Making a gift in your Will

Group of students performing saxophones on stage, wearing smart black clothing.
Having a Will is crucial, especially to prevent complications that may arise for your family and friends in the event of your passing without a Will (intestate). If you have not created your Will yet, it is simpler and more affordable than you might expect. You are also welcome to make use of our free Wills service.

To begin, it is advisable to employ the services of a solicitor who can assist you in preparing your Will, help you assess the overall value of your estate and document your wishes effectively. This straightforward procedure ensures that your intentions are legally upheld, and your loved ones, friends, and others are appropriately provided for in accordance with your wishes.

Pledge form

To leave a gift to the Royal College of Music, please ensure that your Will states our full name, address and Registered Charity Number:

Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London SW7 2BS UK
Registered Charity Number: 309268

The RCM is signed up to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice and is a signatory of its Fundraising Promise. For further details, please refer to our brochure.

What kind of gift could I leave in my will?

Gifts towards RCM’s general purposes (unrestricted gifts) allow us to make the most of your generosity according to the area of greatest need at the time, as our plans develop and priority changes.

Restricted gifts are used only for the purpose specified, for example scholarships or an area of our work. If you have a specific area in mind that you would like to support, we invite you to contact us and write a Letter of Wishes to accompany your Will.

There are three main types of legacy gifts:

  • A residuary gift, whether it encompasses a percentage of your estate or its entirety, holds immense value for the RCM, which can make a lasting impact for the future of music.
  • A pecuniary legacy (cash gift), involves leaving a specific and fixed monetary amount in your Will, which can be used to support various initiatives at the College.
  • A specific legacy, which involves specific assets being generously left to support the RCM. These contributions can range from donating fine stringed instruments, valuable manuscripts, properties, royalties or shares.

Sample wording for your Will

I give to the Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, London, SW7 2BS, UK (Registered Charity Number: 309268) (‘the Charity’)

  • a [specify percentage]% share of/the residue of my estate

OR

  • the sum of £[specify value]

OR/AND

  • my [insert full description of item and its location]

to be used for the general purposes of the Charity, and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or duly authorised officer for the time being of the Charity shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Executors.

If you would like your legacy to be directed towards a specific area, please contact us so we can ensure your wishes can be met.

Tax matters

Gifts to charities are taken out of your estate before tax is calculated and are 100% free from tax. This may mean that leaving a gift to a charity such as the RCM reduces your Inheritance Tax liability.

Since the 2012 budget, gifts to charities of 10% or more of your net estate reduce your Inheritance Tax liability from 40% to 36%, meaning it can be possible to leave a transformational gift to your preferred charity whilst the net cost to your loved ones is substantially reduced. Please visit the HMRC website for the latest information, or consult your solicitor or financial adviser.

Pension benefits

You may also be able to nominate the Royal College of Music as a beneficiary in your pension or SIPP (Self Invested Personal Pension). Please speak to your pension provider to nominate the RCM.

RCM legacy promises

The Royal College of Music is signed up to the Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice and is a signatory of its Fundraising Promise. 

  • We understand your friends and family are important and come first when making your Will.
  • You and your family will always be treated with courtesy, sensitivity and respect.
  • You can change your mind at any point about leaving a gift to the RCM in your Will and we will respect your decision.
  • We will use your gift wisely and cost-effectively, so it has the greatest possible impact and are happy to discuss how your gift could be used.
  • We respect your right to privacy – you don’t have to tell us if you have left a gift to the RCM in your Will, (but we would love the opportunity to thank you if you do!)
  • Any personal data you choose to share with us will be handled securely and confidentially. You can choose how we contact you. Please see our privacy policy for more information.
A group of students performing in an opera on stage, wearing costumes.

How we recognise your gift

Find out how you will be acknowledged and discover the RCM Legacy Ensemble

Free Wills service

Find out about our special offering for RCM supporters in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

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