Legacy Gifts

Would you like to support the unique work of BRLSI and secure its future growth for the next generation? If so, you can make a real difference by making a pledge to BRLSI in your will. This will be an enduring gift that ensures the institution remains accessible and inspirational for the use of future generations. You may not have heard of BRLSI’s 1824 fund, but this is an ‘expendable endowment fund’; the income from which will enable the Institution to thrive and develop in a way that keeps us forward looking and fit for the future.

A gift of any size would be appreciated and will be acknowledged if desired in the BRLSI annual report and roll of honour. If you chose to support BRLSI in this way there are three alternatives that we would like to outline for your use.

  • A pecuniary legacy, which is the gift of a specific amount of money.
  • A residuary legacy, which is a donation of the remainder, or a percentage of your estate after all the debts, taxes and expenses and other expenses and other bequests have been made.
  • A specific request, which is the gift of a specific property, personal possession, or asset (including books, works of art, property, and stocks and shares), which we can realise to support activities.

A legacy to BRLSI can prove extremely tax efficient – the institution benefits from full charitable status – and gifts made in this special way are not subject to inheritance tax. Alongside, current legislation enables those people who want to leave a legacy of at least 10% of their taxable estate to charity to receive a reduction in Inheritance Tax from 40% to 36% on their estate, therefore leaving a legacy to the 1824 Fund could benefit your estate and all your beneficiaries in the process. If you already have a will, you might consider adding a codicil to it in favour of our charity. A codicil is a document that you can use to change, or add, to an existing will.

If you would like to make a gift to BRLSI we recommend that you contact a solicitor to help write your will or codicil and ensure that it reflects your intentions.

When asked, we suggest the wording you use should be as follows:

“I leave (£-sum of money/residue/proportion of my estate/specific item or asset) to the 1824 fund of the Bath Royal and Literary Institution, 16-18 Queen Square, Bath, BA1 2HN, to be used at its discretion.

I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorized director of the Institution shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executors, who shall not be required to enquire as the application of the said legacy.”

If you are considering leaving a legacy in your will to the institution and require further information, please email reception@brlsi.org with your contact details for a confidential discussion with one of our directors. Lastly, thank you, this will support the unique work BRLSI do and make sure our collections and programme are secured for future generations to enjoy, and please know that all gifts to the BRLSI are appreciated no matter how big or small.