Thank you for considering making a gift to Polka. Your legacy will help to ensure children aged 0-12 can experience the magic and wonder of live theatre and take part in inspiring creative learning activities, regardless of their background or ability. When you leave a gift to Polka in your will, the funds will be used where the need is the greatest. Areas that need your ongoing support include: creative learning, access performances, and the development and upkeep of our building. By investing in our theatre, you help it remain a vibrant and accessible space for generations to come .
If you have a particular area of interest, please speak to us about directing your legacy to support that body of work e.g. Polka’s projects with young refugees.
Every penny counts. Even a small percentage of your estate could make a big difference to a child’s life, especially for those who might not otherwise have the chance to take part.
As a thank you for your support you will also receive special behind-the-scenes access, the chance to meet the creative teams, and invitations to see the impact of Polka’s work first-hand.
Legal
Polka is not able to offer legal advice but we have provided some information below to address common questions around leaving a legacy. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like further assistance.
Frequently asked questions
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Sample wording for your Will. If you do decide to leave a gift in your Will to Polka, you may wish to discuss the following wording with your solicitor.
‘I give ______% of my residuary estate or £______ to Polka Theatre for its charitable purposes and I further direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer of Polka for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy.’
To leave a residuary gift, choose the percentage of your estate that you would like to leave to Polka. To leave a pecuniary gift, choose a specific sum.
There are three main types of gift that you can leave in your Will:
- A percentage of your estate can make a big difference. You can leave a percentage of your estate after your family and friends are provided for. This is called a residuary gift
- You can leave a pecuniary gift – a fixed sum of money
- You can leave a specific gift such as a piece of jewellery or art.
All gifts are vitally important to Polka. However, residuary gifts (a percentage of your estate) are particularly helpful as they usually maintain or increase their value over time, and will remain proportional to the value of your estate as time goes by.
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How and why should I make a Will? If you don’t have a Will, your estate will be divided according to the law when you die. This could mean that your wishes are not carried out. Having a Will, especially written by a solicitor, is the only way to ensure your loved ones and chosen charities are remembered as you wish.
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I’ve already made a Will. Do I need to make a new one? If you decide to leave a gift to Polka, you may not need to make a new Will. Small changes can be stated in a codicil, which is read in conjunction with your Will. Your solicitor will need our registered address and charity details.
Polka is a registered charity no. 256979. Polka’s registered address is Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB
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Do I need a solicitor to make a Will? We would encourage you to discuss your Will with your solicitor to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that your Will is valid. A properly drafted Will can help reduce the amount of tax payable on your estate and increase the value of the assets that you pass on to the people you care about.