Leaving a gift in your will – be part of our story
Posted on Wed 2 Sept
Remember a Charity Week is coming up Mon 7 – Sun 13 Sept and it’s a great time to think about making or updating your will.
“Watershed has a significant and special place in our lives for both me and my husband, it’s deeply connected to where we met and worked, we even got married in Cinema 1.” - Liz, Watershed supporter
For over 40 years, Watershed has been a place where communities gather, play, create and connect. It’s an integral part of Bristol’s landscape and has helped create memories that will last a lifetime. We want to ensure that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Remember a Charity Week is coming up Mon 7 – Sun 13 Sept and it’s a great time to think about making or updating your will. Once you’ve made sure your loved ones are looked after, we’d love it if you’d consider leaving including a gift to Watershed too.
Why leave a gift to Watershed?
At time when funding for arts and culture is increasingly under pressure, gifts left in wills make a lasting difference and help us plan with confidence and continue our work for years to come.
Your gift will help keep Watershed a thriving, accessible home for film, culture and creativity in Bristol – a place where future generations can discover new ideas, share experiences, and be inspired.
“We’re leaving Watershed some money in our wills because it’s an important cultural organisation that curates serious artistic work and presents it with exuberance and fun. Arts and cultural organisations are going to have to change and adapt to face new technological and societal pressures. We trust Watershed to be on the crest of the wave as the creative world is transformed and to be a leader of innovation. To do this it will need money that comes without strings. Most of all, we’re making a legacy in thanks for all the pleasure it has given us over the decades.” - Derrick, Watershed Supporter
Big or small, every legacy makes a difference. Gifts like these ensure that Watershed continues to be a beacon of creativity in Bristol, helping us share diverse stories and voices through independent cinema, nurture creative talent, and provide a welcoming and inclusive community space. For some, leaving a gift in their will is tied to an important moment in their life.
“Having both worked and managed arts and cultural organisations we know how challenging it can be to build long lasting relationships with donors that can support organisations both in life and in death. I am an active donor for several small charities in Bristol that mean something to me, including Baby Bank Network and Windmill Hill City Farm and so when we were updating our wills after we had our second child, we decided to leave a donation to Watershed on its execution. It won’t change the world, but it was our way of saying thanks and giving back at a point when we have the means to do so.” - Liz, Watershed Supporter
Why legacies are so important
The charity sector is under real pressure. Trusts and Foundations are oversubscribed, and individual giving is tough when the cost of living keeps increasing. Leaving a gift to a charity in your will – no matter the amount - can ensure the livelihood of a charity and help secure its future.
If you’re thinking about leaving a gift to a charity in your will, there’s also a practical benefit worth knowing about. Leaving 10% of your estate to charity may qualify your estate for a reduced rate of Inheritance Tax on the remainder. Rules can vary depending on your individual circumstances, so we’d always recommend speaking to your solicitor or checking the latest guidance on gov.uk when writing or updating your will.
How to leave a gift to Watershed in your will
If you would like to leave a gift to Watershed, give your solicitor our details when writing or updating your will:
Watershed Arts Trust Limited, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, Bristol BS1 5TX
Registered Charity No. 284188
Get in touch
Let us know if you have pledged to leave us a gift. We would love to give you a huge thank you for your support and tell you about how your gift will make an impact.
If you have any questions or would like to talk to us about leaving a gift in your will, please contact Bella Whately, Head of Development, by emailing bella.w@watershed.co.uk, calling 07874 879 889 or arrange to pop into Watershed for tea and a chat.