Leave a gift in your will or estate

An up-to-date will is essential. It protects your loved ones by protecting your assets and ensuring they will be distributed as you see fit. A bequest is a gift specified in your will. It is a simple and valuable way to support the programs and facilities you choose. You can allocate a certain sum of money, a particular asset, or a portion of your estate.

We are genuinely moved when a donor’s last wishes include the Calgary Health Foundation. And we are committed to fulfilling your wishes. Making a bequest is easy and you do not need to re-write an existing will to add a charitable gift. Ask your legal advisor about the simple process of adding a codicil to your will.

Three easy steps to leaving a bequest:

1. Decide how you want your gift to be used. You can make a gift to “greatest health care needs” or you may want to choose an area to support – a particular hospital or medical condition, for example. We can help direct your gift to health care in a meaningful way. Remember that health care needs may change over time, so try not to be too specific. New illnesses emerge and new cures and treatments are discovered. For example, you may wish to support stroke care, but a current need for equipment might not be a need in the future when your wishes will be carried out. A gift to the “greatest needs” of your desired area of support will offer the best future use of your gift. Allowing us some flexibility to address these changing needs will ensure the best use of your gift.

2. Get professional advice. Your financial advisor or estate planner can help significantly reduce the taxes on your estate, leaving more for your loved ones and charities. We are happy to work with you and/or your advisor to ensure your wishes are met.

3. All though there is no requirement to do so, if you have already included Calgary Health Foundation in your will, please let us know. We want to demonstrate our commitment to you and convey our appreciation. We will always respect your privacy, confidentiality and your preferred level of communication, from no contact at all to regular updates. You tell us how much or how little communication you wish to receive.

To learn more about planning your gift, please email fundraising@calgaryhealthfoundation.ca or call 403-943-0615.

This information provided is general in nature, does not constitute legal or financial advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. We strongly encourage you to seek professional legal, estate planning and/or financial advice before deciding upon your course of action.