Leaving a gift in your will

Your legacy, your impact

Leaving a gift in your will to the University of Bradford creates a lasting partnership, through which your generosity will be felt for years to come. You will be able to make an impact on the area that matters most to you, from ground-breaking healthcare research to creating opportunities for students or tackling the next generation of global challenges.

For a confidential discussion about leaving a gift in your will, please contact Philip Fisher - p.fisher@bradford.ac.uk / 01274 235864.

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How a gift in your will can make an impact on future generations

A group of students standing together on campus, surrounded by trees and green grass.

Achieving the Unachievable

We want to empower all of our students to succeed and thrive both inside and outside of the classroom. We’re committed to reducing inequalities for those under-represented in our student community and supporting individuals whose backgrounds might otherwise make it unachievable for them to come to university.

Thanks to our scholarship programmes, we’ve already been able to offer life-changing support to over 200 students who never thought university was an option.

With your support, we can go even further, building a brighter future for young people, and creating a university where every student, no matter their background or circumstance, can fulfil their personal and academic potential.

Two female students from the University of Bradford wearing lab coats focused on a microscope.

Discovering the Undiscovered

We want to support the next generation of difference-makers by investing in our highest priority research areas, supporting the people, projects, and equipment that will deliver ground-breaking impact.

Our world-leading research is already making a real difference on some of the most pressing global challenges, including Dementia, Cancer Research, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.

With your support, we can drive vital breakthroughs and ensure our research continues to save and improve lives, unlocking discoveries that have yet to be made.

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Imagining the Unimaginable

Bradford and our University are the diverse face of modern Britain, built on generations of immigration and international exchange.

As the UK’s City of Culture for 2025, and home to two UNESCO designations, Bradford’s cultural and historical richness is unmatched. Our university is uniquely placed to tell these stories through Theatre in the Mill, our on-campus arts hub, and through pioneering digital heritage work in our School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences.

By imagining culture and heritage in new ways, we open the door to fresh ideas, new collaborations, and stories that really connect with people’s lives today, helping us see the world differently and imagine what’s possible.

My decision to give

Bradford Alumnus, James Robertson-Dunn, has included a gift in his will to fund scholarships to enable talented and deserving students the opportunity to succeed.

"My time at university fuelled and set the course for my future career, instilling the work ethic, and building the skills I needed. I honestly believe that I would not have had as happy, rewarding, or successful life and career without Bradford.

"When I studied at university for me it was free. We received a grant, parents were means-tested, so everyone was on a level playing field. These days it is much harder for students.

"There are people now who would really benefit from an education at Bradford, but either feel like they are unable to come to university or can’t afford to. That is why I have chosen to leave a gift in my will. I want to make sure that my support and my legacy helps, that it really means something, and makes a difference to someone.

"I want to make sure that my legacy helps students to be able to achieve something that they otherwise have been unable to."

James Robertson-Dunn
BSc Civil and Structural Engineering 1973,
MSc Transportation Engineering 1976.

James Robertson-Dunn, alumnus, regular donor and legacy donor to the University

Frequently asked questions

What is a Legacy Gift?

A legacy gift is a donation left to the University in your will, allowing you to make a lasting impact beyond your lifetime. This can be a specific sum of money, a percentage of your estate, the remainder after other bequests, or valuable items such as property.
You can choose to direct your gift to a particular cause you care about or leave it to the University’s area of greatest philanthropic need, helping where support is most urgent.

How do I include the University in my will?

You simply specify the type and amount of your gift in your will. For your convenience, suggested legal wording is available to download below. We recommend consulting a legal representative to ensure your wishes are clearly and correctly expressed.

Do I need to inform the University?

You are not required to tell us if you plan to leave a legacy gift. However, completing a legacy pledge form (see below) helps us honour your intentions, keep you informed, and assist with any questions you may have about your will.

Is the pledge form legally binding?

No, it is not a legal obligation. You remain free to change your mind at any time.

Can I remain anonymous?

Yes, you can choose to keep your gift anonymous, and the University will respect your privacy. Legal matters can also be handled anonymously through your solicitor.

Can I update an existing will?

Yes, you can update your will by adding a codicil. A codicil is an addition or amendment to a will and is a straightforward way to add another gift or make minor changes to an existing will. Please seek legal advice before entering a codicil to ensure it is properly executed.

Is the University a registered charity?

Yes, the University of Bradford is a registered charity. As a Higher Education institution the University of Bradford is classed as a charity exempt from registration in England and Wales, with HMRC reference number XN6997. The University can claim Gift Aid on donations we receive where they are eligible for Gift Aid and Higher and Additional Rate tax payers can reclaim their own tax, and donations in a persons will are exempt from inheritance tax.

Are there tax benefits?

Legacy gifts may reduce the taxable value of your estate. Consult a financial advisor for personalised advice.

A person in a lab coat pours a colorful liquid into a glass beaker in a laboratory setting..

The difference leaving a gift in your will can make

Katya Kabeya is a third-year student, studying BEng Chemical engineering at the University of Bradford. Katya was awarded the Baroness Lockwood Memorial Scholarship to support her studies and help her succeed.

“My interest in chemical engineering was sparked at GCSE Chemistry and flourished through A Level. I chose to do a chemical engineering degree because of its creative background; with the merge of aesthetics, functionality, design drivers and mathematics, the best engineering design can be produced.

"This scholarship will maximise my experience at university as I will have more time to learn and study. It gives people like me an opportunity to aim higher and to have strong ambitions. This scholarship will also help me pay for chemical engineering placements.

"This scholarship will not only help me but help my family as well. Being the eldest sibling of four and the first person in my family to go to university, I carry the responsibility to be a role model to my siblings.

"Thank you for the Baroness Betty Lockwood Memorial Scholarship. I am incredibly grateful. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies more and give me more opportunities in the future.” - Katya Kabeya

Recognising your generosity

We deeply value those who choose to remember the University in their will. While legacy gifts are made for the future, we believe in celebrating that generosity today.

The Bradford Circle is our way of recognising and thanking those who have pledged a gift in their will. It’s a special community of supporters who share a common passion for widening access to education and extending the reach of our work for the benefit of society.

Members may receive impact updates, event invitations, tailored newsletters, and personal stories from students and researchers, along with a Bradford Circle pin badge symbolising their lasting connection to the University.

By joining the Bradford Circle, you become part of a lasting legacy – one that opens doors, changes lives, and helps shape a brighter, fairer future for generations to come.

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Contact us

For a discreet, confidential discussion, please get in touch with Philip Fisher, the University's Senior Development Manager. Philip will be happy to meet at your convenience or talk through your wishes over the phone.

Philip Fisher
Alumni and Development Office
Richmond Road
Bradford
BD7 1DP

Telephone: 01274 235864
Email: p.fisher@bradford.ac.uk