LEGACY GIVING
Whether it is through a gift in a will or securities, or a gift of life insurance or retirement funds, legacy giving is a powerful way to create a better future for women, children and families in the Comox Valley. The gifts that cost you nothing (or very little) now, can make a world of difference for someone in the future.
CVTS has a long history of providing necessary supports to vulnerable women, children and families in the Comox Valley. It is a sad reality, but women continue to experience violence at the hands of an intimate partner; children continue to witness and experience violence in the the home. It is a problem that continues to exist, and a lack of affordable housing has created yet another barrier for women and their children to overcome. With your legacy gift, you can provide safe and affordable housing for women and their children; you can make sure that women and their children who are unsheltered or struggling through poverty are safe and supported and are able to access basic necessities; with your gift, women and children who are struggling to overcome trauma will continue to receive CVTS services free of charge.
When you include CVTS in your estate plans, you will directly impact the lives of hundreds of women and children each year. With your gift, you are helping CVTS to achieve our vision for a community of people who are respected, safe and supported.
Gift In Will
A gift in your will has the power to change lives. It may be the biggest gift you will ever make in your life, and yet it doesn’t cost you anything during your lifetime. A gift in will reflects your values and beliefs, and allows you to distribute your assets according to your wishes, while allowing you the use of your assets during your lifetime.
Ways you can give:
- Leave a specific dollar amount;
- Leave a residual bequest (e.g. a share of the remainder of your estate after other needs are met); or
- Leave a contingent bequest (a share of your estate after your other beneficiaries have passed on).
Gift of Securities
A donation of stocks, bonds or mutual funds is a financially sound way to bring added security to the lives of vulnerable women, children and families in the Comox Valley. It is simple, cost-effective and the most tax-efficient way to make a charitable gift today or through your estate.
Similar to a cash donation, you will receive a receipt for the fully appreciated market value of your donation. This results in a non-refundable tax credit to help reduce your income taxes, which can be used in the year of your gift, or you can carry it forward for up to five years. Additionally, you will not have to pay a capital gains tax on the appreciated value of your securities.
Gift of Retirement Funds
While many of us look forward to retirement, having planned for it by putting aside funds in a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), far too many women who have fled an abusive situation do not have this peace of mind.
A gift of retirement funds will go directly to help fund much-needed services that support the women, children and families in the Comox Valley when they are most vulnerable. You can do this by either (1) designating CVTS as a primary beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF or Registered Tax-Free Savings Account (TSFA), or (2) by leaving the proceeds of your RRSP, RRIF or TFSA to CVTS in your will. In so doing, CVTS would issue a charitable tax receipt to your estate.
Your registered funds are not part of your estate, and as such they are not subject to probate fees. A gift of retirement funds would not affect what you planned to leave behind in your estate for loved ones: this is a gift for the future and would not impact the use of your registered funds during your lifetime.
Gift of Life Insurance
A gift of life insurance can turn a small annual contribution into a major gift that has the power to change lives for women, children and families fleeing abuse or struggling through poverty and/or homelessness. It is a great tool that can be used to maximize your gift to ensure continued services for those who are most vulnerable in our community, while reducing taxes and leaving more to your family and loved ones.
Ways you can give:
- Purchase a new life insurance policy and name CVTS as the owner and beneficiary. The premiums you pay will qualify for a charitable tax receipt.
- Donate an existing policy to CVTS and receive a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value of your life insurance policy.
- Name CVTS as the beneficiary of your existing life insurance policy. Your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt when the proceeds are paid to CVTS.
For more information or to discuss planned giving options with CVTS, please contact Michele Vanderwoude, director, resource development, by email at resourcedevelopment@cvts.ca or call 250 897-0511.
Comox Valley Transition Society strongly recommends you seek the professional services of a lawyer, accountant or financial advisor to ensure that your financial goals are considered, your tax situation reviewed and your planned gift is tailored to best fit your circumstances.