13 October 2026

Leaving a lasting legacy: Supporting local causes through Norfolk Community Foundation

Many people would like to leave something to charity in their Will, but what happens if you know the causes you care about without necessarily knowing which charities will be best placed to address them in future.

Charitable giving can be a meaningful way to leave a lasting legacy, particularly for those who want their values and commitment to their local community to endure for generations to come. However, choosing a particular charity or setting up a charitable trust isn’t always straightforward.

At Hayes + Storr, we regularly speak to clients who would like to include charitable gifts in their Wills or create a charitable trust, but are unsure of the options available to them.

To explore some of these options, Kieran Athow, Director at Hayes + Storr, recently sat down with Sophie Berry, Head of Transformational Giving at Norfolk Community Foundation, to discuss how individuals can support the causes closest to their hearts, both during their lifetime and through gifts in their Wills.

Supporting causes through multiple charities

Norfolk Community Foundation works with more than 2,000 small charitable groups across the county, helping to direct funding towards local organisations and projects addressing the needs of Norfolk’s communities.

For those who want their charitable giving to have a lasting impact but don’t have a particular organisation in mind, the Foundation offers an alternative approach.

Through its charitable ‘Missions’, donors can support broader causes that matter to them, from improving young people’s mental health to helping communities respond to emerging challenges.

Rather than selecting one charity today, individuals can support an area of need, with the Foundation using its local knowledge to help direct funding to appropriate organisations and projects now, and as needs evolve in the future.

Creating a charitable legacy without setting up a trust

For some individuals, charitable giving is about creating something more personal and lasting.

While establishing a charitable trust may be an option, the associated costs, administration and ongoing responsibilities can make it less suitable for some people.

Norfolk Community Foundation offers an alternative through named charitable funds, allowing donors to support particular causes without having to manage a charitable trust themselves.

For example, someone whose family has been affected by dementia might wish to establish a fund supporting people living with the condition in Norfolk. The Foundation can help administer the fund and distribute grants in line with its agreed charitable purpose with the family leading the decision making process.

Depending on the arrangements, individuals may also be able to involve family members and make further contributions to their fund through their Will, creating a charitable legacy that continues beyond their lifetime.

Making charitable giving part of your estate planning

Whether you wish to leave a gift to a named charity, support one of Norfolk Community Foundation’s Missions or explore establishing a charitable fund, careful planning can help ensure your wishes are reflected in your Will.

Our Private Client team can advise on incorporating charitable gifts into your estate planning, while Norfolk Community Foundation can provide specialist knowledge of local charitable needs and the different ways your generosity could benefit communities across the county.

Watch our conversation with Sophie Berry below to discover more about the opportunities available and how charitable giving can be tailored to the causes that matter most to you.

If you’re considering leaving a charitable gift in your Will or would like to discuss your estate planning arrangements, please contact our Private Client team at Hayes + Storr on 01328 863231. We’d be happy to talk through your options.