As you plan your estate, and how you would like your legacy distributed, it’s natural to think about the people and organizations that have played a role in your life – your family, friends and the organizations that have been important to you.
No matter what your interests – health, education or community, for example – legacy giving lets you recognize those groups or institutions you may have supported during your life, and would like to continue supporting after your passing.
The benefits of legacy giving
Legacy giving – different from campaign-specific giving – has significant benefits for both donors and beneficiaries.
“Planned giving allows a donor who is committed to a cause like enhancing the quality of care provided at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, to continue that support,” says Leanne Schenn, Coordinator of Philanthropy at the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.
“And for the Foundation, it provides us with a projected, sustainable long term income that allows us to plan for some of our more significant projects and equipment purchases.”
For individuals, legacy giving also recognizes the challenge they may have in making significant contributions to causes important to them during their lifetime, when resources may be committed to more immediate costs, like college tuition, building a business or planning for retirement.
Sharing meaningful discussions
Recognizing that estate planning can be a difficult and sensitive topic for some people, planning for legacy giving “is also a way to involve your family in your passions, so your family is aware and understands the causes that are important to you,” Schenn says.
The Foundation team is happy to discuss options for planned giving, including different options for donating beyond direct bequests, such as life insurance, gifts of securities, endowments, RRSPs and more.
“While we recommend donors speak with their estate planner for the most effective way to plan their giving, we would be pleased to explore the areas most important to them and to personally thank them for their planned gift,” explains Foundation CEO Manon Therriault.
“It’s important that donors feel part of the Foundation family, that they feel supported in their wishes and feel confident that their donation wishes will be realized.”
What questions do you have?
An online planned giving Q&A session is planned for later this month, and the Foundation is keen to hear what topics you’d like to learn more about. Email the Foundation today at Foundation@ahs.ca!
To learn more, visit rdrhfoundation.com/legacy or call
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