CAFOD is the official Catholic aid agency for England and Wales

Different types of legacy

There are three main types of legacy to consider. Find out about all three here, and read suggested wording for leaving a legacy to us

Residuary legacy: Part, or all, of your estate (after debts, funeral costs and pecuniary gifts are paid)
Pecuniary legacy: A specific sum, which can be index-linked to safeguard its future value
Specific legacy: A particular item to be used or sold by the beneficiary

If you are worried about providing for your family but don’t want to turn your back on your favourite causes, ask your advisor about a reversionary legacy, which allows you to leave assets to a named individual for their lifetime while deciding who should benefit after they have passed away.

If you would like to remember us in your will, here is some suggested wording for your solicitor:

Residuary gifts
“I give all/fraction/% share of the residue of my estate to CAFOD, (RCN 285776), Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB, to be used for its general charitable purposes, and I direct that the receipt of the treasurer or duly authorised officer shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors.”

Pecuniary or Specific gifts
“I give to CAFOD (RCN 285776) of Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB, the sum of £amount/specific gift of my item to be used for its general charitable purposes and I direct that the receipt of the treasurer or duly authorised officer shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors.”


take action

Learn more about this wonderful way of providing for those you care about with Sowing Seeds of Hope, our free guide to making or updating a will.

Email legacy@cafod.org.uk or call 020 7095 5367 to request a copy - or if you have any further questions we can help you with

join our networks
Published on 24/04/2009, last updated on 22/02/2012
your legacy can ...

bring healthcare to the sick

help the hungry earn a living and feed their families

create a peaceful future for communities torn apart by conflict

care for survivors of emergencies as they work to rebuild their homes, lives and communities

Fourteen-year-old Sendhuran helps his mother Aruldevi lay the floor of their temporary home in Navaledi, eastern Sri Lanka [Noel Gavin]

Legacies make a lasting difference

sign-up for e-news

All the latest news from CAFOD and new ways you can get involved. Sign up now

Privacy statement