Scotland’s Legacy Giving Gap
Charity CEOs and fundraising leaders are leaving money on the table every year. We show you where the gap in gifts are, how to target them, and what to do next.
The Regional Gap
Charities receive a much smaller share of Scottish legacy income than the country’s size suggests. Scotland has 8.6% of the UK population but only about 3% of legacy gifts. That shortfall costs charitable organisations significant funding every year.
£0.0billion
UK-wide legacy income 2024
The baseline for Scotland’s fair share
0%
Scotland’s share of UK income
Well below Scotland’s 8.6% population share
£0million
Missed Scottish income in 2024
Funding that could support causes and services
Scotland’s 2024 snapshot
5.6% of the share is lost each year. Match the fair share and the gap becomes income. The timeline below shows how quickly it adds up.
⏰Why Acting Now Matters
Legacies take time to mature. Each year of delay pushes income 6 to 7 years into the future and reduces what reaches services now.
Income from Gifts
Most teams underestimate legacy values. These figures show why legacies merit board attention.
Residuary
£0
Average value of residuary bequests (share of an estate) including other gift types.
Pecuniary
£0
Average value of pecuniary bequests (a specific sum of money left in a will).
Gift Values
0%
An average of 92% of legacy income comes from residual and ‘other’ bequests.
Timeline
0.0yrs
Average time lag between writing a gift in a will and a charity receiving the money.
With gifts this valuable, fair share quickly compounds into sustained income.
Frequently Asked Questions
We tailor fees to fit your charity's requirement, and the high-value returns far outweigh the investment. Fees depend on factors such as your required service level, campaigns setup, training, and integrations. Talk to us now to find out more.
No. If you already promote legacies, we’ll complement existing providers and help you grow a new audience. If you’re starting from scratch, we’ll set up the essentials, guide your team, and provide training and ongoing support.
Yes. We work alongside other will-writing services, who focus on English and Welsh supporters. We ensure your Scottish supporters are covered properly. We fill the missing gap for Scotland, you keep any existing partners you value.
Our Mission: Unlock Scotland's Potential
We help charities close the Scottish legacy giving gap. We highlight the opportunity of an untapped market, integrate seamlessly into your fundraising mix, deliver legally binding wills for Scots law, and create sustainable unrestricted income.
WeWill is the only will-writing platform dedicated to Scottish legacies.
Secure Your Organisation's Future
Charity Leaders
Survival of the innovators
Protect services and plan growth. Close the legacy gap and add reliable unrestricted income.
- Protect core services
- Diversify income mix
- Predictable unrestricted income
- ROI forecasting model
- Clear opportunity cost
Legacy Managers
Access an untapped market
Open a new income stream. Target Scottish donors with journeys that convert intent into pledges.
- Target an underserved region
- Deliver value to supporters
- Management dashboards
- Clear board-ready ROI reports
Fundraising Experts
UK-wide legacy coverage
Bring clients a proven path. Legacies can be targeted in Scotland now with clear steps and a dedicated provider.
- Works alongside E&W providers
- Optimised supporter journeys
- Co-branded touchpoints
- Legacy marketing services
Your first step to legacy growth
Start a simple conversation. Tell us about your organisation and get a clear plan for Scottish legacies with a focused strategy that delivers year after year.
Data sources: Institute of Legacy Management, Remember a Charity, Smee & Ford and Legacy Futures