Legacy giving – how to leave a gift in your will

A legacy is a special and lasting way to support Kingston University. It is the sign of an exceptional relationship which recognises the part Kingston has played in your life and the role you can play in its future.

We would be delighted to discuss your wishes and help you achieve your future legacy with a gift in your will to Kingston University. Informing the University about your legacy is not binding in any way and you can change your mind.

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more about supporting our students and Kingston University with a legacy gift.

What will your legacy be?

You can specify precisely what you want your gift to support, or you can let future University leaders decide how to use your legacy donation. As an example, below are just a few of the projects we are fundraising for at the moment. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your legacy gift.

Our promise to you

We will always respect your privacy.

  • Leaving a legacy is a big decision. We understand you will decide in your own time.
  • We would be grateful if you told us your intentions, but we don't expect you to give us specific details of your bequest.

We will respect your priorities.

  • Your family comes first.
  • We respect your support of other causes.

We will respect your wishes.

  • If you want to direct your gift to an area of our work that is of special interest or importance to you, please contact us to discuss your ideas so that we can ensure that your wishes can be carried out.

We will be delighted to answer any questions you might have.

Information to include in your will

When making a gift in your will to Kingston University, please include our name, our address and exempt charity status:

Kingston University
Higher Education Corporation of River House
53-57 High Street
Kingston upon Thames
Surrey KT1 1LQ

Kingston University has charitable status for all UK tax purposes and is an 'exempt' charity under Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and under the terms of the Education Reform Act 1988. Consequently, it does not have a registered charity number.

If you already have a will

If you have decided to leave a legacy gift, but already have a will, you can make an addition to your existing will through a codicil.

How we use your name

Wherever possible, Kingston University would like to use your name to recognise your legacy gift when your donation is received. This ensures that you continue to be a part of the Kingston University community after you are gone.

It also inspires our students to see examples of belief in them as a worthy investment, the importance of higher education and also the material success and generosity of our past alumni.

Reducing inheritance tax

By remembering Kingston University in your will, you may be able to reduce the taxable value of your assets and so lower the amount of inheritance tax due on your estate.

The Inheritance Tax Threshold (IHT) is £325,000 as at July 2020. If the total value of your estate is above this threshold, it will be subject to IHT. As Kingston University has charitable status, a gift in your will would be exempt from IHT. The gift will be deducted from your estate before IHT is calculated, and so reduce the amount of IHT payable.

If you leave charitable gifts in your will that amount to 10 per cent or more of your chargeable net estate, the IHT rate on the whole of your estate will be reduced from 40 per cent to 36 per cent.

Your solicitor will be able to offer you further advice and guidance on efficient tax planning.

Please visit the GOV.UK website for further information.

My legacy lives on

For me, going to university was ‘an awakening' as I found new causes and passions that helped transform my world view.

I've seen the unfairness that young people face if they do not have financial capital or connections behind them.

That's why I left a gift in my will for the Student Hardship Fund.

My legacy will help future Kingston students take on the world and deliver the change they want to see.

Vivien Walton

Nearly 100 Kingston students have received financial support, at the time of their greatest need, because of Vivien's legacy gift. The average student hardship grant of £500 makes a significant difference to students. It means that students can overcome financial obstacles that previously appeared insurmountable, keep them on their path to graduation and deliver the change they want to see in the world.

On behalf of our students, we thank you if you too are considering making a legacy gift.

Any questions?

Please do get in touch if you have any queries about making a donation to Kingston University.

Call us on: +44 (0) 20 8419 3299

Email us at development@kingston.ac.uk

Development, Alumni Relations and Engagement
Second Floor, Main Building
Kingston University,
Penrhyn Road,
Kingston upon Thames,
Surrey, KT1 2EE