In a unique effort to promote charitable giving, Octopus Legacy, a leading will-writing and estate planning firm, has launched a nationwide campaign to offer free wills. The initiative, running throughout October, encourages individuals to leave a legacy gift to charity in exchange for having their will-writing costs covered up to £150. This campaign, aptly named ‘Free Wills’, aims to inspire more people to consider their estate plans and the potential to make a lasting impact through charitable donations.
The campaign comes at a time when charitable organisations are increasingly reliant on legacy gifts, which constitute a significant portion of their funding. By making will-writing more accessible, Octopus Legacy hopes to remove the financial barrier that often deters individuals from drafting a will, thus fostering a culture of giving and potentially increasing the number of legacy gifts left to charities.
A Timely Initiative
The ‘Free Wills’ campaign was launched on 1st October 2025, coinciding with the beginning of Free Wills Month, an annual event that encourages individuals to consider leaving a legacy to charity. This timing is strategic, as it aligns with a broader movement to raise awareness about the importance of will-writing and legacy gifting. The campaign will run nationwide, offering individuals across the UK the opportunity to participate.
Octopus Legacy has partnered with various charities to ensure the success of this initiative. The firm is leveraging its extensive network and resources to reach a wide audience, aiming to make a significant impact on both the estate planning industry and the charitable sector.
Encouraging Charitable Giving
The primary goal of the ‘Free Wills’ campaign is to encourage more people to leave a gift to charity in their wills. Research indicates that while many people express a desire to donate to charity, a lack of awareness and understanding of the process often prevents them from following through. By removing the cost barrier, Octopus Legacy hopes to simplify the decision-making process and inspire more individuals to include charitable gifts in their estate plans.
According to Emily Carter, a spokesperson for Octopus Legacy, “Legacy gifts are vital for many charities, providing them with the funds needed to continue their essential work. Our campaign aims to make will-writing accessible to everyone, encouraging more people to consider the lasting impact they can have through legacy giving.”
The Impact of Legacy Gifts
Legacy gifts are a crucial source of income for many charities, often accounting for up to a third of their annual funding. These gifts enable charities to plan for the future, invest in long-term projects, and expand their services to reach more beneficiaries. With the ‘Free Wills’ campaign, Octopus Legacy seeks to highlight the significant impact that even a small legacy gift can have on a charity’s operations.
Statistics from the Charities Aid Foundation reveal that in 2024, legacy gifts contributed over £3 billion to UK charities. This figure underscores the importance of encouraging more people to consider this form of giving. By offering free will-writing services, Octopus Legacy hopes to increase the number of legacy gifts, thereby providing a much-needed boost to the charitable sector.
Expert Insights on Estate Planning
Estate planning experts have praised the ‘Free Wills’ campaign for its potential to increase awareness about the importance of having a will. Many individuals delay or avoid writing a will due to perceived complexity or cost. By addressing these barriers, the campaign not only promotes charitable giving but also encourages individuals to take control of their estate plans.
John Harris, an estate planning specialist, notes that “writing a will is one of the most important steps an individual can take to ensure their wishes are honoured after their passing. The ‘Free Wills’ campaign is a fantastic initiative that simplifies this process and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their legacy.”
Looking Ahead
As the ‘Free Wills’ campaign progresses, Octopus Legacy remains committed to raising awareness about the benefits of will-writing and legacy giving. The firm plans to continue its efforts beyond October, exploring additional ways to support both individuals and charities in the estate planning process.
The campaign’s success could have far-reaching implications for the charitable sector, potentially increasing the number of legacy gifts and providing charities with a more stable financial future. By making will-writing accessible to more people, Octopus Legacy is paving the way for a culture of giving that could benefit countless organisations and individuals alike.
Through the ‘Free Wills’ campaign, Octopus Legacy is not only encouraging charitable giving but also fostering a greater understanding of the importance of estate planning. As more individuals take advantage of this opportunity, the potential for positive change in the charitable sector is immense, promising a brighter future for both donors and beneficiaries.
