What is inside
- How to define the legacy you want, and write it in one sentence
- How to identify your beneficiaries and what they actually need
- Gift, named fund, partnership, your own charity or a social enterprise: when each fits
- A four-question decision flow to the right vehicle
- Governance that survives your retirement, and income that does not depend on your diary
- The Legacy Readiness Score: ten questions, twenty points, and what to do next
Who it is for
Professional and elite athletes, their agents and advisers, and the clubs and governing bodies who support them.
What you get
A 11-page PDF you can read on screen or print, delivered as an instant download after purchase. Every finding is labelled as evidence, our interpretation or a decision for your board, so you can see what is fact and what is judgement.
Questions this guide answers
Does an athlete need their own foundation?
Not usually first. A foundation is the most demanding way to deliver a legacy. A gift to an existing charity, a named fund at a community foundation or a partnership can deliver more of your money to the people it is for. Set up your own charity only if the purpose is distinct, you will commit for ten years and you will fund it beyond your own gifts.
What are the options besides a foundation?
A gift to an existing charity, a named fund held by a community foundation or donor-advised fund provider, a partnership or ambassador role with an existing charity, or a social enterprise such as a company or CIC. The right one depends on whether you want to give, grant-make or deliver.
Why do athlete foundations fail?
Most are funded by one person and one annual dinner, governed by family and the agent, and set up before the purpose was clear. When the career ends, the invitations slow and the income stops. A legacy needs independent trustees and income that continues after the last appearance fee.
What are the rules for funding a legacy that lasts?
Have two years of programme funding banked before you start, make sure no single source (including you) is more than half of income, and publish what came in, what went out and what changed.
What is the Legacy Readiness Score?
Ten questions, each scored 0, 1 or 2, giving a total out of 20. A score of 0 to 7 means start with purpose, 8 to 14 means build the plan, and 15 to 20 means you are ready to build.
The guide gives the full reasoning, the numbers and the worksheets behind each of these answers.
