Thursfields offers support after survey reveals 72% of small charities lack legacy fundraising skills

Small charities should seek the support of experts to increase their incomes from legacy fundraising, according to Thursfields Solicitors.

The advice comes after a new national survey highlighted major skills gaps at small charities.

The Foundation for Social Improvement’s Skills Survey 2018-19 revealed that 72% of small charities do not feel suitably skilled in legacy fundraising.

Katherine Ellis, a Senior Associate solicitor in Thursfields’ Birmingham office and one of the lead lawyers in the company’s Charity Law team, previously specialised in legacy law for a large national charity in London.

Katherine explained that Thursfields can assist with legacy administration and management services, in-house staff training for charities’ legacy team employees or volunteers, and follow up support by phone, email or in person through regular legal consultations.

She said: “We can help smaller charities who feel they need some guidance and support with developing and increasing legacy fundraising within their organisation.

Only the other week I met a contact who was enthusiastic and passionate about growing this income stream but was also feeling a little overwhelmed by it all.

Once she knew support was there she felt like a huge weight had been lifted, and Thursfields is ready to help other small charities in the same way.”

Katherine has five years of first-hand experience of legacy administration and management after beginning her career in the sector with leading vet charity PDSA.

She then became legacy manager with the British Heart Foundation in London and continues to be an active member of the Institute of Legacy Management.

Full details of the Charity Law team’s services are available on Thursfields’ website. To discuss a legacy matter contact Katherine Ellis at kellis@thursfields.co.uk and 0121 647 5419.