The Institute of Fundraising (Institute) is calling for organisations to participate in a new survey that aims to establish the benefits of lifetime legacies in the UK.

Lifetime legacies were introduced in America over 35 years ago and have since raised around $100 billion for US charities. They work by a donor investing capital for a fixed period, during which time the gift acquires interest. The donor receives an income from the donation, and the remainder is passed to the specified charity at the end of the life of the trust.

A Lifetime Legacy Coalition has been formed and is lobbying the government to introduce tax breaks for UK donors and charities. The Institute, which is a member of the Coalition, is interested to hear the views of fundraising organisations and is inviting them to complete a survey, which can be found at www.institute-of-fundraising.org.uk. Closing date is March 7 and each participant will receive a full analysis of the results.