Estate Planning

What lasting impact do you want to have in your community? The possibilities are endless.

Donating through your Will enables you to plan now for the legacy you want to have – one that reflects your life, values and the issues or organizations that are important to you. You can continue to make a difference in the lives of others even after you are gone, with flexible options that achieve your philanthropic goals.

We help you do this by working with you and/or your advisors to consider the lasting impact you want to make through your estate. You can give to an existing WRCF fund or establish your own fund. You can be as specific or flexible as you want – highlighting the areas you are most passionate, selecting your favorite charities or having a loved on manage your fund when you’re gone. These choices can then be easily modified during your lifetime through your fund agreement, without having to revise your Will.

Want to learn more?
Contact Dan Robert, Director, Philanthropy at dan@wrcf.ca or 519-725-1806 x 205


Legacy Stories

LOVE WINS: Dedicated couple team with WRCF to spread message that Heart Beats Hate

Click below to learn more about how Alan and Susan Quarry will continue to support the community through a life insurance policy.

 

Scholarship fund and estate planning leaves lasting impact in honour of beloved Executive Director Keith Taylor

Click below to learn more about how Brent and Jean Taylor are keeping Keith’s memory alive while supporting young lives.


Inspired to leave a legacy for a stronger community

Click below to learn more about Karen Coviello’s plan to establish a Field of Interest Fund to support equity and inclusion.

 

Leaving a legacy to a community they love

Click below to learn more about how Mary Lou and Milne Oakes are supporting the community’s highest priority needs in their will.


Creating a Legacy in Your Will: A Legal Perspective

Click below to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will from the perspective of two local Estate Planning Lawyers, Warren Griffin and John Kendall.

 

Creating a Legacy in Your Will: A Financial Perspective

Click below to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will from the perspective of Financial Planner, Amanda Knapp.

 
Father teaching son cycling

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Options for Giving Later
There are many ways that you can plan to give later as part of your legacy. With any of these options, it is important to seek professional advice to understand all of the benefits and implications. We are happy to discuss these options in further detail with you and/or your advisors before any paperwork is finalized to ensure we fully understand your intentions for when the donation is realized. These options include:

  • Charitable Bequest
    Bequests made in your Will can include a specific amount or a residual gift. Donating via a bequest will provide a tax receipt to your estate, which can help reduce estate taxes. Sample Will clauses (pdf) are available for you to use in consultation with your professional advisors.

  • Life Insurance
    Making a donation through life insurance is a way to make a significant impact in the future at a manageable cost today. Donors can transfer ownership of an existing policy to WRCF or name WRCF the beneficiary. The same options exist if you purchase a new policy for the purpose of donating it. To understand the tax implications of these options, our friends at the Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP) have put together a helpful summary here.

  • RRSP/RRIF/TFSA
    When it comes to transferring wealth to your loved ones, retirement funds are one of the most heavily taxed assets. By naming WRCF as the sole or partial beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF or TFSA, you’ll retain ownership and use of the fund during your lifetime, receive a tax receipt for the value of the plan, avoid probate fees by removing these assets from your estate, and reduce your overall estate taxes.


Keeping the memory of C.J. alive

Click below to learn more about how Janice Moore established a fund which will support organizations and causes in the community that would make her late son C.J. proud.

 

Leaving the work to WRCF

Click below to learn more about why Stephanie Scandrett chose to establish funds with WRCF instead of establishing a personal foundation.


 

Creating a family legacy of giving & gratitude

Click below to learn more about how Lori & Rob Payne plan to establish a fund that their daughter will manage when they are gone.

 
 

Making a meaningful difference

Click below to learn more about Lois Norris’ plan to establish a fund which will support her favourite charities, as well as the community’s highest priority needs.