Frequently asked questions

Here’s answers to some commonly asked questions about leaving a gift to Oxfam.

Questions about gifts in Wills

It’s really important to have a Will, so your wishes are on record for your loved ones.

Without a Will, the gifts you want to give might not go where you want them to. For instance, your partner, husband or wife may not automatically receive everything you leave behind.

If you don’t have an up-to-date Will, the best time to make one is now. It will give you the peace of mind that you’ve provided for your loved ones, and that the causes you believe in are honoured too.

You can make or amend a simple Will at no cost to you by using our Free Will Service. There’s no obligation to leave a gift to Oxfam if you use this offer.

Technically, yes. Gifts to UK registered charities are exempt from Inheritance Tax. But we’d strongly recommend that you speak to a solicitor for advice on tax issues.

Many of our supporters, who have made such a positive difference in the world during their lifetime, like their Will to reflect the values they lived by. Honouring causes dear to them means they can keep on helping create the change they want to see, long into the future.

You’re free to change your mind at any time. There’s no obligation to let us know, but if you’ve told us you’re leaving a gift, it would be helpful for us to keep a record if you’ve changed your mind.

We recommend consulting a solicitor in Scotland to ensure your Will complies with the Scottish legal system.

Questions about Oxfam

If you do decide to leave a gift to Oxfam in your Will, there are three main options.

  • A percentage of your ‘estate’ (basically, the combined value of everything you’re leaving behind)
  • A specific sum
  • A specific item

Depending on which gift you’d like to leave, you can ask your solicitor to use one of the following texts:

For a share of your estate (residuary legacy): I give all/a share of (please state fraction/percentage) of the residue of my estate absolutely to Oxfam of Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford OX4 2JY, Registered Charity Number 202918, to be applied by Oxfam for its general charitable purposes, and I further direct that the receipt of the Hon. Treasurer or any other proper officer of Oxfam for the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.

For a specific sum (pecuniary legacy): I give to Oxfam of Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford OX4 2JY, Registered Charity Number 202918, absolutely, the sum of (amount in figures, amount in words) to be applied by Oxfam for its general charitable purposes, and I further direct that the receipt of the Hon. Treasurer or any other proper officer of Oxfam for the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.

For a specific item: I give to Oxfam of Oxfam House, John Smith Drive, Cowley, Oxford OX4 2JY, Registered Charity Number 202918, absolutely, (write in here whatever you wish to give) to be applied by Oxfam for its general charitable purposes, and I further direct that the receipt of the Hon. Treasurer or any other proper officer of Oxfam for the time being shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.

Our address is:

Oxfam GB
Oxfam House
John Smith Drive,
Cowley,
Oxford OX4 2JY

Our charity number in England and Wales is (no 202918) and in Scotland is (SC039042).

If you’ve chosen to remember us in your Will, we’d love to know! That way, we can make sure to thank you properly – and keep you informed about how you’re helping to build a fairer world.

You can tell us about your pledge by calling us on 0300 200 1331 or sending us an email at giftsinwills@oxfam.org.uk.

Every single gift left to Oxfam, no matter how large or small, will help us to finish the work we started – building a more equal world. We hugely appreciate every gift we receive.

In the decades since we were founded, gifts left to Oxfam have helped our global movement to achieve so much – whether giving millions of people the tools to work their way out of poverty, or responding to disasters like the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, Haiti earthquake or war in Syria.

However the world changes, and wherever we need to work to come together in solidarity with people fighting poverty, your gift will inspire the next generation. You can help them tackle tomorrow’s biggest challenges – climate change, conflict and inequality – and build a fairer world.

If you'd like to discuss any specific wishes you have for your gift, please call 0300 200 1331 or email giftsinwills@oxfam.org.uk

Questions about executing a Will

You can have up to four executors to deal with your wishes. These could be friends, family, or a professional such as your solicitor. Whoever you choose, make sure you ask their permission.

If you’re acting as executor for someone who has left a gift to Oxfam in their Will, we can help. Please call us on 0300 200 1331 or email giftsinwills@oxfam.org.uk

If you remember Oxfam in your Will, we may be able to act as your executor. This depends on your personal circumstances, because we’re not always able to cover the cost of administering complex estates. If you’re thinking about this, please call us on 0300 200 1331 or email giftsinwills@oxfam.org.uk

Any other questions? We're here.

If you have a question that isn’t listed here, please get in touch with us! Simply call 0300 200 1331 to speak to our Gifts in Wills Advisor Nathaniel Micklem or a member of the Supporter Relations team, or email giftsinwills@oxfam.org.uk