Leave a legacy

A gift in your will to the Irish Cancer Society is such a meaningful way to give hope and care to the next generation.

Once family and friends have been looked after and all other important personal decisions have been made, deciding to include a legacy gift to the Irish Cancer Society is a very special way to support cancer patients long into the future. With a gift in your will, we can work towards a future where:

Fewer people receive a cancer diagnosis
Everyone who does survive it, and
Everyone who needs it receives world-class care and support.

Why leave a gift in your will

A donation made in your will is also known as a legacy gift. For some people, it is a way to show lasting support for a cause they care about. For others, it is one way to give back for the help they or their family received after a cancer diagnosis. Every legacy gift is personal and precious.

Whatever your reasons, a gift in your will is a lasting act of kindness, and is an amazing way to ensure our services and research will be here to support everyone affected by cancer long into the future.

Legacy gifts play a significant role in supporting our free services, including:

We are the largest provider of cancer information in Ireland and fund life-saving cancer research. A gift in your will impacts children, young people, adults, and their families for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions about leaving a will

What is a legacy gift, and why is it important?

A legacy gift, also known as a planned gift or charitable bequest, is a donation made to a charitable organisation, like the Irish Cancer Society, through a person's will. They are a way for you to support the causes that have been important to you in your life, even after you are gone.

Are legacy gifts to the Irish Cancer Society tax-free?

Yes, legacy gifts left in your will are tax-free and can help reduce the tax payable on your estate.

Why should I inform the Irish Cancer Society about my legacy gift?

There is no legal obligation to inform us of your wishes; however, we do love to thank legacy supporters, and learn what your gift means to you! We always keep your plans confidential, and you can change your mind at any stage.

Knowing more about supporters who plan to leave a legacy gift can help us communicate better with other supporters who may be considering making the same amazing decision. You can get in touch with our Philanthropy and Legacy team on legacy@irishcancer.ie

Write your Will Free of Charge

The Irish Cancer Society has partnered with LawOnline to offer you the chance to make or amend your will free of charge using LawOnline’s will and codicil online drafting service.

Once you have drafted your will, you also have the option to have it reviewed by one of LawOnline's solicitors. This additional service is available at a significantly reduced fee.

To avail of this service, or if you would like to discuss any aspect of leaving a gift, please contact our Philanthropy and Legacy team on legacy@irishcancer.ie

How to make a will

Making a will is the only way to ensure your wishes will be fulfilled after you pass. You can choose how your finances are shared and who will look after your assets.

To make a will, you must be 18 or over and be of sound mind.
Your will must be signed in front of two witnesses. The witnesses must be 18 or over, and cannot benefit from the contents of the will.
You can change or withdraw a will at any time before you die, as long as you are still of sound mind. Editing your will is called making a codicil, and it is essentially an extension of your original wishes.
If you already have a will, you should review it as your personal or family circumstances change – people often make or revise their wills when they buy a house, get married, welcome a child or grandchild, or retire.
If you are making a will or changing an existing will, you should always use a solicitor who will ensure that it is legal and that your wishes are carried out.

Wording to include the Irish Cancer Society in your will

We hope you will consider including a legacy to the Irish Cancer Society. Below is suggested wording for your solicitor to review:

Suggested wording for including the Irish Cancer Society in your will:

«I give to the Irish Cancer Society, 43-45 Northumberland Road, Dublin 4, registered charity number 20009502:

a. All (or a percentage share of) the residue of my estate

b. (a specific item) or all my property known as (name of property) and situated at (location of property)

c. The sum of (amount in figures and in words)

And I direct that (i) my bequest be applied by the Irish Cancer Society for its charitable purposes and (ii) receipt of any Trustee of the Irish Cancer Society for the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my Executors.»

If you need any assistance or would like to discuss the potential impact of your legacy gift, please contact us at legacy@irishcancer.ie. We would love to discuss your wishes, and have the chance to thank you.