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Planned Giving

The ultimate gift: To bequeath a gift to a Charity!

After ensuring that your family's future is well protected, think of Epilepsy Canada by leaving part or all of your residual estate. You could have many reasons to do so:

• You or a member of your family may already have benefited from the help of Epilepsy Canada;
• You have been a long-time volunteer
• Your believe enough in the mission of Epilepsy Canada to make an important gesture that will make a difference;
• You may simply wish to commemorate the life of someone dear to you by way of a significant donation.

Before making your donation, be sure to contact us to obtain some information. We will be pleased to tell you about our long-term needs, the best way you can help us, and how your gift will enable us to pursue our mission.

Consult your financial planner and legal adviser in order to contribute in the best possible way, taking into account your financial situation.

What can I do today?

12 things you can do today to LEAVE A LEGACY™

1. Draw a will! Without a will, you will leave others the task of disposing of your assets on your death.
2. Leave some of your assets, in kind or in cash, depending on the circumstances, to Epilepsy Canada whose mission is particularly dear to you. Imagine the impact your gift could have on your community if all your fellow-citizens followed your example!
3. Mention a specific amount of money in your will, or a percentage percentage of the value of your assets you are leaving to Epilepsy Canada.
4. Consider the possibility of leaving securities or real estate as a gift, for example, shares or bonds, mutual funds, term deposits, property, works of art, and/or jewellery.
   These gifts will usually save taxes on your estate.
5. Name Epilepsy Canada as the beneficiary of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan(s) or pension plan(s).
6. Name Epilepsy Canada as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, either paid up, or for which you still pay premiums. I both cases, you or your estate can save taxes.
7. Commemorate the lives of dear ones through major gifts made in their memory.
8. Encourage your family members and friends to follow your example and, in turn, leave a legacy to Epielpsy Canada.
9. Ask your financial planner or legal adviser to include one or more major donations in your estate planning, and encourage them to suggest similar gifts to their clients, if they do not already do so.
10. Inform Epilepsy Canada that you plan to leave a legacy. Your gesture will be a source of encouragement for them.
11. Check Epilepsy Canada or with Revenue Canada Customs and Excise (1-800-267-2384) that they have the necessary business number to issue official receipts for charity donations.
12. Check with Epilepsy Canada concerning their official and legal name. You can, in addition, check this information on the Web site of Revenue Canada Customs and Excise

Questions and Answers

The most frequently asked questions and answers regarding giving by will
How can I plan a gift to Epilepsy Canada?

There are several ways of planning a gift. The most popular way, however, is through your will. A gift by will enables you to leave:

• a specific sum of money
• a percentage of your estate or your residual estate
• the entire, or part of the proceeds of a life insurance policy
• any other property in kind: furniture, jewellery, works of art, real estate, etc.

This gift will be remitted to Epilepsy Canada by the liquidator of your estate.

Why should I state my intention to leave a gift to Epilepsy Canada in my will?

Without a will, your property, assets, and all your wealth will be distributed according to the law. A clearly written will ensure your last wishes are respected.

To be certain that Epilepsy Canada actually receives your gift, you must mention it in your will. You can even use your will to specify the program or particular service to which your gift should go.

Why should I state my intention to leave a gift to Epilepsy Canada in my will?

Your financial consultant (tax expert, accountant, planner) and your legal adviser (notary, lawyer) can explain how to include such a gift in your estate and financial planning. They will also tell you about the benefits resulting from a gift by will and will guide you in the process.

Must I own a small fortune to make a gift by will?

No. The gift by will refers to what you own:

• your home
• your savings
• your life insurance policy
• and any other asset

Can my gift to Epilepsy Canada penalize my heirs?

After ensuring your family's protection and the well-being of your loved ones, you can choose to leave a smaller or greater portion of your assets to Epilepsy Canada. The tax benefits resulting from a gift by will considerably reduce the tax burden on your estate.

It is also possible to arrange for your surviving spouse to benefit from your assets - they can be distributed to your loved ones and charity organizations only after his/her death.

Furthermore, you can take out a life insurance policy to replace the part of your estate left to Epilepsy Canada.

How can I make a gift by will in memory of someone, or for a particular cause?

A gift by will to Epilepsy Canada is an excellent way to commemorate a loved one.

At Epilepsy Canada, you can also choose a designated gift, i.e. ask that your gift be allocated to a specific cause or program.

If you wish to make such a gift, you should discuss it beforehand with Epilepsy Canada.

What needs to be done to make a gift by will to Epilepsy Canada?

Briefly, to make a gift by will, just take the following steps:

• Think about the reasons leading you to make a gift by will, and decide where you want it to go.
• Inquire about Epilepsy Canada if you intend to make a gift so that you are familiar with our objectives, our achievements and our plans.
• Check with your financial adviser that:
  • you and your estate will take full advantage of the tax benefits related to your gift;

Your will faithfully reflects your wishes.

For more information please contact Epilepsy Canada