Here are answers to some of the most common questions about creating a gift in your Will to Heart & Stroke.
Why create a legacy gift with Heart & Stroke?
Your gift will have a lasting impact for generations to come. It will help create a sustainable and reliable source of support for lifesaving research, innovation and the latest medical breakthroughs.
By including Heart & Stroke in your Will, you keep hope alive and support life-saving research, protecting those you love for generations to come. See how a legacy gift helped Max save his father.
How do I leave a gift in my Will to Heart & Stroke?
When you choose to leave a gift in your Will to Heart & Stroke, you have the option to give either a specific amount of money or a percentage of your estate. Heart & Stroke will only receive your gift after you have passed.
A gift in your Will can take many forms and consists of cash savings, real property and/or appreciated investments that have increased in value since purchase (e.g., stocks, bonds, mutual funds).
Are there tax benefits for a gift in Will?
Your estate will receive a tax receipt for the full value of your gift. The resulting tax credits will reduce the taxes you owe on your final tax return while helping increase the remaining value of your estate for your beneficiaries.
Everyone’s financial situation is different. When considering a gift in your Will you should speak with a tax professional and financial advisor to help you achieve your objectives.
Why should I leave a gift in my Will?
Your gift will have a lasting impact for generations to come. It will help create a sustainable and reliable source of support for lifesaving research, innovation and the latest medical breakthroughs.
Can I change my mind about my gift in Will?
We understand that situations change. When you include a charitable gift in your Will, you have the right to change it at any time.
What information do I give to my lawyer/notary?
Please use the following information to create your legacy gift to Heart & Stroke:
Legal name: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
Mailing address: 2300 Yonge Street, Suite 1200, Box 2414, Toronto ON M4P 1E4
Charitable registration #: 10684 6942 RR0001
What are the different bequest options? Are there special ways to write them?
Here are the main types of gifts in Will and suggested language you can provide to your lawyer/notary:
Residual bequest/legacy: You wish to leave a portion or share of your estate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation after all debts and specific bequests to loved ones are paid.
- For example "I give to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada all (or stated percentage) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate."
Specific bequest/legacy: You wish to leave a gift for a specific amount to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
- For example: Gift of a specific dollar amount: "I give to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada the sum of (state the dollar amount)."
- Gift of a particular asset: "I give to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (describe the property/asset)."
Contingent bequest/legacy: You wish to leave all or part of your estate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation only if other beneficiaries in your Will pass away before you.
- For example: "If (indicate beneficiary name) does not survive me, then I give all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada."
How do I start planning a gift in my Will?
When you’re ready to start planning a gift in your Will to Heart & Stroke, we will be here to walk you through the process.
Visit heartandstroke.ca/legacygiving to download a copy of our Guide to Preparing your Will or to set up a conversation with a senior legacy advisor.