Legacies
Legacies are one of the most meaningful ways you could choose to support Trinity Hall and its community. They are fundamental if we are to transform the fabric of the College and the lives of future generations of students and safeguard the future of Trinity Hall as a place of education, learning and research. The very same experience you benefited from during your time in the College. Your charitable support, combined with the College’s continued investments, can help us achieve these goals. It is only through education and research that many of the issues facing society today will be resolved.
“ I gained so much from my time at the Hall and I have no doubt that I would not be in the position I am today were I not to have had such a marvelous opportunity to be part of such a special community. I was most fortunate in that I was supported through my own studies while I was there, and so think it important to give back to the College so that others can benefit in a similar way to me. Three years passed so quickly but I remember them most fondly and the regular contact from the College keeps the place close to my heart. ”
— James Thomas (2002), JCR President 2004-5
Thank you for considering to remember Trinity Hall in your Will. It is a powerful way of supporting the College and future generations of students. It is also a tax-efficient form of giving as charitable legacies are free of inheritance tax.
Those who remember the College in their Will are invited to join the 1350 Society which is our way of thanking you for your support during your lifetime. We would be happy to discuss the terms of your legacy if you are interested in supporting specific causes within the College.
How have Legacies impacted on the College Community?
Legacies to the College have helped make a real difference to the College and generations of students. Below are some examples of how legacy gifts have supported the College.
Mr Gordon Strangeways (1935) gave a legacy to endow the award of scholarships, studentships or bursaries for students at Trinity Hall in the name of Strangeways to commemorate the 6 members of the family who attended the College in 30s and 50s. This legacy provides several annual awards for students in need.
Mrs Ivy Cooney bequeathed a half share of her estate to Trinity Hall in memory of her son, the late Norman Ellis Craig (1948). Specifically directed to benefit the Buildings fund, her legacy was used to create the Norman Craig Ellis Room in M Staircase to house the College archives.
The development of new student accommodation at Wychfield was made possible through a generous legacy to the College, from former Fellow Dr Graham Storey OBE (1939).
Find out what kind of impact you could have:
“ It is now time to return something of the benefit I received to the Hall so that others may participate in the same good fortune. To me, it is the most deserving of causes. ”
— Clive Thorne (1971, Law)
I would like to support the College in this way, what are my next steps?
- Arranging your Will does not need to be complicated or expensive – it is recommended that you contact a solicitor to help prepare your Will. The College is not able to advise on these matters.
- Please consider leaving a cash gift or a residuary gift to the College once you have made a provision for your family.
- Please ensure that your gift is made to ‘Trinity Hall, Cambridge (England and Wales Registered Charity Number 1137458) for general charitable purposes’*
- If you have a specific preference and would like to discuss where you would like your gift be directed, please contact the Development Director or Philanthropy Officer at development@trinhall.cam.ac.uk or by calling +44 (0)1223 763010.
- Please complete our online form. We recognise that your intentions are a personal matter which you may wish to keep confidential. However, if you are willing to complete this form, the College would be very grateful as it would assist with our long-term planning.
- If you would like to amend an existing Will (a codicil), you will find a suggested template below, or you can download a codicil template.
*Suggested wording: “I/We give free of tax to the Master and Fellows of Trinity Hall, Cambridge CB2 1TJ (Registered Charity Number 1137458) the residue/a proportion of the residue of my estate/the sum of £(amount) to be used as they think fit and declare that the receipt of the Bursar or other proper officer for the time being of the College shall be sufficient discharge to my/our Executors.”
Tax advantages
In the UK, inheritance tax is levied at 40% on the portion of your estate over the value of £325,000. The College is a registered charity, number 1137458, and as a result gifts to the College as a legacy are exempt from inheritance tax and can therefore reduce the tax liability of your estate. If you leave 10% of your net estate to a charity, your Inheritance Tax is reduced from 40% to 36%. For further details see the HMRC website on leaving gifts to a charity in your will and the HMRC website on inheritance tax.
Bequests in the USA are also deductible from your taxable estate and can significantly reduce capital gains an estate taxes. See the Cambridge in America website for more details.
Types of legacy
There are different types of legacy, the most common types are listed below. We would recommend that you seek legal advice when drawing up your Will:
- Residuary – This bequeaths all or part of your estate after other legacies, debts, taxes and expenses have been paid. If you express the sum of money as a proportion of your Estate, you may protect your intention from the effects of inflation.
- Pecuniary – This enables you to give a specific sum of money but the disadvantage is that inflation may erode its value over the years.
- Specific gift – This enables you to leave to the College a specific personal possession.
- Reversionary/Life Interest legacy – This enables you to leave assets to the Hall whilst giving someone the benefit of them during his/her lifetime. Your solicitor will be able to advise on the wording.
- Deed of variation – If you are a beneficiary under a Will, you may wish to consider transferring all or part of your inheritance to the College using a Deed of Variation which will qualify the original bequest for Inheritance Tax exemption. We would recommend you seek legal advice if you wish to give to the College in this way.
- Life Assurance – A life assurance policy can be taken out with the Hall as a beneficiary. We recommend you seek further advice from an independent financial adviser.
US estate planning
Trinity Hall alumni residing in the United States, who wish to make a benefaction to the College, may do so by contacting Cambridge in America (CAm) – the alumni, development and communications center for the American constituents of the University of Cambridge. An outright bequest to CAm is not subject to federal or state estate or inheritance taxes, and the value of your bequest is deductible in determining the value of the estate for tax purposes.
Please visit the Cambridge in America website to find out more about US estate planning.
Recognising your generous support
The 1350 Society recognises and thanks all those who have remembered Trinity Hall in their Will. As a member, you will receive an invitation to an annual special event and a 1350 Society pin, be thanked in the Donor List every year (unless you wish to remain anonymous) and receive special reports and updates.
The Society was launched in 2009 and we have over 240 members, who have together pledged more than £21 million in their Wills to the College. Generosity at this level is truly transformational, and will ensure we are able to offer all the benefits of a Trinity Hall education for future generations regardless of their means or financial circumstances.
