FAQs

• Isn't this a private matter?
• I'm not wealthy, can I afford to leave a gift in my Will?
• Will my money be put to good use?
• Wouldn't it be better to help now rather than later?
• What if I need to change my Will?
• I've decided to leave a gift to the RNLI. What do I need to tell my solicitor?
• I’m an executor of a Will, what do I need to do next?

Isn't this a private matter?

Absolutely. We believe that it is entirely up to you if you wish to share the contents of your Will during your lifetime.

We will never ask you outright to tell us your wishes, but if you would like to share your intentions we’d love to hear from you, as this knowledge helps us to plan more efficiently for the future. It will also give us the opportunity to thank you, and invite you to see how your gift could be used.
Back to top 

I'm not wealthy, can I afford to leave a gift in my Will?

Every gift we receive helps.

It’s not always possible to give as much as you would like to a charity during your lifetime, and we all have to think carefully about paying for later life.

After you have provided for those you care for, leaving a proportion of the remainder of your estate is a great way of making a difference to a cause you care about. Plus, by leaving a proportion of your estate, you can be sure that whatever happens to the economy, the generous intentions behind your gift will not be affected.
Back to top 

Will my money be put to good use?

Your money will help the RNLI continue to save lives at sea. Every day our volunteer crews risk their lives, and we need to ensure that they have the equipment and training necessary to return home safely.

If you leave us a gift in your Will, it’s crucial that you can trust us to use it responsibly and respectfully. We’re committed to ensuring that the funds so generously donated by our supporters go directly to the crews and lifeboat stations. 84 pence in every pound is spent on providing operational services, and we are continually looking for ways to further improve our efficiency.
Back to top 

Wouldn't it be better to help now rather than later?

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who chooses to support our work, whenever and however they choose to do so.

There will always be a need for the services we provide, both around the coastline and on inland waterways. Gifts in Wills ensure that we will be able to continue saving lives into the future.
Back to top 

What if I need to change my Will?

We appreciate that your circumstances could change at any time which could have implications for your Will.

If you ever need advice about leaving a gift in your Will we will do our very best to help you, but we will never put pressure on you to share the contents of your Will as we recognise that this is a very personal document.
Back to top 

I've decided to leave a gift to the RNLI. What do I need to tell my solicitor?

If you decide you would like to leave a gift in your Will, in most cases you can do so by making a simple addition to your existing Will. This is called a codicil. This supplement overwrites existing instructions without the need to revoke or rewrite the whole document. We have provided a draft codicil to simplify the process.

If you have not yet made a Will you may wish to see a solicitor. Although you will have to pay a fee, you will receive professional advice and can be sure that your wishes are honoured. Our downloadable legal booklet provides helpful advice on how to go about this.
Back to top 

I’m an executor of a Will, what do I need to do next?

If you have any questions about the process of being an executor our Legacy Administration team will do their best to help you. Please contact Ros Barter on 01202 663004, email on rosalind_barter@rnli.org.uk, or write to Legacy Department, RNLI, West Quay Road, Poole, BH15 1HZ.  
Back to top