Gifts in Wills

Leave a gift in your Will. Create a future.

How to leave a gift Watch in BSL

A gift for future generations

A lasting way to support Deaf communities

Most people choose to put family and friends first. Once you have done that, leaving even a small share of what remains can help the BDA protect sign languages, strengthen Deaf communities and challenge inequality far into the future.

A charitable gift in your Will is normally paid from your estate, so it does not affect your finances during your lifetime. You remain free to change your Will if your circumstances or wishes change.

An unrestricted gift gives the BDA flexibility to direct support where future Deaf communities need it most.

What your gift can make possible

Keep language, rights and community strong

Protect BSL and ISL

Help preserve, protect and promote the languages at the heart of Deaf culture and identity.

Champion Deaf rights

Support Deaf-led work that challenges barriers and brings Deaf voices into decisions.

Strengthen community

Help Deaf people connect, lead, learn and pass culture and language to the next generation.

Planning your gift

Choose the approach that is right for you

A solicitor or qualified Will-writing professional can explain the options and make sure your wishes are recorded clearly.

Residuary gift

A share of your estate

All or a percentage of what remains after costs and the gifts you have made to other people.

Pecuniary gift

A fixed amount

A specific sum of money. Your adviser can explain how to allow for changes in its value over time.

Specific gift

A particular item

An item such as property, shares or something valuable that you name in your Will.

Four straightforward steps

How to include the BDA in your Will

  1. Look after those closest to you

    Begin with the people and responsibilities that matter most to you.

  2. Choose the kind of gift

    Decide whether a share, fixed amount or particular item best reflects your wishes.

  3. Speak to a professional

    Ask a solicitor or qualified Will-writing professional to write or update your Will.

  4. Use the BDA’s full details

    Give your adviser the legal name and registration numbers below so your gift can reach the right organisation.

Details for your adviser

British Deaf Association (BDA)
Registered charity in England and Wales: 1031687
Registered charity in Scotland: SC042409
Company registered in England and Wales: 2881497

If your adviser needs any other organisational details, email bda@bda.org.uk.

Legacy information pack

Request your legacy information pack

If you are thinking about leaving a gift to the BDA, request our legacy information pack and we will send it to you by email.

  • Tell us your name and email address.
  • Our team will review your request and email the pack to you.

We will use these details to review your request and email the pack to you. Read our Privacy Policy.

Culver Law

One accessible option

Accessible Will-writing support

Culver Law’s website gives details of its Will-writing services and current access options for Deaf BSL users.

Please check the latest arrangements, availability and any costs on its website before you begin. You do not have to use Culver Law: you can choose a solicitor or qualified Will-writing professional of your choice.

  • Ask how BSL access will be provided.
  • Check the current service and fees before making an appointment.
  • Make your own choice of independent adviser.
Visit Culver Law

Community voices

Why accessible Will writing matters

Community members describe their experience and why being able to communicate in BSL matters when making an important decision.

One example of lasting change

Help put BSL in the hands of every family

BSL in Our Hands is the BDA’s UK-wide campaign for every deaf child and their family to have free access to sign language from the earliest possible stage.

It is one example of the long-term, Deaf-led change that future support can help sustain. A gift in your Will can help the BDA keep campaigning, building evidence and making Deaf voices impossible to ignore.

More than 50,000deaf children and young people live in the UK
More than 90%are born to hearing parents, who may be new to deafness

Source: National Deaf Children’s Society — Deaf statistics.

Explore BSL in Our Hands

Common questions

A few things people often ask

A qualified adviser can answer questions about your own circumstances and make sure your Will does what you intend.

Do I need to make a completely new Will?

Not always. Depending on your circumstances, an adviser may recommend a new Will or a formal addition called a codicil. Do not write changes onto an existing signed Will yourself.

Does my gift have to be large?

No. The BDA welcomes gifts of every size. A small percentage of what remains can become a meaningful gift while keeping family and friends at the centre of your plans.

Do I have to use Culver Law?

No. Culver Law is one signposted option. You are free to choose another solicitor or qualified Will-writing professional.

Do I need to tell the BDA about my gift?

No. Your Will is private, and telling us is entirely your choice. If you do decide to let us know, we can thank you and keep you connected with the work you care about; you do not need to tell us the amount.

Can I change my mind later?

Yes. You can change your Will during your lifetime, provided you have the legal capacity to do so. Ask a qualified adviser to make any change correctly.

Ready to take the next step?

For general information about leaving a gift to the BDA, get in touch. We will treat your enquiry with care and confidentiality.

Email the BDA

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Laws and tax rules can change; please speak to a qualified adviser about your circumstances.