Inheritance Tax and Local Giving: Creating Meaningful Legacies

Charitable giving has long played a role in estate and legacy planning — not only as a way to reduce inheritance tax (IHT) liability, but to reflect personal values and create lasting impact. As many clients begin to think more seriously about what they’ll leave behind, philanthropy offers a unique opportunity to make a difference locally.

With potential changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) on the horizon from April 2026, now is a good time for advisers and their clients to revisit their plans. Kent Community Foundation is here to support you with trusted local insight, simple giving solutions, and a personal approach your clients will value.

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1. Helping clients give locally – with confidence

Kent Community Foundation enables individuals and families to give to the causes that matter most to them in Kent and Medway. Whether through a named fund during their lifetime or a legacy in their Will, we make giving straightforward, rewarding, and free from administrative burden.

Clients benefit from the same tax reliefs as setting up a private charitable trust — with the added assurance that every organisation we fund is carefully vetted, and all grants are monitored and reported on.

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2. Giving as part of legacy planning

We work alongside advisers to help clients explore how charitable giving can complement their wider legacy goals. This could include:

• Donating cash, property or shares
• Creating a local family legacy through an endowment fund
• Supporting causes over time with a flow-through fund
• Linking charitable giving to business exit or succession conversations

We’re not here to offer financial or legal advice, but to support the giving side of the picture — making philanthropy simple, personal and impactful.

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3. Supporting more complex gifts

Some clients may wish to donate assets such as business shares or property. Our team can help explore feasibility and ensure the gift is handled appropriately — with the due diligence, structure and stewardship you'd expect.

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4. Long-term giving and family involvement

Many of our fundholders choose to involve their children or grandchildren in grant-making, making philanthropy an intergenerational experience. Others prefer to remain anonymous and trust us to make decisions on their behalf.

With flexible options for involvement, our model supports long-term giving that evolves with the family and continues making a difference locally for generations to come.

“We did not have the time or knowledge to research and back individual charities but knew with Kent Community Foundation our money would be well spent.” Sackville Family Fund

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5. We're here to support you

We understand the pressures that professional advisers face, navigating complex family dynamics, changing legislation, and increasingly values-led client expectations.

Our role is to walk alongside you. Whether you have a client with philanthropic intent, or simply want to understand the local giving landscape, we’re here to help, with clarity, flexibility, and a deep understanding of community needs across Kent and Medway.

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If you’re advising a client who’s considering charitable giving — now or in future — we’d love to hear from you. Email development@kentcf.org.uk