Legacy Giving

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Leaving a gift in your Will

Taking care of your family and loved ones is part of planning for the future. You can also plan to help ensure Indigenous communities have access to safe, clean water for generations to come. With your Will, it is easily possible to do both.

What are gifts in a Will?

A gift left in a Will, or bequest, is a clause written into your Will. It explains your desire to provide a specific dollar amount to a person or a charity from your estate when you pass away. A gift can also be made as a percentage of your remaining estate, after all final expenses, liabilities, income taxes and any specific bequests to others are paid.

Benefits to leaving a gift in your Will:

You retain the use of your assets during your lifetime.
A charitable gift in your Will is a tax-effective way to leave a gift because it reduces your final estate taxes, allowing you to leave a larger gift to your loved ones.
A legacy gift to Water First will help ensure Indigenous communities will have sustainable access to safe, clean water for generations to come.

Stories from our donors

Lynn

In her life, Lynn Gibbon was a private person who deeply loved her friends, family and cats. She was a strong advocate for the importance of reading and worked at the Peterborough Public Library. When she was making her final arrangements and writing her Will she was adamant that the bulk of her estate go to charities that were near and dear to her heart. She selected Water First, her library as well as a local food bank as the charitable beneficiaries of the residue of her estate. Through this final act of generosity by Lynn, Water First will be able to bring more educational opportunities to Indigenous adults and youth for years to come!

Let us know how we can help you

For individual donors or for professional advisors who have questions or require information for adding a gift in a Will, please fill out our information request form or contact Jessica Rawn, CFRE, Sr. Manager, Development at Water First at 800-970-8467 x 124 or jessica.rawn@waterfirst.ngo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can leave a gift in their Will?

Anyone. In fact, many Canadians find they can have a greater impact with a gift in their Will than they ever could during their lifetime.

Will my name and/or my gift be made public?

Not without your consent. A gift in a Will is a very personal matter, and we respect your right to privacy. One of the reasons we encourage supporters to let us know if they’ve included Water First in their Will is to ensure we understand and follow their preferences for recognition or anonymity.

Is there a way to provide for my family and still leave a gift in my Will?

Yes! A residual gift is the easiest way to support both your loved ones and your causes of choice. It simply means that you can provide a gift from what’s left in your estate to Water First, after providing for your family.

What if I already have a Will completed? Can I update it?

Absolutely, you can add Water First into an existing Will. All you need to do is contact your professional advisor to have it updated with a codicil or fully re-written. Some sample language is included below that may be useful.

Are there other ways to provide a legacy gift to Water First?

Yes, some people decide to donate publicly traded securities, assets like land or items during their life. Other options include designating Water First as a beneficary of all or part of your RRSP or your life insurance policy. For more information contact Jessica Rawn, CFRE, Sr. Manager, Development, at 800-970-8467 x 124 or jessica.rawn@waterfirst.ngo.

For gifts of stock transfers and more, please use our gifts of securities transfers form.

For professional advisors

Thank you for assisting your client in making a difference through their legacy. Here is some important information that you may be looking for:

Legal Name: Water First Education & Training Inc

Mailing Address: 10 Francis Street E., Creemore, Ontario, L0M 1G0

Charitable Registration Number: 83852 5269 RR0001

Sample gift wording

Unrestricted

I give to Water First Education and Training Inc, (Charitable registration number 838525269 RR0001), currently of 10 Francis Street East, Creemore, Ontario, L0M 1G0, ___ % of the residue of my estate to be used at the discretion of the organization.

Restricted

I give to Water First Education and Training Inc, (Charitable registration number 838525269 RR0001), currently of 10 Francis Street East, Creemore, Ontario, L0M 1G0, __ % of the residue of my estate to be used for the following purpose(s): ____________________ . If the charity is unable to apply all or part of these funds for the specific purpose(s) stated herein, Water First Education and Training Inc. is authorized to exercise its discretion to ensure that the bequest is used in a manner consistent with the spirit and intent of the gift.

Unrestricted

Restricted

I give to Water First Education and Training Inc, (Charitable registration number 838525269 RR0001), currently of 10 Francis Street East, Creemore, Ontario, L0M 1G0, the sum of $ _______ (or describe specific property) to be used for the following purpose(s): __________. If the charity is unable to apply all or part of these funds for the specific purpose(s) stated herein, Water First Education and Training Inc. is authorized to exercise its discretion to ensure that the bequest is used in a manner consistent with the spirit and intent of the gift.