Create a lasting legacy

A century of impact from one legacy

Leaving a gift to charity can have a long lasting impact and transform the lives of people around the world for future generations. Charities Aid Foundation can help.

Thanks to one such legacy - left by Edward Birchall in 1916 - we have been connecting donors to the charitable causes that matter to them for over 90 years. Last year, CAF Legacies distributed £22.8 million to 788 charities around the world, more than ever before.

                                  
A hundred years ago, Edward Vivian Birchall died on his 32^nd birthday during the Battle of the Somme. A volunteer and philanthropist before the war, Edward had written to a friend, Mr P Grundy: “If I am scuppered I'm leaving you £1,000 to do some of the things we talked about.”

CAF started within the Charities department of the National Council of Social Services which was founded in 1919 with Edward’s £1000 legacy. (The National Council of Social Services later became National Council for Voluntary Organisations - NCVO. The charities department became independent of NCVO in 1974). Edward’s legacy helped to establish the voluntary sector in this country, and the impact of his legacy is still felt powerfully today, a hundred years later. 

Leave a lasting legacy 

Many charities rely on legacies for a significant proportion of their income, so they can make a huge difference. From books for African schoolchildren to Aboriginal art classes and support for Zambian women farmers, read our case study about how one CAF Legacy helped to transform lives around the world.

Leaving a gift to charity in your Will can give you profound satisfaction in knowing that your support could have a valuable and positive impact on many people. With our help, arranging your CAF Charitable Legacy is a simple and flexible process.

Be inspired

If you are feeling inspired by Edward Birchall's legacy, you can read more information about CAF Legacies and contact our team here.