May is Leave a Legacy month, a public awareness campaign encouraging people to write their Will and consider a charitable gift. Through our partnership with Willfora, you can write your Will for free today.
As we enter a new season, some of us may be starting our Spring cleaning and checking items off our To-Do lists. But one often overlooked item is getting your estate in order. For a long time, this was something I overlooked as well, however, last year I was happy to check that box off my list.
The estate planning process may seem overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. That's why I've compiled a list of frequently asked questions I receive from those looking to create a better future for animals through a legacy gift in their Will and estate.
1. Will my legacy gift, regardless of size, make a difference?
The simple answer is yes! We always put animals first. A gift of any size left to World Animal Protection in your Will would be used in a way that has the greatest impact on the lives of animals.
Most people are surprised with what they could leave their favourite charity with just a small percentage of their overall estate.
2. How does leaving a charitable gift benefit my family and loved ones?
Some people believe that if they choose to give a charitable gift, then it would take away from the inheritance they would be leaving their loved ones.
However, leaving a charitable gift in your Will can reduce the tax burden on your estate and in some cases eliminate it. This can leave your family and friends with the same or a slightly larger inheritance than you had originally planned.
3. How will my legacy gift be used?
We will always honour your wishes, any gift left to World Animal Protection is handled with respect and care. Your gift to World Animal Protection will be used to make our vision of a world where animals live free from cruelty and suffering a reality.
Your future gift can help keep wild animals in the wild and put an end to factory farming.
4. Will I be recognized for my legacy gift?
We recognize each individual who leaves a gift in their Will as a World Animal Guardian. However, it is completely up to you whether your name and/or gift are shared publicly.
5. Are there other ways I can make a charitable donation through estate planning?
Outside of leaving a gift in your Will there are many great ways to extend your generosity. Here are some other options:
6. What do I need to get started?
To get started with a gift in your Will, you can think about the type of gift you would like to leave as there are a few options. For the types of gifts, as well as sample wording, you can download our guide to legacy giving. This can be given to any professional handling your estate matters.
Having a Will is extremely important for all of us. Through our partnership with Willfora*, you can write your will for free, including a charitable donation through your estate.
*Willfora is a FREE online Will writing service – this process takes around 20 minutes for you to complete a legal Will.
I hope you find this information helpful as you start your estate planning journey. We hope that you will consider leaving a life-changing legacy gift for animals by becoming a World Animal Guardian today.
Should you have any further questions, I would love to go over them with you. Please book some time in my calendar below so I can give you call.
And of course you can contact me via email as well at tiffanyoliveira@worldanimalprotection.ca.
*English only. Not available to residents of Quebec.