A gift in your will is one of the most effective ways to ensure that Hydrocephalus Canada can continue their important work. With your gift we can improve the lives of children, parents and adults living with hydrocephalus and/or spina bifida. HC also continues to invest in a future of improved treatment options and research to one-day find a cure.
A charitable bequest is a gift designated in your will that becomes available to the Association after your death. When you make a donation to Hydrocephalus Canada, your estate is entitled to a donation receipt for the full value of your gift. The resulting credit can significantly reduce the taxes payable when your final income tax return is filed. Your legacy could help improve care and reduce the incidence of hydrocephalus and/or related neurological conditions like spina bifida for generations to come.
Your will is an important part of your estate planning. Charitable bequests can take many forms and often consist of cash, property and/or securities. Your legal advisor or estate planner can help you prepare a will that meets your individual wishes and requirements.
First make a complete list of your assets and liabilities to help give you a true picture of the value of your estate. Look at property, life insurance, business ventures, personal items – all of these need to be taken into consideration.
Second, you must select your beneficiaries. Think about the people and organizations you wish to remember in your will and decide how you would like to divide your estate between them. Without a will, your property and finances are settled according to federal and provincial laws, which may not reflect your wishes and may put a financial strain on your estate. Therefore, a will makes good sense.
Remember to keep your will flexible. Use percentages rather than fixed amounts so that changes in your finances will not force a complete revision. Remember to choose a residual beneficiary. You may have thought of everything, but this ensures you have done so.