitable donation in your Will, we urge you to consider whether a Welsh charity could benefit from your gift.”

What you can do

• If you have an existing Will, check your money’s going where you think it is.
• If you don’t have an existing Will, check with your solicitor.
• If you’re a professional adviser, ask your clients if they’d like their Will to benefit Wales.

Find out more about Yma am Byth | Here for Good.

About the charities

Cancer Research Wales

Cancer Research Wales was formed in 1966 and has invested £41.86M in ground-breaking cancer research projects in Wales. It currently has £8.85M invested in 52 live research projects across the country, and is funding a further four clinical trials with £3M. Over the last six years, 2,000 Welsh patients have taken part in cutting-edge clinical trials funded by the charity.

Cymru Football Foundation

The Cymru Football Foundation was founded in 2022 and has since invested £28M in new and improved, safe and inclusive on- and off-field facilities. Over 50,000 players have benefited from the investment, with £12M invested in the most deprived areas of Wales. In total, 46 new or upgraded artificial pitches have been created, as well as 20 new grass pitches and 61 clubhouses and changing rooms. The foundation has improved access to facilities for women and girls by 56%.

Community Foundation Wales

Community Foundation Wales was established in 1999 and has since created more than 145 charitable funds, with over 60 active today. Its aim is to strengthen local communities by providing a permanent source of funding for community-based projects across Wales. It funds grassroots groups across all 22 local authorities, with more than £50M invested in Welsh communities.

Wales Air Ambulance Charity

Wales Air Ambulance Charity launched as a service in 2001 and has served over 58,000 missions since. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is funded entirely by donations. It has helicopters and rapid response vehicles at four airbases across Wales, with crews bringing the hospital to the patient to perform life-saving procedures such as blood transfusions, sedation and anaesthesia at the scene of an incident.

*According to the most recent UK Civil Society Almanac from the NCVO, Wales receives around £33M in legacy donations every year. When compared to population share, it could expect to receive £225M.