Planning a Charitable Gift in Your Will

A gift in a will, also known as a bequest or legacy, is simply a gift you leave to a charity in your will. It is a popular way to leave a meaningful legacy for future generations. It is an opportunity to make a donation to a charity if you have not been able to during your lifetime.

Your donation to PAWS:

  • Helps people in a tough spot (homeless or about to be) provide care for beloved pets
  • Supports the mental health and wellbeing of disadvantaged and low-income pet lovers in Ontario
  • Provides preventive and emergency care that reduces euthanasia and surrender of pets
  • Reduces animal pain and suffering 
How to leave a legacy gift to PAWS

Steps to Planning a Charitable Gift in Your Will

Your will can be a powerful tool to create change in your community. Leaving a charitable gift in your will allows you to make an legacy contribution to a cause(s) you care about, while still taking care of loved ones.

Planning a gift in your will is easier than you think.

1. Think about what you want to achieve. Why do you want to leave a gift in your will? What kind of impact do you want to have? What types of charities would you like to support?

2.Keep it simple and don’t spread it around too broadly. If you can choose one (or a few) charities, you’ll make a real difference. Even 1% of your estate left to charity can make an impact while still leaving the majority for family and friends.

3.What would you like the approximate size of your donation to be? Estimate the value of your estate, how much you would like to leave to charity, and how much you would like to leave for loved ones.

4.Explore the different ways to leave a gift in your estate. Your estate is likely to receive a significant tax bill when you pass. Choosing to make a charitable gift in your will results in a donation receipt that can significantly reduce taxes owed, leaving more for the people and causes you love. Work with a financial advisor to discuss which of your estate’s assets might be most efficient to give.

5.Reach out to your chosen charity to discuss options to use your legacy in specific ways. Would you like your donation to be invested in an endowment fund or in a specific project? Maybe you’d like your gift to commemorate someone? Now is the time to set up a gift that achieves something personally meaningfully for you.

Your gift makes an Amazing difference

My husband was undergoing cancer treatment when we noticed a tumour growing on DB (our beloved black lab) that became badly infected. We managed to scrape together $400 but it wasn’t enough. PAWS was able to help us with the rest. Our whole family says thanks!
DB's family
DB's familyGrateful
Thanks to PAWS generosity, I could get Jax neutered and focus on his other vet bills for this year. I am very grateful for the help and will pay it forward when I am in a better position to do so.
Jax
AndrewPaying It Forward
Maggie needed help and the pandemic had left me in a tough financial situation, not able to afford her surgery. I hated the terrible choice of giving her up. With PAWS help, Maggie is doing well!
William
WilliamThankful
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Ways to Give a Gift in your Will

If you already have a Will ask your legal advisor about the simple process of adding a codicil.

  • A gift of cash. You may choose to designate a specific dollar amount, or percentage of the residue of your estate to give to charity. This is called a ‘bequest’ and is the most common way to leave a gift in your estate.
  • A gift of securities. If you own publicly listed securities, donating them to charity can have significant tax advantages. Your estate will receive a  donation receipt to help reduce taxes owed, plus the elimination of taxes you would normally have to pay on capital gains.
  • Donate what’s left  from your RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA. Naming charities as the beneficiary of your registered funds is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to give. It’s as simple as filling out your fund provider’s beneficiary form, which you can update any time. 
  • A gift of life insurance. Name a charity as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy. 

Your Gift to PAWS will make a lasting difference for pets and  people.

We would love to know of your planned gift! – If you would like to notify us please fill out this confidential form or contact our Director of Planned Giving at  donate@pawscanada.ca

Progressive Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) has applied to partner with Will Power in 2024. Over 500 charities, financial advisors and lawyers from across Canada have come together to educate Canadians on the importance of having a legal will and how they can leave a legacy to a cause they care about and provide for the ones they love.