Legacies
Leave a gift in your will
A lasting legacy for future students.
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From our foundation in 1841, York St John University has been centred on our community approach, allowing students, alumni, and the wider community to come together to support education for everyone. Leaving a gift in your will provides an opportunity to continue this legacy and become a part of our future.
Impact of your gift
We are extremely proud that 80% of our current students come from backgrounds that are underrepresented in higher education. However, many more are still missing out on the education they deserve.
With your support we can change this and help open the doors to education for all. No matter the size of your gift, you can help someone buy the books they need to study, pay for transport to and from university and give them the opportunity to benefit from the experience of a York St John education.
We are deeply grateful to have received legacy gifts from a growing number of generous donors. Their lasting contributions enable us to expand our efforts and make an even greater difference in the lives of future generations.
If you do choose to leave a gift in your will to York St John, please consider telling us about it by completing our pledge form.
Download: Pledge form: Your York St John Legacy (docx, 82.7 kB)
For a confidential chat about leaving a gift, please email alumni@yorksj.ac.uk.
Professor Stuart Billingham Previous Head of School of Linguistics and Social Sciences
Leaving a gift in my will to encourage this approach is for me, really a 'no-brainer', especially if the money will be used specifically to support students from backgrounds and contexts traditionally under-represented at university. I have spent the whole of my professional life identifying and promoting policies and practices which will achieve this. And that is exactly how I wish the legacy to be used.
Dr Judith Muskett Previous PhD student and postdoctoral research assistant
I am immensely grateful to York St John for all the opportunities it has given me; so, I am leaving a gift to the University in my will. The gift is to support the research and conference expenses of YSJ postgraduate students working on topics in Theology and Religious Studies at the University.
Terry Wawn Previous art and design lecturer
Travelling extensively in Asia, I witnessed first-hand the educational set up and priorities of these countries, where women's education isn't prioritised. As education is so important to the individual and to the societies from where they come, I have decided to bequeath monies to YSJ to help women from Asia to access education at York St John, and I would encourage others to make this your charity of choice. You can get great personal satisfaction from helping young international students achieve their educational ambitions.
Leaving a gift in your will
Leaving a gift in your will is a meaningful way to support York St John’s future. You may choose to leave a sum of money, specific assets, or a share of your estate. Your gift can be included in your will or added to an existing will through a codicil. The sections below outline the different options and how to get started.
Leaving a gift in your will is simple. All you need to know is our address, our charity number and what your legacy will entail.
Our address:
York St John University
Lord Mayors’ Walk
York
YO31 7EXOur Exempt Charity Status number:
GB 4498 683
While anyone can write a will there are certain requirements to make sure that it is valid and your wishes will be respected, so it is best to speak to a professional. Working with an SRA-regulated solicitor will give you the most peace of mind, especially if your affairs are complex or you want to discuss them in person.
Download: Sample Will Wording (docx, 22.6 kB)
There are 3 types of gifts. Some people prefer to leave a residuary gift, or percentage of their estate. This type of gift gives people the reassurance of knowing it will be protected against inflation. You could also choose to leave a pecuniary gift, which is a fixed sum of money, or a specific gift of individual possessions.
An unrestricted gift provides the flexibility to be used where the need is greatest, allowing us to adapt to changing priorities and maximise impact. A restricted gift is directed towards a specific area of interest. If you would like to leave a restricted gift, please contact our team to discuss options.
The University is an exempt charity, so a gift in your will can be tax-exempt thereby reducing the amount of inheritance tax payable, if the net value of your estate is above the inheritance tax threshold.
If you do choose to leave a gift in your will to York St John, please consider telling us about it by completing our pledge form.
Download: Pledge form: Your York St John Legacy (docx, 82.7 kB)
Remember a loved one
A York St John remembrance leaf is the perfect way to leave a lasting tribute to honour your loved one. It will be hung on our Remembrance Tree situated in the Peace Garden on our York campus.
For more information please contact our team.
Discuss your gift with us
If you have already included a gift to York St John in your will, we would love to hear from you so we can thank you and welcome you to our donor community.
If you need any further information or prefer a discreet conversation about leaving a gift, please get in touch with the Alumni and Fundraising team.
Email: alumni@yorksj.ac.uk
Phone: 01904 876 741
