Residual Gifts in Wills: The Unsung Hero of Legacies

Let’s talk about residuary legacies (aka percentage gifts)

If you’ve ever tried to explain gifts in wills and watched a donor’s eyes glaze over at the word pecuniary, this one’s for you. A residual gift in a will is simply a percentage of what’s left in someone’s estate after debts, taxes and specific gifts to loved ones are taken care of. That’s it. No gobbledygook!

The reason why I love them, and you should too, is because they’re loved-ones-first, flexible and fair. If the estate ends up smaller, loved ones aren’t squeezed by a big fixed cash promise. If it’s larger, the donor’s generosity scales naturally. Everyone breathes easier.

Let’s delve deeper into why they’re great for donors, families and charities

It’s fair to families. Specific gifts to partners, children and friends are sorted first. The charity comes from the remainder, not from the bits set aside for loved ones. There are a number of benefits for donors:

• Built-in resilience. A percentage adjusts with life’s ups and downs (house prices, markets, costs). A fixed amount can be eroded by inflation.
  
  
• Less second-guessing. Donors don’t have to predict the future. Setting a share feels safer than picking a number that might age badly.
  
  
• Clear for executors. Percentages are straightforward to apply at probate and reduce awkward conversations if the estate is smaller than expected.
  
  
• Often more impactful. Over time, a well-worded residuary gift tends to deliver stronger value to the cause than a fixed sum of money set years earlier.
  
  

How you can explain it in conversation (scripts to inspire you)

20-second version:

“After you’ve looked after the people and things that matter most, you can leave a percentage of what’s left to [Charity]. It’s flexible, fair, and it keeps pace with life. Even a small percentage can change futures without short-changing your family.”

Values-first version:

“Your legacy should mirror your priorities. A percentage gift in your will lets you care for loved ones first and still reflect your values with whatever remains. You decide the share; life decides the numbers.”

Phone/email one-liner:

“A popular option is a residuary gift, such as 5% of your estate, after specific gifts for loved ones have been made. It’s a tidy way to do good without committing to a fixed amount.”

(Always encourage supporters to seek independent legal advice. Your role is to inform, not to advise.)

Copy you can lift for your website

Short explainer (landing page):

“After taking care of your loved ones and any specific gifts, you can leave a percentage of what’s left in your estate to [Charity]. This is called a residuary gift. It’s flexible, fair and keeps pace with life, so your generosity always fits your circumstances.”

CTA block:

“Considering a gift in your will? Ask for our friendly guide and sample wording — no pressure, just clear information.”

Sample wording (for your downloadable sheet)

“I give [X%] of the residue of my estate to [Charity Name, registered charity number ______] of [address] for its general charitable purposes, and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors.”

Note: Provide this as sample wording only. Always signpost to independent legal advice in the donor’s country.

Stewardship moves that make this land (and last)

• Lead with meaning. People give through wills because of identity and values. Keep the copy human; leave the legalese to the advisor.
  
  
• Normalize the idea. Sprinkle “legacy dust” across newsletters, case studies and events. One quiet line in many places beats one loud line once.
  
  
• Offer low-friction next steps. Replace “Pledge now!” with “Could we send you our friendly guide?” or “Would you like the wording to discuss with your solicitor?”
  
  
• Practise authentic gratitude. Thank interest, not just pledges. A sincere note now can be the bridge to a confirmed gift later.
  
  
• Design journeys, not jumps. Move people from curious → informed → confident → committed with emails, short videos and supporter stories.
  
  

Common pitfalls (and quick fixes)

• Jargon soup. Saying “pecuniary” on your homepage is a vibe killer. Use “fixed cash gift” and “percentage gift” in public copy; keep the legal labels in downloads.
  
  
• Anchoring on big numbers. Opening with “$10,000” can trigger sticker shock. Try: “Many supporters choose 1 – 5% gift in the will after family and friends.”
  
  
• Skipping the family-first frame. Always lead with “after loved ones are looked after”. It builds trust and reduces objections.
  
  
• Over-engineering asks. Offer an easy entry: “Would you consider leaving 5% in your will?” Let the donor scale up.
  
  
• Blurry signposting. Be crystal clear about independent legal advice and country-specific nuances.
  
  

FAQs you’ll actually get

Is a percentage gift complicated?

No. It’s a line or two in a will. Your guide and a good solicitor make it straightforward.

What if my situation changes?

Life changes; percentages adapt. You can also update your will at any time.

Can I still leave fixed gifts to people I love?

Absolutely. Specific gifts come first. The percentage to charity is taken afterwards from what remains.

What if I already have a will?

A short update (codicil or fresh will, depending on circumstances) can add a percentage gift. A solicitor will advise on the best route.

Do I need to tell the charity?

You don’t have to, but if you do, they can thank you properly and share how your legacy will help.

Let’s wrap this up

Residuary legacies keep the focus where it belongs: loved ones first, purpose next. By framing percentage gifts in clear, human language, and by normalizing the conversation across everyday communications, we make legacy giving feel achievable rather than intimidating. A small share after family is looked after remains fair through life’s changes, is simple for executors, and typically delivers stronger long-term impact than a fixed sum set years ago. In short: choose clarity over jargon, design journeys not jumps, and let supporters decide the percentage that fits their life. The result is a legacy programme that’s kinder, steadier and more resilient for donors, families and the causes they care about.