Make a gift in your will

The Royal Institution has been communicating science to the public since 1799. As one of the oldest science organisations in the world, preserving the Ri’s historic collection, its prestigious science lectures for young people, and our charity work today all require perpetual funding. Leaving a gift in your will to support the work of the Ri will help us to plan for the future.

Your support will enable us to deliver our innovative events, and charitable education and outreach programmes and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy and benefit from such remarkable traditions as the CHRISTMAS LECTURES. As an independent charity we do not receive any core government funding and are reliant on income we can raise ourselves. That income has been decimated by Covid-19. Your support for tomorrow is needed today more than ever before.

There are a number of ways to leave a gift in your will to the Ri:

• Pecuniary bequest – a donation of a fixed sum of money or shares
• Residuary bequest – a gift of all or a percentage of your estate after all other payments and bequests have been made
• Specific – a gift of an item or a collection of items

Unrestricted legacies are particularly helpful as they enable us to use your gift where the need is greatest at the time. 

A gift to the Ri will not only bear benefits to our community but as a charitable gift it will reduce your inheritance tax.

Tax incentives

• The Ri is a registered charity and all gifts are tax-exempt
• If you leave at least 10% of your estate to charity, your loved ones will benefit from an inheritance rate of 36% instead of 40%

We strongly recommend you consult a qualified legal advisor when preparing or amending your will. For help finding a Solicitor, Remember a Charity and The Law Society offer extensive lists.

If you are considering making a gift to the Royal Institution in your Will we would be delighted to hear from you. Please contact Eleni Markopoulioti, Individual Giving Manager at development@ri.ac.uk.