World’s largest independent cancer research charity puts FirstClass in first place
The background
As the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation, Cancer Research UK has helped develop eight of the world’s top 10 cancer drugs and is supported by over 40,000 regular volunteers.
However, when it comes to raising money required for it to continue its good work, the charity is almost entirely funded by the public, which makes legacy income a vital component of its overall revenue.
With the charity receiving over 7,000 bequests a year, each ranging in value from £50 to £40 million, there is a huge amount to manage – particularly given how it can take an average of 18 months from the point of notification to receiving the money.
In order to keep on top of this, Cancer Research UK uses FirstClass.
“The most important aspect of FirstClass is that it provides a forensic level of tracking, which allows us to manage and monitor thousands of case files at a time. Ultimately, this means that no bequests get missed.”
Angela Noguera-Horne, Legacy Management Officer at Cancer Research UK
The approach
In 2022, Cancer Research UK generated a total revenue of £217m – around 40 per cent of which originated from bequests.
With such a high volume of bequests to manage, Cancer Research UK has used FirstClass since 2003. And, with 40 people using the platform on a daily basis, FirstClass has become a key strategic tool for the entire Legacies Team.
However, in 2021, after having used FirstClass v2 for 18 years, it decided to upgrade to the latest version – v4.
“Everything within our department is managed by FirstClass. My team members and I couldn’t do our jobs without it; it’s the beating heart of the legacies team.”
Angela Noguera-Horne, Legacy Management Officer at Cancer Research UK
The outcome
After a period of transition, FirstClass v4 went live towards the end of 2021. Since its implementation, Cancer Research UK:
- Now has access to more comprehensive mapping functionality. From pecuniary gifts through to specific gifts such as pieces of jewellery and entire art collections, the charity can now input gift information on multiple layers
- Fully utilises the Life Interest module, which supports generational mapping and ensures that gifts awarded on condition of spouse and/or children passing beforehand do not get overlooked – even decades after the initial notification
- Has used FirstClass to provide the strategic and tactical structure required to track and manage thousands of live cases, all of which differ in complexity and attract different timescales
- Inputs, stores and tracks every piece of communication, regardless of medium, via a simple-to-use scan and upload function
- Carries out regular reviews as a result of FirstClass’s built in review function, which automatically makes sure all users have everything they need from the preceding step before allowing them to progress to the next one
- Uses FirstClass’s reporting features to support board level forecasting and projection activity
- Can distribute and allocate gifts based on the split set out in the giftor’s will; for example, if there are multiple areas of cancer that the legator wishes to support, the legacies team can use FirstClass to ensure that the correct sum of money is restricted and allocated to the correct department.
Charities are experiencing a major shift. Supporters now expect digital-first, mobile-first communication - they want to engage in ways that feel personal, transparent, and effortless. Social media is great for sharing impact stories, but when it comes to deeper, more meaningful conversations - like inspiring someone to leave a gift in their Will - charities need something more powerful and more trusted. Traditionally, mobile messaging has been used for quick text-to-donate campaigns or sending reminders. But imagine if that same channel could nurture long-term relationships, build trust, and spark legacy pledges. That’s exactly where RCS (Rich Communication Services) can make a meaningful difference. RCS is the first major upgrade to mobile messaging in 20 years. It offers an enhanced, more interactive experience compared with SMS, giving charities a way to reach supporters with messages that feel modern, secure, and genuinely helpful. Here’s why RCS is so relevant for legacy fundraising: Secure & trusted: Your charity’s name and logo appear as a verified sender, giving supporters instant reassurance that your message is authentic. Connected & seamless: Messages land directly in supporters’ native messaging inboxes on Android and iOS — no apps to install and no additional steps. Engaging & interactive: You can add images, buttons, carousels, and track engagement in real time, making each message a richer opportunity to inspire and inform. For charities, this means you can reach warm, highly engaged audiences — those most likely to consider a gift in their Will — with content that feels personal, trustworthy, and uplifting. Instead of a plain text reminder, imagine sending a beautifully branded message containing a story of impact, a short video, or a simple button to learn more about pledging a legacy. It’s a small upgrade in channel, but a big step forward in supporter experience. Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for mobile messaging. And the timing couldn’t be better. Legacy giving in the UK reached £4.5 billion in 2024 , a 9 percent increase on the previous year, and forecasts show legacy income is set to more than double by 2050 as the Baby Boomer generation finalises its estate planning. The opportunity is significant — but only if charities adopt communication tools that match how supporters want to connect today. With over 600 UK brands already using RCS , and early adopters seeing up to three times more engagement than SMS , the question isn’t whether charities should embrace RCS. It’s why wait at all? Bring your messaging to life and get started with RCS today. Get in touch for a journey towards richer messaging, better engagement, and higher conversions
Imagine a supporter who believes in your mission so deeply that they decide to make it part of their legacy. Long after they’re gone, their gift continues to fuel your work, carrying forward their values and trust in your cause. That’s the hidden power of legacy income - it’s not just funding, it’s a lasting bond between donor and organisation, built on loyalty and commitment. Beyond Paperwork Legacy gifts are one of the most impactful and emotionally significant forms of giving. They represent trust, loyalty, and a donor’s lasting commitment to your cause. But with that trust comes responsibility, and complexity. Managing legacy income isn’t simply about tracking paperwork. It’s about honouring a donor’s final wishes while ensuring their gift makes the greatest possible impact. Yet, many charities still rely on outdated tools or manual processes to manage gifts in wills. The consequences? Delays in processing Missed opportunities to maximise value Unnecessary risks that can erode donor confidence Why a Dedicated Legacy Income System Matters A modern, dedicated system transforms the way organisations handle bequests: Structure → Clear processes using best practices that reduce confusion and errors Visibility → Transparency across teams, ensuring everyone knows the status of each gift Confidence → Reliable data that builds trust with donors, families, and stakeholders This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about safeguarding relationships and ensuring every legacy gift fulfils its intended purpose. Who Benefits? Whether you’re a charity, non‑profit, or higher education institution , getting smarter about how you manage legacy income is vital. With the right system in place, you can: Reduce administrative burden Protect against risk Unlock the full potential of legacy giving The Results of Smarter Legacy Income Management When charities and non‑profits adopt a dedicated legacy income system from FirstClass, the impact is clear: Faster processing & rapid access to records → Gifts are managed efficiently, reducing delays and ensuring funds reach the cause sooner. Income dashboards & financial reports → Real‑time visibility into pipeline, trends, and performance supports confident decision‑making. Customisable templates → Flexible tools that adapt to your processes, reducing admin and saving time. Contact records → Centralised donor and executor information strengthens relationships and ensures transparency. Reduced risk → Accurate records and structured processes protect against errors and safeguard donor trust. Seamless CRM integration → Works smoothly with key CRM partners, ensuring data flows without duplication. Smee and Ford integration → Direct connection to industry‑leading probate data for complete oversight. Stronger relationships → Families and executors feel reassured that gifts are handled with care and transparency. Legacy gifts are too important to be left to outdated processes. By adopting smarter tools, you can honor donor trust, reduce risk, and unlock the full potential of legacy income. Ready to transform how you manage legacy income? Get in touch with us today to see how our solutions can help you build confidence, efficiency, and growth for the future.
The background International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was founded in 1969, with the aim of stopping the commercial hunt for whitecoat seals on the east coast of Canada. IFAW has grown into a charity that works across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. IFAW is dedicated to building a world where animals and people can thrive together on a healthy planet. Through its work in the fields of biodiversity conservation and wildlife rescue, IFAW has had a major impact on ecosystems and communities around the world. With a third of the charity’s income stemming from legacies, IFAW has been using FirstClass to streamline, manage, and monitor this crucial revenue stream from its UK office for over 10 years. However, its international counterparts were using disparate systems that were incurring significantly more administration time than would have been required when using one standardised legacy management platform. In 2025, the decision to implement FirstClass across six new international territories was taken.
