The Importance of Keeping Charitable Funds in Norfolk: A Legal Perspective
On Thursday 26th September, Norfolk Community Foundation, in collaboration with Rogers & Norton Solicitors and SG Wealth Management, successfully hosted the “Keeping Norfolk’s Legacy: Essential for Professional Advisers” event at The Assembly House in Norwich. The event brought together local solicitors, independent financial advisers (IFAs), accountants, and other professional advisers who work closely with clients on legacy giving, with a focus on the vital importance of keeping charitable funds within Norfolk.
Rogers & Norton Solicitors were proud to play an integral role in the event, with Private Client Solicitor Cathy Hipper taking the stage as part of an expert panel. Cathy, alongside fellow industry professionals Frances Kemp, Director of Business Services and Chartered Financial Planner from SG Wealth Management, and Henry Pettitt, Partner and Chartered Accountant from Stephenson Smart, engaged in a lively discussion on the legal and financial considerations of legacy giving.
A Legal Perspective on Legacy Giving
As highlighted during the event, legacy giving offers a powerful way for individuals to make a lasting impact on their community. However, from a legal perspective, ensuring that charitable donations meet the donor’s wishes and remain within the intended region requires careful planning. Cathy Hipper explained that private client solicitors play a critical role in helping clients navigate the complexities of charitable bequests.
“For clients who want to make a real difference locally, it’s essential to clearly specify in their Will not only the charity but also the local branch or independent charity they wish to support,” Cathy noted during the discussion. “Without these details, there’s a risk the funds may be directed to a national organisation, with no guarantee that the money will stay in Norfolk.”
This careful drafting is crucial in preserving the donor’s legacy and ensuring their charitable intentions are fulfilled. Key legal considerations discussed at the event included:
- Accurate Naming of Charities: Ensuring the correct charity name, registration details, and location are specified to avoid disputes or misdirection of funds.
- Specifying the Type of Gift: Whether a fixed sum, a percentage of the estate, or specific assets, solicitors must ensure clarity in the type of gift.
- Local Impact: Ensuring donations are directed to local causes by specifying the branch, region, or independent charity within a larger organisation.
The importance of keeping charitable donations local is clear – it ensures funds directly benefit Norfolk’s grassroots charities, which play an essential role in addressing the region’s specific needs, from health and wellbeing to education and support for vulnerable groups.
Supporting Local Communities
One of the event’s key messages was the importance of maintaining charitable giving within Norfolk to strengthen and support local communities. Norfolk Community Foundation’s Chair, Claire Cullens MBE, revealed during her presentation that 85% of charitable income in England and Wales goes to just 4% of charities, often large national organisations. As a result, many of Norfolk’s smaller charities are left without the crucial funds they need to continue their work.
“When much of that money goes to large national charities, it doesn’t necessarily come back to Norfolk,” Claire explained. The event aimed to help professional advisers feel confident discussing these issues with their clients, ensuring they are equipped to guide them in keeping their charitable giving local.
At Rogers & Norton, we are proud to support this initiative, recognising the essential role that private client solicitors play in ensuring that legacy gifts make a tangible difference within our community. By providing expert legal advice on legacy giving, we help clients ensure their charitable intentions are upheld, and local charities receive the support they need.
We extend our sincere thanks to Norfolk Community Foundation and SG Wealth Management for their partnership in making this event possible, and to the panellists and attendees for their engaging contributions.
For those unable to attend, we encourage professional advisers to reach out to our team or Norfolk Community Foundation to continue the conversation. Together, we can help ensure that charitable donations stay within Norfolk, supporting the local community and making a lasting difference where it matters most.
For more information on the legal services we offer or to arrange an appointment with a member of our legal team, contact us on 01603 666001 or email enquiries@rogers-norton.co.uk.
*This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or any other professional advice.