FOC Logo FOC Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a Will?

It is not difficult to make a Will but any ambiguity in the wording might mean that your wishes are not carried out as you intended. To ensure that your instructions are clear we recommend that you speak to a qualified legal advisor. To make a Will you can either:

  1. write it yourself; or
  2. get a Will form from a high-street stationary shop or the Post Office; or
  3. take legal advice and get your Will drawn up by a solicitor (this will ensure that your wishes are accurately reflected in the wording of your Will).

I would like to leave a gift to Friends of Conservation in my Will. How do I do this?

You can either leave a specific gift of money or a particular item to the Charity or leave the residue of your estate (i.e. its value after all other gifts and costs have been paid out). We recommend that you speak to a solicitor to ensure that the wording of your bequest accurately reflects your wishes.

You need to include the full name of our Charity in your Will, together with our registered office address and registered charity number: 

   Friends of Conservation 
   16-18 Denbigh Street
   London
   SW1V 2ER
   Registered Charity Number:  328176
How do I amend my existing Will to include a gift to Friends of Conservation?

You can amend your Will at any time and as many times as you think necessary. Changes are made by creating a Codicil to add to your existing Will. This will need to be witnessed and when drawing it up we recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified legal advisor.

I am an executor and there is a bequest to Friends of Conservation in the Will. How should I pay the money to you?

All you need to do is send a cheque, payable to Friends of Conservation, to: 

   Friends of Conservation 
   Legacy Officer
   16-18 Denbigh Street
   London SW1V 2ER

This will be acknowledged and confirmation given that any conditions have been fulfilled.

I would like to ensure that my legacy is used for a particular conservation project or for the protection of a particular animal. How do I do this?

You can request in your Will that your gift be used to fund a particular conservation project or help protect a particular species. Your Executors would then release your gift to the Charity subject to the specified conditions and we will seek to fulfil these. For a number of reasons it is preferable if you could make your gift as unconditional as possible. It is difficult to predict what the future will bring and what particular conservation needs will be for any habitat or species. Whilst we will follow your wishes as closely as we can, by giving us flexibility in the way in which we apply your gift (for example by stating your wishes as a preference rather than a condition) this will ensure that we can continue to do all we can to preserve wildlife and habitats in the future.

Are there any tax benefits to making a bequest to Friends of Conservation?

You should take advice on your tax position from a solicitor or professionally qualified advisor. For many donors leaving a gift to a charity would reduce your Inheritance Tax liability as any money left to charity is generally free from Inheritance Tax.

Do I need to tell Friends of Conservation that I am going to leave a gift in my Will to them?

Whilst this is not necessary, we would find it extremely helpful to know that the Charity will benefit from your support in the future. If you could tell us that you have included (or are intending to include) a gift for this Charity in your Will we would be delighted to hear from you.

I have got some more questions. Who should I contact? 
   Write to: 
   The Legacy Officer, 
   Friends of Conservation
   16-18 Denbigh Street, 
   London SW1V 2ER
   Telephone: 020 7592 0110
   Email: focinfo@aol.com