Leaving a lasting legacy to the ocean
Deciding who to include in your Will is an important decision – and it must be right for you.
Leaving a legacy is a wonderful way to carry on supporting causes that matter to you long after your lifetime. They ensure that you can continue to make a difference to what you care about most, upholding the values you were passionate about throughout your life.
Why leave a gift in your Will?
Our ocean is counting on passionate and concerned people like you to join a movement for change. We need to dive deeper into our ocean’s mysterious depths and explore the challenges it faces before it’s too late.
As the UK’s leading ocean science charity, we lead the way in deepening of our world’s understanding of our ocean and its coastlines.
Remembering us in your Will is one of the easiest and thoughtful ways you can leave an enduring tribute to your love of the ocean. You will be helping to create a secure future for our ocean and our planet through ground-breaking research, innovation and education.
Please contact our Fundraising Team on +44 (0)300 131 2321 or email giving@noc.ac.uk if you would like an informal chat about leaving a gift in your Will, or if you would like to tell us about your bequest.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of gift can I leave in my Will?
There are three main types of gift you can leave in your Will:
- A Pecuniary gift. This is a fixed value donation. This gift will stay at the same value for the life of the Will. Depending on how long you live after making your Will, this value could decrease in value due to inflation.
- A Residuary gift. This is a percentage or share of your estate, once all other payments and gifts to loved ones have been considered. This is a popular gift because it keeps in line with inflation and does not lose value over time.
- A specific gift: This is particular named item, for example a watch.
What if I don’t have a Will?
If you don’t have a Will, we suggest you use a solicitor to draw one up. Any solicitor should be able to provide the help and advice you need to leave a legacy gift, and can ensure your Will is legal and valid.
The Institute of Professional Will Writers provides a range of information, including how to find a registered solicitor.
Can I amend my Will?
You cannot amend your Will after it has been signed and witnessed. However, you do not have to draw up an entirely new document if you want to amend your Will. You can change your Will by making an official alteration called a codicil.
You must sign a codicil and get it witnessed in the same way as witnessing your original Will.
There are no limits on how many codicils you can add to your Will.
If you want to update your Will with a codicil please seek help from a solicitor.
What information do I need to include a gift to the National Oceanography Centre in my Will?
To include the National Oceanography Centre in your Will please use our charity name, address and registered charity number to ensure your gift reaches us.
Registered charity name: National Oceanography Centre
Registered address: European Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3ZH
Registered charity numbers: 1185265 (England and Wales), SC049896
How do I inform you about my intention to leave a gift in my Will?
You can also inform us about your intended gift by calling us on +44 (0)300 131 2321 , emailing giving@noc.ac.uk, or filling in our pledge form.
A pledge to a charity is not legally binding, so ensure you also include your bequest in your Will.
Are charitable gifts in Wills taxed?
No. Charitable gifts are usually excluded when your estate is valued for Inheritance Tax. Gifts in Wills can also help reduce inheritance tax on the rest of your estate.
For more information about tax relief when donating to a charity visit the Government website.
I am an executor, where do I send the legacy payment?
Please send all correspondence to:
Fundraising Team, National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3ZH
All cheques should be made payable to the ‘National Oceanography Centre’.
If you would like to talk to us about making a bank transfer of funds please contact us at NOCFinance@noc.ac.uk or +44 (0)300 131 2321
I will like to speak to someone at NOC about my plans or leaving a gift in my Will
Please contact the Philanthropy Team on +44 (0)300 131 2321 or email giving@noc.ac.uk if you would like an informal chat about leaving a gift in your Will, or if you would like to tell us about your bequest.