Leave the MCF a Gift in Your Will
A gift in your Will is an incredible way to contribute to the ongoing work of the MCF and support individuals in need and the work of other charities.
Legacies are an incredibly powerful way to donate and can have a profound impact on the lives of those we support. Through them, we are able to provide essential care and support where it is needed the most.
We thank you for considering this meaningful way of showing your support. Through our collective efforts, we can all aim to give our beneficiaries all the assistance they need to live fulfilling lives for years to come.
Request our guide to gifts in Wills
If you are considering leaving a legacy gift in your Will, our free guide has all the information you need to make an informed decision.
How to leave the MCF a gift in your Will
Below is some useful guidance, should you wish to consider leaving the MCF a gift in your Will. Please be aware that the law in Scotland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Isles operates differently to England and Wales. If you live outside of England and Wales, we recommend you consult a solicitor who specialises in this area.
Five steps to making your lasting legacy
- Reflect on what you have to leave and who you wish to leave it to.
When seeking guidance on the preparation of your Will, it’s important to assess the total value of your estate, including any assets held internationally, and determine the loved ones, friends, and causes you wish to support in your Will.
- Decide what legacy best suits you
Your solicitor can offer guidance on your available choices and assist you in selecting the best choice of legacy gift for supporting the MCF.
The three most common forms of legacy giving are:
Residuary
A percentage or share of what is left in your estate after debts, taxes, funeral expenses, and administration costs are taken into account. This type of bequest can be all of the residue, a percentage (such as 50 per cent), or a share (such as ½).
Residual legacies are particularly valuable to charities because they keep pace with inflation. They are also useful for those leaving their residue behind as loved ones can be looked after first before considering any other causes.
Pecuniary
A gift of a specified amount of money. This can be made as index-linked so that it holds its value.
Specific
A gift of a particular item, such as a property, a car, contents of a bank account, piece of jewellery, or a painting.
- Consider your tax options
Not all estates are subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT).
However, in estates that may attract Inheritance Tax (IHT), any legacy left to a registered charity is exempt from IHT. The standard IHT rate is 40 per cent but if at least 10 per cent of your net taxable estate were left to charity, you could reduce your IHT rate to 36 per cent.
Learn more about Inheritance Tax
- Talk to a Solicitor about your Will or the MCF can refer you to the Goodwill Partnership’s free Will-writing service.
We would always recommend a solicitor having some input into the writing of your Will. For straightforward Wills and estates, the MCF can refer you to the Goodwill Partnership’s free Will-writing service. You will be visited by a fully trained Goodwill Partnership counsellor and your Will is drafted by an SRA regulated solicitor.
- Share our details with your solicitor if planning on leaving us a legacy gift
Registered Name: Masonic Charitable Foundation
Address: 60 Great Queen Street, London, WC2B 5AZ
Registered Charity Number: 1164703
Why leave the MCF a gift in your Will?
A proportion of our work is only possible because of the kindness of those who leave the MCF a gift in their Will.
A gift in your Will, whatever its size, is a positive action that will allow the MCF to continue to build better lives by enabling opportunity, advancing healthcare and education and promoting independence for years to come.
Many of our supporters find that leaving a gift in their Will is a natural way to be a force for good allowing the MCF to provide support, care and services to Freemasons and their families in need, and supporting other charities to help the most disadvantaged in society.
Write or update your Will for free
The MCF has teamed up with The Goodwill Partnership to assist you write or update a simple Will for free.
The service is home visit or over the phone on a date and time to suit you. Your instructions will be passed to a SRA regulated solicitor to be drafted and forwarded on to you.
Call 01492 510340 or arrange an appointment online.
Please use the discount referral code MCF001 to claim your FREE Will
We will also be happy to assist you with any further queries with regards to the service.
Getting in touch
We are here to talk to and answer your questions. You can contact Duncan Washbrook, our Legacy Manager.