Leaving a Legacy
How do you want to be remembered?
Many of us want to be known for the love we gave our families and friends, for the work we accomplished in our careers, and for our contributions to our communities. What about being remembered for your passion for nature, your support for sustainability, and your hope for our planet?
What is Planned Giving?
A planned gift is any major gift intended for the future, made as part of your lifetime financial planning. Some types of planned gifts can mature and be donated during your lifetime, like gifts of securities or gifts made through a donor advised fund. Other types, like bequests made in a will, allow your passion for nature to live on.
Read on to learn more about how planned giving allows you to maximize your charitable impact and leave a watershed-wide legacy.
Why Leave a Bequest?
A bequest is a simple and flexible way to support local conservation without impacting your current financial security. Your future gift will:
- Protect our local watershed and vital ecosystems
- Support conservation education and outreach
- Improve trails and greenspaces
- Restore and steward Hamilton’s natural lands
How to Leave a Bequest
There are several ways to include the Hamilton Conservation Foundation in your estate plans. You might consider leaving:
- A percentage of the residue of your estate, after providing for loved ones
- A specific amount or asset
- A gift designated for a particular conservation program
Sample wording for an undesignated bequest:
“I give the Hamilton Conservation Foundation, located at 838 Mineral Springs Road, Hamilton, Ontario, with the charitable registration number 85997 5617 RR0001, the sum of $_____ (or ___% of my estate) to be used for the greatest area of need at the Hamilton Conservation Authority.”
Sample wording for a bequest to a specific program:
“I give the Hamilton Conservation Foundation, located at 838 Mineral Springs Road, Hamilton, Ontario, with the charitable registration number 85997 5617 RR0001, the sum of $ ____
(or ___% of my estate) to be used in support of (specific program.)
Specific program areas include outdoor education, land acquisition, trail improvements & maintenance, or land restoration. Please note that support for a program is preferred over a specific project, as the project may have altered or ended by the time your gift is realized.
If you already have a Will in place, adding a gift to the Hamilton Conservation Foundation can be done easily with a codicil which is a simple legal amendment. Please speak with a legal supervisor for guidance.
Our Legal Information
- Legal Name: Hamilton Conservation Foundation
- Mailing address: P.O. Box 81067, 838 Mineral Springs Rd, Ancaster, ON, L9G 4X1
- Charitable Registration Number: 85997 5617 RR0001
Let's Talk
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your legacy plans, we’re here to help. Please contact:
Amanda Martin, Executive Director
Hamilton Conservation Foundation
905-525-2181 ext. 111
amartin@conservationhamilton.ca