A free, charity-funded genealogy search service is launching a new probate service and is looking for financial support for the venture. 

Free UK Genealogy is a registered charity dedicated to making historic UK family history records freely accessible online. The current websites, which include FreeBMD, FreeCEN, and FreeREG, provide access to historical records to help people discover their heritage and deepen their connection to the past.

Now the charity is aiming to launch FreePRO; a new searchable database of UK probate records providing the only free-to-access probate index of its kind, searchable by deceased and executor names, date, address, occupation, and more. The charity says it has the potential to unlock a ‘treasure trove of insights for genealogists, academics, solicitors, and heir hunters alike.’

“FreePRO brings together everything our charity stands for: innovation, public access, and the power of community,”

said Denise Colbert, Chief Operating Officer of Free UK Genealogy.

“By backing FreePRO, you’re not just supporting your business’s research potential and visibility; you’re helping thousands of people uncover their stories, connect with their roots, and preserve our shared heritage.”

The websites and content have to date been built by a passionate community of global volunteers, and our commitment to open data ensures that access to this information remains free for all. FreePRO is aiming to raise £40,000 to complete the launch. To access £20,000 in match funding, it must raise £10,000 in pledges by 30 August.

At this stage no money will be taken by the charity… pledges won’t be collected until December, only if Free UK Genealogy hit their full fundraising target.

In return for financial support, Free UK Genealogy can offer:

• High visibility to a niche audience – Over 100 users per minute use the family history platforms. These are people actively researching their past — many of them looking for probate information.
• Strong brand alignment – Reach solicitors, probate professionals, genealogists, and researchers in a trusted, relevant context.
• Support a sector-leading project Be visibly associated with a flagship open data initiative — helping improve public access to information and powering thousands of personal stories.
• Be part of something first – FreePRO will be the most detailed and searchable probate index in the UK.

Visibility Packages for Business Pledgers

Pledge Amount	Your Visibility
£300	Name + link featured on campaign pages, emails and newsletters
£500	Above, plus rotating logo placement on FreeBMD during the campaign
£1,000	Featured partner status — includes long-term visibility on the FreePRO website, spotlight on our socials, and press opportunities
Over £1,000	Contact Free UK Genealogy to discuss further options (ASAP to meet pledge deadline)

The deadline for pledges is the 29th August. More information on pledging can be found on The Big Give page.