Our Legacy Giving Policy
1. Introduction
Gifts left in wills are a vital source of support for many churches, enabling them to sustain ministry, preserve cherished buildings, and invest in mission and outreach. At St Andrew’s Church, Cobham, we are deeply thankful for every gift we receive in this way. We are committed to using such gifts wisely, with care, and — wherever possible — in accordance with the donor’s wishes.
2. Encouraging Legacy Giving
We warmly welcome legacy gifts as a meaningful way of supporting the long-term life and ministry of our church family. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) encourages all members of the congregation to consider including a gift to St Andrew’s in their will, after first making provision for family and loved ones. For those wishing to do so, the following suggested wording may be helpful:
“I give the sum of [£X] or [X% of my residuary estate] free of all taxes to the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of St Andrew’s Cobham, registered charity number 1130717, in the Diocese of Guildford, for its general purposes. I declare that the receipt of an officer of the Council shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors and trustees.”
3. Use of Legacy Gifts
St Andrew’s Church is committed to using legacy gifts wisely and prayerfully, in a way that honours the donor’s intentions and supports the church’s mission.
Where a legacy is given under a formal restriction, the gift will be held in a restricted fund and used solely for the purpose stated in the will.
If a legacy is accompanied by a non-binding expression of wishes, the PCC will endeavour to honour those wishes as closely as possible, where appropriate keeping in touch with the family and the executors. If the original purpose is no longer practical or aligned with the current needs of St Andrew’s, the PCC will look at using the gift in a way that aligns with the ministry and mission of the church whilst reflecting the spirit and intent of the donor’s wishes.
It is the intention of St Andrew’s to use legacy gifts to support the long-term development of the church in accordance with the church’s growth plan. This may include building and fabric projects, ministry and outreach or investing in income-generating assets. However, should the financial circumstances of the church require it, the PCC reserves the right to use legacy funds to help support the day-to-day life and running costs of the church.
4. Transparency and Acknowledgement
The receipt and use of legacy gifts will be reported to the PCC and, where appropriate, included in the Annual Report and Financial Statements. Donors may be acknowledged privately or publicly, depending on their wishes, and all gifts will be received and recorded with gratitude and pastoral sensitivity.
5. Managing Legacy Funds
Legacy gifts will be held separately from regular church income and placed in a designated deposit account. These funds will be prayerfully overseen by the PCC, who will discern how best to use them in line with this policy and the church’s long-term mission. All decisions will be made with care, transparency, and a deep sense of gratitude — always seeking to honour the wishes of the giver wherever possible.
6. Confidentiality
We recognise that making a will is a private and personal matter. All enquiries and notifications relating to legacy gifts will be treated with pastoral care and complete confidentiality.
7. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed by the PCC at least every five years, or sooner if circumstances require.