Planned Giving

A Gift for Future Generations

Legacy gifts and bequests are a powerful way to create a lasting impact in alignment with our mission of serving those in need within our communities. These gifts are an embodiment of our faith—offering hope, compassion, and the provision of essential resources for families and individuals facing daily challenges. By supporting causes close to your heart, you help us continue to address pressing needs such as food and housing insecurity, medical prescription costs, and other urgent needs, all while sharing the love of Christ with those in need in our community. As Christians, we are called to serve the least among us, and your generosity helps ensure that this mission endures for future generations.

Tax Information

Charitable donations made in your will can reduce estate taxes, potentially lowering the overall tax burden on your estate. This is especially beneficial for Canadian donors, as charitable gifts are eligible for tax deductions.

Consult a Professional: We highly recommend that donors consult with a tax professional or estate planner to ensure your legacy gift is structured to maximize the tax benefits. A professional can also help align your donation with your broader estate planning goals.

Legacy gifts offer more than just tax advantages - they provide an opportunity to practice good stewardship of the gifts God has entrusted to you. As Christians, we are called to share our blessings with others, particularly the marginalized or vulnerable. Your gift ensures that this legacy of service and charity continues in the name of Christ.

Ways to Give

There are many ways you can support the mission of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Halifax Particular Council such as:

Cash Gifts: A specific sum of money or a percentage of your estate.
Real Estate or Personal Property: Property, jewelery, art, or collectibles.
Stocks, Bonds, or Securities: Donating appreciated stocks or bonds can have both philanthropic and tax advantages.
Life Insurance Policies: Name the Society as the beneficiary or transfer ownership of an existing policy.
Retirement Plans: Designate the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Halifax Particular Council as a beneficiary of your RRSP or other retirement accounts.

Each of these options offers unique advantages, and we are happy to provide more information if you are considering any of them.

Sample Gift Amounts

If you're considering a bequest but are unsure about the amount, here are a few examples to help guide you in understanding the impact of your contribution:

$5,000: Provides grocery store gift cards for up to 50 individuals or families, ensuring access to essential food items.
$20,000: Funds a conference that provides food, clothing, housing assistance, and other necessary support for numerous people over a few months.
$1,000: Covers critical expenses, such as medical prescription costs for many individuals who may not otherwise afford them.

Every gift, no matter the size, directly impacts our ability to serve those in need and leaves a lasting legacy of compassion and care for the community. Your generosity today will continue to make a difference for years to come, ensuring that Christ’s work of mercy continues in our communities.

How to Include the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul in Your Will

Consult with an Estate Planning Lawyer
To ensure your legacy gift is properly reflected in your will, we recommend speaking with an estate planning lawyer. They will guide you through the legal process, making sure your wishes are clear and legally binding.
Specify Your Gift
In your will, clearly specify the gift you would like to leave. You can choose to leave a specific amount, asset, or a percentage of your estate. Some common options for legacy gifts include:
- A Bequest: A specific amount of money or asset (e.g., a piece of property, stocks, or jewelery).
- A Residuary Bequest: A percentage of the remaining estate after other distributions have been made.
- A Contingent Bequest: A gift made if certain conditions are met (e.g., if another beneficiary is unable to receive their gift).
Include Our Charity's Full Legal Information
Please include the full legal name of our organization, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Halifax Particular Council, and our charitable registration number: 133233445RR0001. This ensures there is no confusion about the intended recipient of your gift.
Notify Us of Your Intention
While not required, we encourage you to inform us of your intention to leave a legacy gift. This helps us plan for the future and allows us to express our gratitude for your generosity. It can also be an opportunity to build a relationship with you, if you wish, during your lifetime.

Create or Update Your Will
Once you’ve decided on the gift and wording, make sure your will is signed, dated, and witnessed according to the laws in your jurisdiction. If you already have a will, you can update it with a codicil to reflect your new wishes.

Acknowledgment of Gifts

We are deeply grateful for every legacy gift we receive. Your generosity allows us to continue supporting those in need for generations to come.

If you wish to be publicly acknowledged for your contribution, we offer a few ways to recognize your generosity:

Personalized Thank-You Letter: Our Executive Director will personally send you a heartfelt letter of gratitude, reflecting our deep appreciation for your support.
Public Recognition: With your consent, we will proudly acknowledge your gift on our website as a token of appreciation.
Quarterly Donor Newsletter: Four times a year, we will update you on success stories, special projects, and new opportunities for you to help.

Please let us know if you prefer to remain anonymous or if there is any specific way you would like to be acknowledged.

For More Information

If you would like to discuss the different ways you can leave a legacy with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Halifax Particular Council, please contact us at execdirector-hpc@ssvp.ca. We are here to help guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give to a specific cause?
Yes, you can designate your gift to go to a cause of your choice, such as food, medical prescriptions, or housing costs.

Can I designate a gift for a specific conference?
Yes, you can designate your gift to a specific conference. Conferences are the groups of volunteers based in a parish, or collections of parishes, that serve a specific neighbourhood or town.

Simply indicate the conference you would like your gift to support in your will or related legal documents, and kindly inform us of your intention. This allows both our administrative team and the conference to plan effectively and ensure your gift is directed appropriately.

What happens if I don’t have a will?
While it is highly recommended to have a will to ensure your wishes are followed, you can still leave a bequest by working with an estate planner or lawyer to create one.

What if my financial situation changes?
If your circumstances change and you need to adjust or revoke your bequest, you can do so at any time by updating your will or estate plan.

Are legacy gifts tax-deductible?
Yes, in many cases, bequests are tax-deductible for the estate of the donor, which can reduce the estate’s overall tax burden. However, it’s important to consult with a financial or tax advisor to understand the specifics.