Legacy fundraising can be one of the hardest areas to promote; here are five simple ways to broach the topic with your supporters.

1. Break the taboo

People are willing to discuss their options, so don’t assume they will be affronted if they are asked about leaving a legacy to charity.

2. Every little counts

Legacy prospects exist in all walks of life, but some of them may not assume they can help. Speak to all levels of donor about the ways in which they can support your charity in their will.

3. Hand over control

Knowing where the money will go is an incentive for donors at any time in their life. If you can offer people some reassurance on where the money will be spent they may more seriously consider leaving a legacy.

4. Embrace new media

Marketing legacies to the young might feel like playing a very long game but they will inform tomorrow’s cultural values and communicating with them now could secure generations of support further down the line.

5. Life’s other certainty

Traffic wardens aside, there are only two figures that strike fear into the hearts of most people – the grim reaper and the tax man. Make sure your prospects are fully aware of any tax relief available to them on legacies.

'Would you leave money to a charity in your will?' Find out what donors are thinking.