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Legacies
How to leave York St John University a gift in your will.
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Leaving a gift in your will opens opportunities to those who most need it, allowing them access to the York St John University experience which you know and love.
Download our leaflet for more information about leaving a legacy: Your YSJ Legacy Leaflet (PDF, 0.7 MB)
How to leave a gift
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
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.
Impact of your gift
We are extremely proud that 80% of our current students are from backgrounds which are underrepresented in higher education. However, there are still many more missing out on the education they deserve.
With your support we can change this and help open the doors of education to 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 York St John University experience.
What your gift can do
In 2017 we received a substantial legacy gift from an alumnus who trained to be a teacher with us in the 1950s. They outlined in their will that they wanted to support York St John students undertaking teacher training courses and so the Education Opportunity Award was created in their honour. So far, 11 students undertaking PGCE courses have been supported by this generous gift. Over the next 5 years, this gift will support a further 30 students to complete their PGCE with us.
73 years after they first came to study with us, their legacy are the teachers of the future.
What will your legacy be?
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.
Different types of gifts
There are 3 types of gift. 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.
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.
We would suggest that you consult your solicitor before drafting a new will or updating an existing will. You may wish to speak to them about our sample will wording document.
Download: Sample Will Wording (docx, 22.6 kB)
If you need any further information or would like to have a discreet conversation regarding leaving a legacy, please do contact the Alumni and Fundraising office. Email alumni@yorksj.ac.uk or phone 01904 876 741.
Tax benefits
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.
