Planned Giving

When you provide a gift in your will, you can commit either a set amount or a percentage of your estate. Even 1% of your estate can make a big difference!

The biggest advantage of making a bequest is that it costs nothing during your lifetime, while providing a larger deferred gift than may otherwise be possible.

Here are examples of language you could use in your will:

For an undesignated bequest:

"I give the Grand River Conservation Foundation, located at 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario with the charitable registration number 11894 6045 RR0001, the sum of $_ (or _% of my estate) to be used as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors."

For a bequest in support of a specific program:

"I give the Grand River Conservation Foundation, located at 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge, Ontario with the charitable registration number 11894 6045 RR0001, the sum of $ _ (or _% of my estate) to be used in support of (specific program.)

Specific programs could include outdoor education, forestry/tree planting, recreation (Conservation Areas, trails or natural areas you may have enjoyed) and/or habitat restoration. Please note that support for a program is preferred over a specific project, as the project may have altered or ended by the time your gift is realized.

Transferring publicly-traded securities that have grown in value is a "tax wise" way to give. No tax is paid on capital gains when securities are donated to a charity. The donor receives a charitable receipt for the full value of the gift.

Buying a life insurance policy with the GRCF named as the beneficiary is an economical way to give.

If you purchase policy and name the GRCF as both beneficiary and owner, you will receive a charitable receipt for the premium payments you make. If you make the GRCF the beneficiary only, your estate will receive a charitable receipt for the value of the policy.

The information here is general in nature. Before committing a gift to the GRCF, please contact your lawyer and/or financial advisor to achieve maximum benefit for your generosity and to make sure that the suggested language below is right for your situation. Most importantly, please discuss your intentions with your family.

Please speak with us before planning an endowed fund for the GRCF, to make sure your gift can be used as you intend. For potential donations of land, please contact GRCA's Conservation Lands department at 519-621-2763.