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Leave a gift in your will

Share your love of the waterways with future generations

A gift in your will is a legacy that lasts beyond your lifetime – helping us to protect the waterways you love for years to come.

Since 1946, we have fought for the restoration and improvement of hundreds of miles of waterways and we want to see a future where hundreds more miles are restored and our waterways are protected and improved for the enjoyment and benefit of all.  Gifts in wills – both small and large – contribute up to a quarter of the funds for our work and therefore make a significant impact.

There are a number of ways to leave a gift in your will – you can leave a share of your estate of as little as 1%, a cash sum or a specific item.  Your solicitor can help you decide which might be most appropriate.

Contact your will writer or solicitor to add The Inland Waterways Association, charity number 212342, to your will.

If you’re interested to find out more about leaving a gift in your will, order your free information pack.

Legacy information pack

If you are interested to find out more about how you can leave a gift in your will to IWA, we will send you an information pack.

Frequently asked questions

How do I let IWA know that I would like to leave a gift in my will?

If you would like to pledge or discuss a gift, please contact the Finance Manager at our Chesham Head Office

I don’t have a will. How can I make one?

If you haven’t already made a will, we suggest that you use the services of a solicitor or other professional adviser to do so.  It need not be expensive, and professional advice will ensure that your wishes are properly recorded and followed.  Before you see a professional adviser, it may save time to contact them and find out what information you should have with you when you see them.

Can I add a gift to IWA in my existing will?

It is very easy to amend an existing will to include a gift to The Inland Waterways Association.  Your professional adviser can let you know the best way to achieve this.  If your personal circumstances have changed, a new will may be required; your professional adviser will be able to guide you on this.

Can I give a gift in my lifetime?

Gifts to help our work are welcome at any time. A lifetime gift can be just as tax-efficient as a legacy, depending on your circumstances.  If you wish, you can be closely involved in how your money is used and see what it has achieved.  The Finance Manager at IWA Head Office would be pleased to discuss this with you and assist with suggestions.

Are there different types of legacy?

A residuary gift comes out of the remainder of your estate after all other legacies, debts, tax and expenses have been paid. It may comprise the whole or a share of the residual amount.  All legacies are greatly welcomed by IWA but this type of legacy has special benefits as its value keeps pace with the increase in value of your estate, offsetting the effect of inflation.

A specific gift is a gift of a particular item, such as property or shares.

A pecuniary gift is a specified cash sum.  To ensure the value of your gift reflects your changing circumstances and the effects of inflation, you should review pecuniary legacy amounts regularly.

Waterways Heritage at Risk

Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.

You can help Save Waterways Heritage.

Sustainable Boating

We want boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable and – even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions is very small – we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.

Aston Nature Reserve, Montgomery Canal

Work to bring the Montgomery Canal back into use as a navigation must also protect habitats.

Burslem Branch Canal Conservation Area

The Trent & Mersey Canal Conservation Area now includes Burslem Branch Canal.

Crown Wharf, Stone – Trent & Mersey Canal

The site on the Trent & Mersey Canal in Stone will have a development good for heritage and the community, thanks to our lobbying.

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