Leaving

A LEGACY

Consider leaving your legacy with us
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Legacy

GIFTS

At the WindsorEssex Community Foundation, we are incredibly fortunate that so many people give their time, money and energy to us. Some are now taking their contributions one step further, by including the Foundation in their wills and estate plans.

There are many reasons to consider a legacy gift. It is a great way to ensure your memory lives on. It is also a way of acknowledging an organization that has had an impact on your life or the lives of those important to you while helping the charity to continue their important work. In addition, there are the financial benefits associated with charitable contributions.

A planned gift is a charitable donation which can be arranged during your lifetime but is not available to the charity until sometime in the future. Your gift can be directed generally, or it can be used to establish an endowment fund, or be directed to a cause you care about.

Community Foundations provide you with the opportunity and flexibility to create your own personal philanthropic fund suited specifically to your needs and interests. Every donation to an endowment fund at the WECF is kept in perpetuity. This means that only the proceeds earned from investment of your donation are used to grant back to the community. An endowment is an everlasting gift to the community, continuing to give year after year to the causes and charities you care about.

BUILDING AN ENDURING PLAN FOR A LASTING LEGACY

As we consider our legacies, estate planning becomes a crucial step in ensuring our values and wishes are honored long after we’re gone. The WindsorEssex Community Foundation (WECF) is here to guide you through the process, helping you make a lasting impact in our community.

 

Why Estate Planning Matters

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy; it’s for anyone who wishes to leave a meaningful mark on their community. By planning your estate, you can designate funds to support local charities, initiatives, and projects that resonate with your values. This ensures your passions live on, supporting the causes you care about.

 

Making Your Wishes Known

To start your estate planning journey, consider the following steps:

Reflect on Your Values: What causes matter most to you? Take time to identify the charities and initiatives you wish to support.

Consult with Professionals: Work with financial advisors or estate planning attorneys to create a comprehensive plan that includes your philanthropic goals.

Communicate Your Intentions: Share your estate planning decisions with your family and loved ones to ensure everyone understands your wishes.

 

Benefits of Partnering with WECF

Local Expertise: The WECF understands the unique needs of Windsor-Essex County, ensuring your contributions align with community priorities.

Personalized Guidance: Our team offers personalized consultations to help you navigate the complexities of estate planning, including wills, trusts, and charitable giving options.

Building a Legacy: By establishing a donor-advised fund or contributing to an existing fund, you can create a legacy that supports future generations.

 

Let’s work together to inspire philanthropy and strengthen our community for generations to come.

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Things

TO CONSIDER

  • Talk to your family – make sure that your family members are aware of your intentions so they can support the achievement of your charitable goals.
  • Get Professional Advice – A financial advisor can help you explore various legacy options to find the best fit for you and your family. Once you have made your decisions, a lawyer can put together a will
  • Talk to the WindsorEssex Community Foundation
Why

LEAVE A LEGACY?

  • You have the use of your assets during your lifetime.
  • You can ensure that your gift is meaningful to you.
  • Your estate will receive a beneficial tax receipt.
  • Your gift can be altered at any time should your circumstances change.

The most common type of planned giving gift is a bequest, but there are many different giving vehicles:

Bequest:

  • Cash
  • Securities
  • Real Estate
  • Tangible Personal Property

Charitable Remainder Trust:

  • Cash
  • Securities
  • Real Estate

Charitable Gift Annuity:

  • Cash
  • Marketable Securities

Life Insurance:

  • Term 100
  • Whole Life Policy

Retirement Plan Assets:

  • RRSP
  • RRIF