Unlocking long-term funding through legacy giving in Newport
- Dan Coast
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
Across Newport, community groups and charities continue to make a vital difference every day, supporting residents, running services, and bringing people together. But as many organisations will recognise, securing sustainable, long-term funding remains one of the biggest challenges facing the third sector.
One funding stream that is often overlooked but holds significant potential is legacy giving.
Legacy fundraising, sometimes called “gifts in wills”, gives people the opportunity to leave a lasting contribution to a cause they care about. These gifts may take the form of money, property, or personal belongings, and while they are not immediate, they can provide substantial support to organisations in the future.
Across Wales, legacy giving is already making a meaningful difference, with an estimated £40 million raised annually for charitable causes. At a UK level, legacy income continues to grow, contributing billions each year and becoming an increasingly important part of the funding landscape. For organisations in Newport, this presents a real opportunity to think beyond short-term funding cycles and build towards long-term sustainability.
What makes legacy fundraising unique is that it doesn’t follow the same predictable pattern as other income streams. Some supporters will choose to share their intentions, while others may not. In some cases, organisations receive unexpected gifts from individuals they have never engaged with before. This uncertainty means legacy giving requires patience and a long-term outlook but it also opens the door to transformative support.
At its core, legacy fundraising is about relationships. It’s about helping supporters understand the difference their future gift could make, and giving them the opportunity to leave something meaningful behind. These are often sensitive conversations and must always be approached with care, respect and transparency, ensuring individuals are supported to make their own informed decisions.
For many organisations, getting started does not need to be complicated. Often, it begins with simply raising awareness mentioning legacy giving in a newsletter, sharing stories about impact, or opening up conversations at events. Over time, this helps to build understanding and confidence, both within your organisation and among your supporters.
Importantly, legacy fundraising works best when it is part of a wider, long-term strategy. It may not deliver immediate results, but when built into your planning, it can provide a steady and sustainable income stream that supports your work for years to come.
As the funding landscape continues to evolve, legacy giving offers something many organisations are seeking stability, resilience, and the ability to plan for the future. For community groups across Newport, it is an opportunity to secure lasting support and ensure their work continues to have an impact for generations.
If your group would like to find out more about legacy fundraising and how it could work for your organisation, please get in touch with your local GAVO Development Officer, who will be happy to offer advice and support.
Further Information
Further guidance on what can be a difficult area of fundraising can be obtained from the following organisations:
Remember a Charity – membership body for charities interested in developing their legacy work.
