Your Will
A Will is an essential document that allows you to choose what to do with the possessions and investments accumulated throughout your lifetime. A bequest - a gift given through a Will - is a popular way of making a future significant gift to charity while maintaining your present financial security.
Types of Bequests
The most common types of bequests are listed below. In each case, you can direct the BC Epilepsy Society in your Will to receive a:
A Will is fully revocable while you live: you retain control and can easily make revisions - should your wishes or circumstances change - either by drafting a new Will or adding a codicil to your old one.
Tax Implications
At your death, your estate is entitled to a donation receipt for your bequest, providing a significant tax credit on your final tax return that can be applied up to 100% of your taxable income. If the total of your gift exceeds 100% of income, the excess may be carried back to the preceding year's income tax return.
Bequests to the BC Epilepsy Society
Your bequest to the BC Epilepsy Society can be made with a gift of cash, real estate, or securities. Sometimes it is more advantageous to give such property, such as in the case of appreciated listed securities, because of different tax treatments, especially on capital gains.
Most bequests will be for the BC Epilepsy Society's general purposes, allowing the Society to support its most urgent needs. You may also make a restricted bequest to be used for a particular purpose or program. For example, you may specify that the principal of your bequest be used to establish a named endowment fund or be added to an existing fund.
Whatever your intentions, please discuss the terms of your bequest with a representative of the BC Epilepsy Society - particularly when you wish to designate its use - to ensure your wishes can be met.
Making a Bequest
At your request, a Society representative will be happy to talk with you and with your lawyer to discuss your intentions. When you have completed your Will and included or added a provision for the BC Epilepsy Society, please let us know so we may express our thanks and recognize you for your gift through The Auckland Society. We will, of course, respect your wishes should you prefer to remain anonymous.
Bequest Clauses
Sample clauses and provisions are attached to assist you in preparing your Will. These sample clauses do not provide a substitute for professional advice and counsel. Once your Will is executed, we would appreciate receiving a copy of the clause pertaining to your bequest to the BC Epilepsy Society for future reference. All information will be held in strictest confidence.
The Benefits of Making a Bequest
There are numerous benefits to making a bequest, both to you and to the charity.
To You
To the BC Epilepsy Society
The Auckland Society
In tribute to the founder of the BC Epilepsy Society, The Auckland Society recognizes those individuals who have made - or have pledged - a planned gift to the BC Epilepsy Society. Anyone who informs us of their intentions of making a bequest through their Will become a patron of The Auckland Society. As well as special recognition in our newsletter, members of The Auckland Society enjoy other benefits and recognition for their commitment to and the fight against epilepsy.
You may wish to make your gift anonymously. We will take great care to honour your wishes.
For More Information
We hope that this document provides you with enough information to allow you to consider making a gift through your estate. If you require further information, please contact our Executive Director. They will be pleased to speak with you about all the ways of planning a gift to the BC Epilepsy Society. Our Planned Giving Newsletter can also be downloaded in PDF format.
The information provided in this document is not intended as legal advice or personalized financial planning. The BC Epilepsy Society cannot provide complete financial or legal opinions. We strongly encourage you to consult your family and obtain independent professional advice.