In the world of fundraising, I’m regularly moved by the stories behind the gifts people choose to give. But there’s something uniquely powerful about legacy giving, the act of leaving a gift in your will. It speaks of deep commitment, hope for the future, and a desire to be part of something bigger than us. For me, and for so many of us working within the charity sector, legacy giving isn’t just about finances, it’s about faith, values, and vision.

At USPG, legacy gifts have enabled some of our most transformative work, from funding theological training in South Asia, to supporting emergency responses following natural disasters, to enabling our global partners to care for marginalised communities and build lasting peace.

USPG’s history is built on the faithfulness of people who believe that the gospel is lived, shared, and shown in how we treat one another, especially the most vulnerable.

Legacy giving is part of that faith in action. It is rooted in the Christian call to stewardship: to use the resources we have, during our lives and beyond, to serve others and build God’s kingdom.

There’s a passage in 1 Timothy 6:18–19 that has always resonated with me:

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves… so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

This “life that is truly life” is about more than the present moment. It’s about the values we leave behind, the people we uplift, and the faith we pass on.

Every gift matters

Legacy gifts are deeply personal. They’re not about transactions, but about relationships. About love for the church, a connection to global mission, and a belief that faith doesn’t end with us. I remember a supporter who told me, “I may not be here to see the impact of my gift, but I trust that God will use it where it’s needed most.” That trust is sacred. And it’s something we hold with the deepest care and integrity at USPG.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether leaving a legacy is something you could do, I’d simply encourage you to consider what matters most to you. What values have shaped your life? What change would you like to see in the world? And how might your life’s story, your faith, your generosity, live on in others?

At USPG, we would be honoured to speak with you and walk with you as you explore that decision.

To find out more about leaving a gift in your will, please do get in touch with me at legacy@uspg.org.uk or by calling 020 7921 2200. I’d love to hear from you, and to talk more about how your legacy could help shape a world where dignity, justice and love are lived out across every continent.

Together, we can plant seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.