Explore the idea of Planned Giving. 

It can help.

You make a difference! 

You can arrange to have your gift work for future years.

Help us to help the people of our communities and region by a donation that will stay in your home community.

Quick Facts about Planned Giving
Planned Giving simply means planning your charitable gifts ahead, in ways that will be most advantageous for your own future, for your estate and for the charity of your choice. Usually this results in being able to provide a very significant future gift without investing large sums of money. And there are often tax advantages.

Most people realize the importance of putting money in an RRSP or pension plan to provide for the future and retirement years. The Community Living organization of your choice will work to support people with developmental disabilities by offering employment, residential and vocational services, skill development, community integration activities and advocacy for years to come. Your contribution to an organization can support your community and future generations of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Here are four popular areas for planned giving consideration:

WILLS
It has been estimated that 70 percent of Canadians die intestate (without a Will). This means that many people who might wish to leave money to a worthwhile cause lose the opportunity to do so.

The government has a pre-determined Will for those dying intestate and it never leaves anything to charity.

When leaving a bequest in a Will you can, for example, leave a specific amount, or a percentage of the residual of the estate after providing other specific requests for a spouse, family or friends. But a Will is also extremely important to take care of other responsibilities, such as indicating who should look after minor children. A Will should be prepared carefully and correctly, with the assistance of a professional advisor, such as a lawyer or trust officer.

GIFTS – IN - KIND
Some people are unable to make large cash donations, but have other goods that they can donate. These gifts-in-kind often qualify for a tax receipt for their present value and provide special tax benefit. Works of art, collectibles such as stamps, coins are valuable assets that can be given to charity. The organization can sell or auction these items to provide funds for important programming and support.

LIFE INSURANCE
Insurance provides the donor with the means to make a major contribution through a very modest annual gift for a limited time period. The advantages of using a life insurance contract to provide a gift to the organization are numerous. It multiplies the gift and benefits the organization and the people it supports without depriving the family or estate of assets. Premiums are deductible for tax purposes. Proceeds are not subject to creditor claims, probate, or Will contest. Future funding for the organization is guaranteed.

CHARITY – GIFT ANNUITIES
Probably the most innovative concept in recent years is that of the charity-gift annuities. Combined with the Tax Act this can create large gifts for any registered charity. This concept is particularly applicable to retirees, since it provides them with a means to ensure maximum retirement income while guaranteeing a major gift to the local or regional Community Living Association of choice. For those who have already saved a substantial sum for their retirement, the charity-gift annuity can provide a large annual income today in return for an irrevocable commitment to leave the gift to charity. It is important to note that there are many options that can be custom designed to individual needs.

WANT TO LOOK FURTHER?
If you would like to explore the planned giving concept further, start with a call to CDSCL. We can also put you in touch with a financial planner who has specialized in planned giving and can answer your specific inquiries regarding your own situation.
We can work directly with you, in full confidence, or give you some ideas you can take to your own financial counselor.