HomeLegacy Giving

There are many ways to continue supporting Brock House Society after your death

Wills and bequests

By including Brock House Society in your will, you can create a lasting legacy and continue to support our programs and services. Gifts of a specific cash amount or asset, or a percentage of your remaining estate, are popular bequest choices. An added benefit: Your estate will receive a receipt for the value of your gift, providing a tax credit on your final tax return.

Need help? View sample clauses to be used for discussion purposes with your lawyer or notary in preparation of your will.

Note: Unless you specifically indicate where you designate funds to be allocated, they will be used where it’s needed the most.

Gifts of real estate and personal property

You can also donate properties such as personal residences, vacation homes, jewelry, or shares in privately held corporations. These can be an outright gift or a gift of residual interest. Both have unique tax advantages. As an example, you may decide to transfer your residence to Brock House Society now but continue to use it during your lifetime.

Gifts of RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs and retirement plans

You can transform tax liabilities into a charitable gift by simply naming Brock House Society as the beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF, TFSA or pension plan. This also means that no probate fees are payable on these assets.

Charitable remainder trust

You can make a significant future gift by transferring assets into an irrevocable trust. Under the terms of the trust you can continue to enjoy the income for your lifetime or a specific duration, and Brock House Society will receive the remaining assets upon your passing. You’ll also receive an immediate tax credit as a result of a donation receipt issued on set-up of the trust. The receipt represents the present value of the remainder trust to be received by BHS at a future time.

Donor advised funds

Another option: donor advised (preventative services) funds. These are individual “named” funds established to facilitate gifts to be held for a longer term. They ensure that increased, permanent funding is available for our programs and services. Through an agreement with BHS, you make a substantial, irrevocable gift — usually cash or securities — to establish a capital base that’s then invested by Brock House Society’s investment manager. You receive a donation receipt for this initial gift. Distributions from the fund are then made on an annual basis based on BHS’s established policies and our agreement with you. You can specify where the funding will go or not, in which case the funds will go where they’re needed the most.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Click on any of the following questions to display its answer.

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How will my gift be recognized by Brock House?

If you wish to remain anonymous, we’ll respect that. However, we’d love you to consider one of our many recognition options. Your gift signals your personal commitment to our community and demonstrates leadership.

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How do I leave a gift to Brock House Society?

It is easy and flexible with several different options. The most common type of planned giving is a charitable gift through a bequest in a will. Gifts of a specific cash amount or asset or a percentage of the remaining estate are popular bequest choices.

You can also leave a paid-up life insurance policy, securities, a retirement account or other financial investments. Some donors also donate property including real estate, jewelry or art.

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What name should you include in your will to make a bequest to Brock House Society?

Use our full legal name: Brock House Society.

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What is Brock House Society’s Charitable Business Number?

0447391-56-27

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Do I have to have an estate in order to leave a planned gift?

Everyone can leave a gift in an amount that they deem appropriate. “Estate” is simply a word used to describe everything that you own at the time of your passing. Every gift to Brock House Society helps strengthen our community.

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If I want to leave a gift to Brock House Society, do I have to include it in my will?

Yes. A charitable bequest will not take effect unless you state your intention in your will. A well-prepared, up-to-date will is one of the best ways to make your wishes known so that your legacy is exactly what you want it to be.

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Is making a will expensive and time consuming?

It doesn’t have to be. Making a will usually takes less time than people think. It can usually be completed in one or two short meetings. While sometimes there are reasons to make a more complicated will, your best bet is to speak with a notary or solicitor and ask for their estimates..

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If I plan to leave a gift to Brock House Society, do I tell you now?

You don’t have to, but it would help us plan for the future and allow us to recognize your generosity (if that’s what you want). If you choose to inform us of your plans, it’s not binding. You can change your mind — and your will — at any time.

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Can I leave a legacy to fund a specific program?

Yes, you can direct your gift to a specific area or project, but keep in mind that our needs and those of our members can change over time. So, ideally you would specify that your gift goes where the need is greatest.

Need help with the wording?

We’d be delighted to provide you with appropriate wording to help ensure your gift is used as you wish and directed to the fund or area you’ve chosen to support.

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Can Brock House Society help me arrange for a gift?

While we’ll do everything we can to assist you, we cannot offer legal advice or financial planning. Your best bet is to consult a professional advisor, like a financial or estate planner, lawyer, accountant, trust officer or insurance agent.

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Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes, gifts are eligible for tax credits or deductions. However, the tax benefits will depend on several factors, including the type of gift and the timing. We encourage you to talk to professional advisors. They can help you realize your philanthropic goal while enjoying the maximum tax and legal benefits.

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like to discuss a gifting option, please contact:

Eda Ertan
Executive Director
(604) 228-1461 or eda@bhsociety.ca