Many generous individuals and families choose to leave a lasting legacy of support to help the Community Foundation improve the lives of Cumbria’s most vulnerable communities, for many years to come.

There are many ways to leave a lasting legacy:

• Donate to an existing fund, such as the Cumbria Fund
• Set up a fund tailored to your charitable goals and causes you care about
• Celebrate the life of a loved one by setting up a memorial fund in their name

Why leave a legacy to Cumbria Community Foundation?

Julie Weir, A&R Director for Music for Nations at Sony Music UK, has pledged to leave a gift in her will to Cumbria Community Foundation. Originally from Workington, Julie has never forgotten her roots and wants to help others from her home county after her death.

“I know a lot of people put off writing their will but to me it was really important. I take pleasure in the knowledge that I’ll be making a contribution to the area that I grew up in when I’m no longer here and hopefully it will make a difference.”

Julie has chosen to leave an unrestricted gift, trusting us to use her money to make the greatest difference where it is most needed. Thank you, Julie.

A meaningful legacy for years to come

Lilian and Ray Stuart lived a long and happy life in Cumbria, and knew they wanted to give something back to local communities once they were gone.

Both born in Lancashire in 1928, the couple married in August 1956 and were together for 63 years. They moved to Cumbria in 1966 to run a caravan park at Port Carlisle on the Solway estuary, later retiring to Bowness-on-Solway

Ray died in February 2019 aged 90; Lilian died four years later at the age of 94. Before their deaths, they decided to support Cumbria Community Foundation through a legacy gift.

Their children explained: “It was our parents’ wish that some of their estate went to charities which were close to their hearts and they hoped this would particularly benefit the Cumbrian community where they lived for many years.”

Ray and Lilian’s generous donation has been added to our Cumbria Fund, to support projects across the county helping communities most in need.

Other ways to leave a lasting legacy

Other supporters choose to set up a fund in their lifetime, then leave a gift in their will to grow the fund after their death.

Ann Clark set up the Brian and Ann Clark Fund with the Foundation in 2016, creating a living legacy to help projects supporting disabilities, mental health issues and young people. When Ann died, she chose to leave a gift in her will, meaning the fund will continue for years to come.

To date it has helped 60 local charities and organisations including the Farmer Network, which helps people aged 18 to 30 who want to start a farming-related business.

Charitable gifts are exempt from inheritance tax and could help reduce the total amount of tax paid on your estate. Anyone leaving at least 10% of their estate in their will to charity benefits from an effective reduction in inheritance tax from 40% to 36%. As an accredited Community Foundation, legacies made to Cumbria Community Foundation qualify as a charitable donation.

Whether you are looking to leave a charitable legacy in your will or to commemorate a loved one, we can help to ensure your gift has a lasting impact. If you want to explore how you can change lives, contact:

• Caroline Adams | Development Manager | 01900 820825 | caroline@cumbriafoundation.org
• Jackie Blacklock |  Relationships Officer | 01900 512392 | jackie@cumbriafoundation.org

We recommend that you seek professional advice from a solicitor before writing or amending your will.

Find out other ways to support our work through our Guide to Giving brochure.