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.

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