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Remembering Essex

Our tree of life. An iron tree sculpture with a seating area nestled amongst flowers and plants.

Leave a lasting legacy

Your contribution holds the power to make a big difference. And that's exactly what Essex has been about for the past 60 years.

Essex was built on philanthropy and continues to thrive because of it. Let your Essex story live on through students who will follow in your footsteps.

Whether your life has been filled with big achievements or humble moments of growth, it has left a lasting impact that deserves to be celebrated. Join the inspiring individuals who have chosen to make Essex an eternal home either for themselves, or in memory of a loved one.

Giving a gift in your will

You can leave money, assets, or a proportion of your estate to the University. Any gift simply needs to be included in your will or attached as a codicil to an existing will. You can choose to make the gift restricted or unrestricted.

Unrestricted gifts

This type of gift provides the flexibility to be allocated where there is most need, adapting to changing priorities whilst having the biggest impact. In recent years, unrestricted gifts have helped us provide immediate support during the pandemic and the current cost-of-living crisis.

Restricted gifts

This type of gift is directed towards a specific area of interest, allowing you to support a particular cause. They provide the opportunity to align your gift with your passion.

Tax-efficient giving

Gifts to Essex in your will are exempt from inheritance tax. You can also use a gift to reduce the inheritance tax your family will be liable for - giving 10% of your estate can reduce inheritance tax by 4%.

"I was lucky enough to be a student in the days before student fees. Now, fees, accommodation and other expenses can discourage people from disadvantaged backgrounds applying for university. I'll be remembering Essex in my will so that they can do something for students who need a helping hand."
David Appleby ma history, 1996

Remembering a loved one

There are a range of ways for you to memorialise your loved one, such as a prize, bursary or scholarship in their name. Get in touch with our team to discuss your options in more detail.

Our Tree of Life, which opened in October 2022, is another way for us to remember members of our community that have died. Its commemorative leaves recognise staff, students and alumni, within a reflective area of campus. You can apply to have a leaf added to the tree by filling in a form.

"I set up the Timothy Welling award as a heartfelt tribute to my dear friend, a talented actor who attended East 15. The award goes beyond financial support, it also allows me to mentor acting students and keep Tim's spirit alive. Together, we create a world where support, understanding, and mentorship for mental health thrive."
Karen Newman Friend of timothy welling (ba acting, 2001)
Discuss your gift with us
Philanthropy Team If you're not sure where to start, get in touch and we can guide you through the next steps. 
If you've already included a gift to Essex in your will, please let us know. We'd love to welcome you to our community of donors.
Discuss your gift with us
Philanthropy Team If you're not sure where to start, get in touch and we can guide you through the next steps. 
If you've already included a gift to Essex in your will, please let us know. We'd love to welcome you to our community of donors.