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Legacy Giving


Planned Giving

A legacy gift is a demonstration of your belief in the continuity of the charities that you care about and want to support for generations to come. It is a way to leave a lasting mark by supporting the charity of your choice.

Regardless of age or wealth, all of us have the ability to leave a legacy.

How It Works

There are several options available to make a legacy gift. The legacy gift can be structured to fit your family and financial objectives.

Some planned giving strategies are:

  • Bequest in a will

  • Gift of assets

  • Gift of life insurance

  • Donor-advised funds

Learn more about legacy gifts and to determine how to make the most meaningful legacy gift for you.


Summary of Common Options Used in Planned Giving

Cash Donation or Bequest

Donate Registered Investments (RRIFs / RRSPs)

Donate Stock, Mutual Fund or Securities

Permanent Life Insurance with Cash Value

Donor Receives Tax Receipt During Lifetime

✓ If donated during donor’s life

Tax receipt for value of the asset at the end of business day that the asset is received by the charity

If charity is owner

Donor Receives Tax Receipt at Death (to Estate)

If bequest

Tax receipt for value of the asset at the end of business day that the asset is received by the charity

If charity is not owner

Guaranteed Benefit to Charity

No, depends on value at transfer

No, depends on value at transfer

Provides Charity Access to Cash

Only if charity is owner


Legacy Giving Resources

  • Sample Bequest Wording

    Bequest for undesignated use:
    “I give, to Brain Canada Foundation, Registered Charity located in Montreal, QC, with the charitable registration number 89105 2094 RR0001, the sum of $— [or —% of my estate] [or —% of the residue of my estate] to be used for the general purposes of the Foundation.”

    Specific, bequest with escape clause:
    “I give, to Brain Canada Foundation, Registered Charity located in Montreal, QC, with the charitable registration number 89105 2094 RR0001, the sum of $— to be used for the following purpose(s):

    If Brain Canada Foundation is unable to apply all or part of these funds for the specific purpose(s) stated herein, the balance of this bequest not so extended may be used for the general purposes of the Foundation.”

    Residual contingent bequest:
    “Upon the death of all my beneficiaries, I direct my trustee to transfer and deliver the balance of the residue of my estate, including any undistributed income, to Brain Canada Foundation, Registered Charity located in Montreal, QC, $— to be used for the general purposes of the Foundation.”

  • A Gift of Life Insurance

    A gift of life insurance allows you to make a significant donation to Brain Canada Foundation at a relatively low cost, while protecting the value of your estate for your heirs. This approach is appropriate for donors who hold an existing policy that is no longer needed or for a donor who wishes to make a gift but currently has limited financial resources. There are a few ways to make a gift of life insurance:

    • Transfer ownership of your existing life insurance policy to Brain Canada Foundation and name Brain Canada Foundation as the beneficiary of the policy. You will receive a charitable tax receipt equal to the value of the policy at the time of the gift. Your annual premium payments may qualify for a charitable tax receipt.

    • Purchase a new policy and name Brain Canada Foundation as the owner and beneficiary. Your annual premium payment may qualify for a charitable tax receipt.

    • Designate Brain Canada Foundation as the beneficiary of a policy. Upon death, your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt equal to the death benefit of the policy.

  • Gift of publicly traded shares/stock options

    Download a securities transfer form

    Gifts of appreciated publicly traded securities, such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds are advantageous as your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt equal to the value of the security at the time of the gift and any capital gains on the gifted securities will be exempt from tax.

  • A Gift through your RRSP or RRIF

    By naming Brain Canada Foundation as a beneficiary of all or a percentage of your Registered Retirement Savings Plans, Registered Retirement Income Fund or TFSA (or leaving it as a bequest in your will for Quebec purposes), you are able to make a commitment now, but postpone the donation until after your death. Your estate will receive a donation receipt for the full value of the gift on death but you will continue to retain full ownership and use of your retirement funds during your lifetime.

  • A Gift through a Charitable Remainder Trust

    A charitable remainder trust is an arrangement that allows you to transfer assets to a trust, obtain a donation receipt today, and retain the right to income from the trust for life or a specified period. The capital of the trust will be left to Brain Canada Foundation after certain predetermined milestones, such as a period of time lapsed or a death.

  • Contact Us

    To further discuss your wishes, please contact:

    Monica Berger
    Director of Philanthropy
    Brain Canada Foundation
    1200 McGill College Avenue, Suite 1600
    Montreal, Quebec H3B 4G7

    Telephone: 514-264-9746
    E-mail: monica.berger@braincanada.ca

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