How to include a gift in your will

Find information on the RHS charity details, different types of gift you can leave, examples of suggested wording and useful links to write your will

RHS charity details

  • Registered charity name: Royal Horticultural Society
  • Registered address: 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE
  • Registered charity number: 222879/SC038262

Making a will doesn’t need to be expensive or time-consuming. By writing or updating an existing will, you can be sure that your loved ones are provided for in the future, as well as your favourite charities. Every gift to the RHS, no matter how large or small, will make a lasting difference and help to make the UK a greener, healthier and happier place.

Types of gifts you can leave to the RHS

Residuary gift

This is a gift of all or part of your estate, once all your other commitments have been settled.

This is the most flexible way of supporting the RHS, as the value of the gift adjusts with the value of your estate.

For example, even 1% of your estate would have a big impact helping the work of the RHS.

Pecuniary gift

This is a specified sum of money. To ensure that it keeps value over the years, you can ask your solicitor to make it index-linked.

Specific gift

If you are thinking of leaving a specific item or asset, please contact a member of our Legacy Team first so that we can advise whether we will be able to accept the gift.

Choosing a solicitor

We suggest that you seek legal advice when making or updating your will. We aren’t able to recommend particular solicitors but you can search for qualified solicitors in your area using the Law Society website or take advantage of the RHS free will-writing offer, in partnership with Octopus Legacy. You don’t have to leave a gift to the RHS to take up this offer – though we hope you’ll consider doing so after providing for any loved ones.

“I have no children so am happy to leave money to the RHS in the hope that others will get as much pleasure from RHS Gardens as I have.”

RHS Gift in will supporter

Suggested wording for your will

Whether you want to leave a proportion of your estate or a specific sum, we greatly appreciate all gifts to the RHS. You might want to leave a gift in your will for general purposes, or for the benefit of your favourite RHS Garden or area of our charitable work. See our examples of suggested wording (below) for the different ways you can leave a gift in your will to the RHS.

A straightforward gift for general purposes

Most of the gifts we receive are for general purposes, allowing us to use the funds where they are needed most.

Wording for a residuary gift

I give to the Royal Horticultural Society (registered charity number 222879/SC038262) of 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P [specify % or ‘all’] of the residue of my estate absolutely for general purposes and direct that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said charity shall be good and sufficient discharge to my executors.

Wording for a pecuniary gift

I give to the Royal Horticultural Society (registered charity number 222879/SC038262) of 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P absolutely the sum of [£…] for general purposes and direct that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said charity shall be good and sufficient discharge to my executors.

Wording for an index-linked pecuniary gift

I give to the Royal Horticultural Society (registered charity number 222879/SC038262) of 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P absolutely for general purposes the sum of [£…] or such larger sum as my executors calculate to have the same value at my death as the figure specified at the date of this [insert ‘Will’ or ‘Codicil date’] and direct that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said charity shall be good and sufficient discharge to my executors.

A gift towards a specific RHS Garden or aspect of our work

Giving to an area of our work that means a lot to you, or an RHS Garden that holds special memories, is also a wonderful way of supporting the RHS. In order to ensure we can honour your wishes you can specify RHS activities you would like to support – such as Education, Training, Science, Libraries, Community Outreach or Horticultural Projects.

Wording for a residuary gift

I give to the Royal Horticultural Society (registered charity number 222879/SC038262) of 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P [specify % OR ‘all’] of the residue of my estate absolutely for [use at RHS Garden… OR the benefit of.. insert RHS activity eg. RHS Educational activities, RHS Horticultural training, RHS Science and Research etc] and direct that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said charity shall be good and sufficient discharge to my executors.

Wording for a pecuniary gift

I give to the Royal Horticultural Society (registered charity number 222879/SC038262) of 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P absolutely the sum of [£…] for [use at RHS Garden… OR the benefit of.. insert RHS activity eg. RHS Educational activities, RHS Horticultural training, RHS Science and Research etc]  and direct that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said charity shall be good and sufficient discharge to my executors.

Wording for an index-linked pecuniary gift

I give to the Royal Horticultural Society (registered charity number 222879/SC038262) of 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P absolutely the sum of [£…] or such larger sum as my executors calculate to have the same value at my death as the figure specified at the date of this [insert ‘Will’ or ‘Codicil date’] [£…] for [use at RHS Garden… OR the benefit of.. insert RHS activity eg. RHS Educational activities, RHS Horticultural training, RHS Science and Research etc] and direct that the receipt of an authorised officer of the said charity shall be good and sufficient discharge to my executors.

Tax-efficient ways of giving

Gifts to charities are exempt from inheritance tax; which means that leaving a gift to the RHS may help reduce your tax liability. If you leave 10% or more of the net value of your estate to charity in your will, your estate may qualify for inheritance tax at the reduced rate of 36% rather than 40%.

Everyone’s tax situation is different. Your solicitor will be able to tell you more about the ways charitable giving may reduce inheritance tax on your estate. You can also find more information on inheritance tax exemptions by visiting the UK Government website.

Want to know more?

Your Gift in Will Guide

Find helpful information on the difference a gift in your will can make and the RHS activities you can support.

Download your free Gift in Will guide

Information events

Join us for an event at your nearest RHS Garden, where you’ll get a guided tour and insight into future plans.

Email us for event details

“There is no better legacy than to support continuing life. Gardening and nature have given so much enjoyment, it is only fitting to give back.”

Gill Smith, RHS Gift in will supporter

Information for executors or solicitors

If you are carrying out the wishes in someone’s will and they have kindly included a gift to the RHS, then please contact our Legacy Administration team:

  • Write: Legacy Office, Royal Horticultural Society, 80 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2PE
  • Email: [email protected] or Call: 020 7821 3658

Get in touch

If you would like to talk to someone about including the RHS in your will, would like a printed copy of the RHS Gift in Will Guide, or you are the executor of someone’s will, please get in touch, we’re here to help.

RHS registered charity no. 222879/SCO38262.
 
Legacy Giving team

Call: 020 7821 3658
Email: [email protected]

More on gift in wills with the RHS

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.