Do you know you can set aside money for charity as part of your Will? You may have heard this called legacy giving. You'll likely hear more about it in the coming years: a Will Power study found a significant increase (5% to 8%) in Canadians including charitable gifts in their Wills.

That’s 1.2 million more Canadians giving in their Wills, generating approximately $37 billion in future donations! 

Think about how much good $37 billion could do – acres of forest saved, diseases eradicated, and many people lifted out of poverty...  

And countless wild animal lives saved and returned to their natural habitat.

Why the surge in Will-based charitable donations? 

One reason is the economy encouraging us all to hold our wallets a little (or a lot) tighter. Donating in your Will allows you to make a meaningful difference without using the money you need now. Even leaving 1% of your estate to charity in your Will could have a significant impact.  

Try the Will Power legacy calculator to see what 1% of your Will could do

Coupled with a sense of urgency to act amidst increasing global needs, gifts in Wills have become a popular option. Inflation and the rising cost of living may have put pressure on Canadian incomes, but the desire to contribute has never been stronger. This is a way for people to create the change they wish to see, and it remains accessible. 

Another factor is demographics. Canadians will pass down about a trillion dollars over the next decade, marking the largest wealth transfer in history. This has caused many of us to pause, realizing we will likely have enough to support family and charity through our Wills. 

Lastly, Canadians are becoming more innovative in their giving by leveraging the power of Wills, RRSPs, and other assets to donate more strategically.  

Why donate to charity in your Will?

It might sound strange to think of your Will as a powerful way to create change in this world, but ultimately, there are many benefits to donating this way: 

Contribute more than you could otherwise. 

Our donors are always amazed when we explain how far their donations go and how much more BC’s wildlife benefits with every additional dollar.  

When we show them how a small percentage in their Will to Wildlife Rescue could make a difference, they do the math, and their eyes light up. 

Remember that the value of your “estate” includes any property and/or business you own, your pension and/or registered funds, securities such as stocks or mutual funds, cash savings, and life insurance. It accumulates even if you subtract debt.  

The average Canadian family in 2023 had a net worth of $981,816. If you set aside just 1% of that for charity, you could donate approximately $10,000 to your favourite cause! When else might the average Canadian make such a remarkable difference? 

Keep your memory alive in a unique way. 

Talk about motivation - imagine the pride your children or grandchildren will feel knowing that you’ve helped provide the highest standard of care for sick or injured wildlife for generations to come. Or the honour it would be for them to be involved in giving orphaned or pollution-damaged wildlife a second chance at living a natural life.  

When your loved ones have something positive and meaningful to remember you by, you will have built a legacy that future generations can rally around.  

Tax breaks. Big ones.

Canada offers some of the most generous charitable tax incentives worldwide! In Canada, when you donate, you receive a charitable tax credit that can significantly reduce what you owe.  

Your loved ones might benefit from that charitable tax credit after your passing because your estate will likely be taxed, and they will need to pay the tax. You can also arrange your donation differently to maximize your tax benefit.  

A common strategy is to name a charity as the beneficiary of your RRSP (Quebec residents must specify beneficiaries of their RRSP in their Will). The credit received will nearly cancel out the taxes owed on this asset. 

If you’re interested in learning more, you can always schedule a consultation with a financial advisor who specializes in charitable giving. 

Writing a Will that includes a charity.

It’s easier than you think! 

1. Choose the charity or charities you want to support. It’s wise to schedule a chat with the charity’s gift planning specialist to discuss opportunities and ensure they can meet your future wishes. If you are thinking of leaving a gift in your Will to Wildlife Rescue, thank you! You can reach Sheila Dickinson at s.dickinson@wildliferescue.ca or 604-545-1421 for more information. 

2. Ensure you have the charity’s legal name and registration number. For reference, our legal name is WRA Wildlife Rescue Association of BC, and our CRA registration number is 131373490 RR0001. 

3. Get a rough estimate of your estate's size and the percentage you want to allocate to family and charity. P.S. The Will Power legacy calculator makes this really easy.

4. Choose a lawyer, notary (if you live in Quebec or BC), or trusted online Will platform, such as Epilogue, to draft your legal documents. You can also find legal professionals who can help on the Will Power website.  

5. Make sure your Will’s executor and your family are aware of your plans.

Frequently asked questions about donating to charity in your Will.

Most donors have follow-up questions when they learn about the option to leave a portion of their Will to charity.

What about my family? I want to leave everything to them.

You can support both family and charity in your Will. Consider dividing your estate by percentage. Even setting aside just 1% for charity can create a lasting impact (and reduce taxes owed). Meanwhile, you’re still leaving 99% to support loved ones. It’s a win-win situation. 

I don’t have much to give. 

You may have more options than you realize. For example, donors are often surprised to discover that the RRSP or life insurance policy they have through work can be an effective way to give.  

It’s worth taking stock of your assets. Even a modest amount can make a sizeable impact.

Do I have to be wealthy to leave a gift in my Will?

Not at all! Middle-income Canadians often give this way. Did you know that the average donation from a Canadian's Will is around $35,000? That shows the power of gifts in Wills!  

How will I know what my gift accomplishes? 

You won’t see your gift in action, but by leaving a donation to Wildlife Rescue in your Will, you and your family become Wildlife Champions. We would love to hear how your vision aligns with our mission to save BC’s wildlife. 

What if I change my mind?

Remember, you can always make changes to your Will. People generally update their Will at least a couple of times in their life.

You might also consider using tools outside your Will to make a legacy gift. For example, you can name a charity as the beneficiary of your RRSP or life insurance policy and change it anytime. No hassle, no fuss.  

Am I too young to think about this? 

If you have any assets, you’re never too young to start thinking about what will happen to them. Without a Will, an executor or administrator will distribute your estate according to provincial or territorial laws, which might not align with your values and wishes. 

Everyone can include a charitable gift in their estate, regardless of the amount. Your legacy reflects who you are. It’s about the person you are, the values you showcase, and the example you want to set for others. 

If you have any questions, Sheila, Wildlife Rescue’s Gift Planning Specialist, would be happy to discuss further details with you. You can contact her at s.dickinson@wildliferescue.ca or 604-545-1421.

The Will Power campaign

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Wildlife Rescue is a partner in Will Power, a national awareness campaign encouraging Canadians to use their Wills to make a positive impact. Alongside Will Power, we aim to connect people like you with resources to help make the best choices for their families, future finances, and causes that matter to them.  

Let Your Legacy Be WILD!

An increasing number of Canadians are leaving charitable gifts in their Wills. Adding a charity to your Will is simpler than you think! Find out more in our new blog, “Make a Lasting Impact: Why and How to Include Charity in Your Will.” 

Please let us know once you've included Wildlife Rescue in your gift planning. We would love to thank you! 

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