History in the Making
The University of Suffolk is a transformational University. In a world where nothing ever stays the same, we all need to change, evolve, succeed and change again. We are a distinctive, thriving academic community which makes a clear and immediate impact and we are strongly embedded in our local region – a university of, and for, the people. Our national and international impact through research and innovation brings recognition to the region and supports regional growth and development.
By leaving a legacy gift you are helping us to meet our ambitions to create change, to innovate, to revolutionise and ultimately make history.
Be Inspired
Writing a Will can be an inspiring opportunity to make a lasting difference. Remembering the University of Suffolk in your Will is a powerful and significant gift, one we would be honoured to receive. Legacy gifts will help to shape our future, make bigger impacts on our students and staff, help us develop new academic areas and open more doors for the future generations. Overall, a gift to the University of Suffolk is an investment in the future and with your help, the future will be brighter for everyone.
The Wolsey Circle
The Wolsey Circle is our unique giving circle to recognise individuals, in their lifetime, for the pledges they have made to the University in their Will. The Wolsey Circle is named in honour of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey who started the story of higher education in Suffolk over 500 years ago. Members of the Wolsey Circle form an extremely important and valuable group, who are highly regarded by the University and engaged regularly for their views, ideas, support and advice.
Neil Watts ~ Wolsey Circle Member
Your Pledge
The University of Suffolk is committed to working with donors and potential donors to understand their motivation and vision for the donations they make or intend to make. Through this work our institution can make transformational financial contributions to our students, staff and facilities. The Board is a vehicle to co-ordinate the raising of philanthropic funds for the University, helping to open doors and engage new donors to give generously to us.
The University of Suffolk is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011, regulated by the Office for Students (OfS) and a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales, company number 05078498, registered address Waterfront Building, Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QJ
Types of bequest:
You can choose to leave a legacy in a number of ways. The most common ways are below. However, if you have something else in mind, please get in touch so we can discuss this with you.
Residuary – All or part of the remainder of your estate after other legacies and charges have been met. A residuary bequest has the advantage that its value is least likely to be affected by inflation.
Pecuniary - A specific sum of money. This type of gift can be index-linked to prevent its value being eroded by inflation. If you already have a will in place, a pecuniary legacy can be added by means of a codicil.
Reversionary – Your assets will be left to a named beneficiary for their lifetime (your spouse, or other dependant for example). On their death, the whole of a specified proportion will then revert to the University.
Specific – Allows you to leave a gift in kind, such as valuables, land, property, works of art or collections to the University, either on terms that they be retained or that they may be sold, and the proceeds devoted to other University purposes.
Unrestricted or Restricted
Leaving an unrestricted legacy to the University allows us to direct funds wherever there is the greatest need. When your gift is received, will ensure we can make the best use and the biggest impact at that time. However, we recognise the great significance of you remembering the University of Suffolk in your Will and that you may prefer to remember a specific project or department. Should you wish to do this, we ask that you inform us in advance of formalising your Will to ensure that the project, department or course is sustainable, and that your gift can be used in the best way possible. This way we can help tailor your legacy to ensure it means your desired outcome.
Tax Efficient
Remembering University of Suffolk can be tax-efficient, because the University is an ‘exempt charity’. Leaving a legacy to the University in your Will may significantly reduce the amount of tax payable on your estate. Currently in the UK the rate of Inheritance Tax is normally 40% but this is reduced to 36% if more than 10% of the ‘net value’ of your estate is left to charity. Find out more on the HM Revenue & Customs site.
To find out more about remembering the University of Suffolk in your Will or other ways you can support the University, please contact us for a confidential conversation.
Please contact us to discuss possible gifts and recognition via email giving@uos.ac.uk
FAQ's
The University of Suffolk advises that you consult a solicitor about the specific wording used to recognise the University in your Will. This will ensure that your Will is legal and that all your wishes can be acted upon.
A Codicil can be used if you have already made a Will but would like to update or change it. This allows you to add more gifts or change the amounts being shared without having to make a new Will.
The University will recognise all gifts, including those pledged in a Will, in the most appropriate ways. We are very happy to discuss ideas or suggestions on how you would like to be recognised for your gift and will strive to fulfil all requests as far as possible.
If you have chosen to recognise the University in your Will, we would be most grateful if you could inform us of your decision. You are not obligated to make us aware of your intentions but if you choose to do so we are able to recognise and thank you for your special commitment. Please complete the University of Suffolk Legacy Pledge form and preferably return it with a copy of your Will or the relevant section of your Will.