Gifting A Legacy To RCS
Make a lasting impact on the future work of RCS and our students.
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The Powerful Impact of Legacy Giving
Legacy giving is one of the most impactful ways to support RCS. While tuition fees and government grants cover a significant portion of the Conservatoire’s income, they alone are not enough to sustain the full breadth of the student experience. Charitable donations, including legacies, help bridge the gap and support the next generation of artists and creative producers to learn and to thrive.
These gifts fund scholarships, support student projects, and enable RCS to maintain and upgrade its facilities. Additionally, they provide vital flexibility, allowing the Conservatoire to respond to emerging needs and opportunities. In recent years, legacy gifts have helped RCS students access the best training, facilities, and opportunities, helping them to excel in their artistic careers.
Did You Know?
RCS is unique in its dual role as both an educational institution and an arts charity. This means it must balance the financial demands of providing top-tier education with its mission to enrich Scotland’s cultural landscape through public performances and events.
The largest source of income for RCS comes from government grants (50%), followed by tuition fees (32%). Charitable donations, including legacies, account for around 7% of our income, making them a critical component of the Conservatoire’s financial health.
Like many arts institutions, RCS faces financial challenges, including rising operational costs and reduced public funding. However, with careful management and the generosity of donors, RCS continues to deliver world-class education and performance.
Approximately one third of RCS students receive financial aid through scholarships and bursaries funded by donations. Legacy gifts play a key role in sustaining and expanding these essential support programmes, without which education would have been financially inaccessible to many of our students.
What Do Our Legacy Pledgers Say?
“Our long experience of working with RCS, and the enjoyment it has brought us, have given us huge confidence in gifting our legacy to the Conservatoire. For all the reasons for having supported RCS over a number of years, it makes absolute sense to continue to support it after we are no longer here. Being aware of the importance of bequests in enabling the RCS to continue as a global leader in performing arts education, we have had no hesitation in continuing our support through our final legacies.” — Caroline and John Sibbald
“There are young people who dream of a future in the Performing Arts. They, and we, are lucky to have the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, which is one of the foremost institutions of its type in the world. They, because RCS offers them access to all that they require to develop their talents in order to realise their ambitions and we, as they make that journey, are able to enjoy performances by them. All of this comes at a cost which money from Government and fees cannot meet, and so I am happy to contribute to RCS through their Friends and Patrons Scheme, and also by leaving a legacy to them, which comes at no cost to me. This in a small way helps to ensure the continuation of excellence in the Performing Arts, which I so much enjoy, into the future.” — Legacy Pledger and long-time visitor of the Conservatoire
RCS Pledgers’ Benefits
We are proud to recognise the invaluable generosity of those who choose to leave a legacy for the RCS in their will. This special group consists of people who share a deep appreciation of the performing arts and play a vital role in the continued success of the Conservatoire.
Once you confirm your pledge to the RCS via the online pledge form or through a direct conversation with our staff, you will be automatically entitled to the benefits listed below. However, there is no obligation to join any events, and your pledge can remain confidential if you prefer.
RCS Pledgers’ Benefits
Biannual Legacy Afternoon Tea – Twice a year, we host the Legacy Afternoon Tea event for our pledgers. This event is an opportunity to meet fellow supporters, enjoy student performances, and hear updates from the Principal.
Exclusive invitations and events – You will receive invitations to special events throughout the year. These may include performances, rehearsals, exhibitions, and other exclusive gatherings where you can witness the impact of your legacy on the next generation of artists.
Recognition of your contribution – We would be delighted to recognise your legacy publicly, whether in our annual reports or at special events. However, if you prefer to keep your gift anonymous, we will fully respect your wishes.
Pledge a Legacy to RCS
If you are planning to leave a gift in your will to the Conservatoire, please let us know about your intentions by filling in this short online form. Doing so will allow us to express our gratitude and grant you access to various pledgers’ benefits.
Contact Us
To find out more about leaving a gift for RCS in your will, or to discuss your pledge, please email legacy@rcs.ac.uk or get in touch with Ilia Ryzhenko, Legacy Officer, at i.ryzhenko@rcs.ac.uk. If you wish to make a larger donation for RCS, please contact Julie Reynolds, Head of Fundraising and Alumni Relations, at j.reynolds2@rcs.ac.uk or +44 (0)141 270 8264.
Ways to Support
As well as one-off and monthly donations, there are plenty of ways you can support the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Any and all support is greatly appreciated by us, our students, and our staff and helps ensure the longevity of the Conservatoire for generations to come.
Find out more on our dedicated pages:
