A. Yes, including a charitable gift in your Will can lead to significant tax savings. Careful planning will ensure that you will save tax when you need the tax relief the most: while alive or upon your death. Tax savings may be greater on your final tax return because the tax credit for bequests is higher than the tax credit for lifetime gifts. Donations through your Will are eligible for a charitable donation credit of 100% in the year of death plus any unused tax credits can be carried back one year. The tax advantages are substantial, especially on appreciated securities and properties. The total income and capital gains tax savings and the probate expense savings can come close to the amount transferred.

A. Yes, bequests are an easy and simple way to leave a gift. Everyone has an estate that will need dealing with to disperse the assets. It is really an issue of how. Gifts through your Will can be convenient, flexible and revocable should your circumstances require a change to your estate plans. The goal is to arrive at the arrangement that best suits your needs and circumstances. You simply provide sample Will wording to your lawyer who will incorporate a clause into your Will that will meet your wishes. If you have already drafted a Will, your lawyer may add a charity as a beneficiary through a simple amendment called a Codicil. You are not required to draft a new Will. In the event you need to revoke the Codicil at a future date you can do so.

A. Yes, you control how your estate’s “social capital” is used, by deciding where your assets go and for what purpose upon your death. Without designating charities as beneficiaries a portion of your estate will be used to pay taxes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), and the Government will decide how your money is used.

If you choose to designate your gift to support a particular cancer centre, program or area of work please contact us in advance to ensure that we are able to accommodate your wishes.

A. Yes, an up-to-date Will is perhaps the most important tool in ensuring that your property is distributed according to your wishes and still provide for your family. Your family will not endure the legal red tape that results should you die intestate (without a Will). Provincial legislation determines who will receive your estate assets and in what proportion upon your death if you do not have a Will. The distribution scheme set out in the legislation may cause hardship to your loved ones.

A. Yes, with thoughtful planning you can support your charities and not impact the way you live. We understand that family comes first, and you may need to plan for unforeseen expenses. You can plan a gift that will take effect only when your other obligations cease. We call these "Gifts Anyone Can Afford" because anyone can make them now without impacting cash flow, lifestyle, or family security.

A. Yes, you can choose to receive recognition or remain anonymous at any time. The donor recognition and stewardship programs were created to recognize generous Albertans who have made a gift to the Alberta Cancer Foundation in their Will or through another gift arrangement. In celebration of your commitment to redefining the future, we will recognize your gift in special ways, including mention in our publications and invitations to appreciation events. Please contact our Gift Planning Specialist Derek Michael if you would like to notify us of your intention to make a gift.

We understand that the decision to leave a gift in your Will can be a very private and personal decision. Should you choose to remain anonymous and wish to receive no public acknowledgement, we will respect your wishes. Your privacy is very important to us.

A. Yes, hearing about new gifts motivates other donors to make similar investments that will bring results to Alberta cancer patients faster. Knowing that investments in innovative research, patient care, prevention and screening projects will continue into the future inspires researchers, staff and patients alike. Please consider allowing the Alberta Cancer Foundation to publically give thanks to you in recognition of your generosity.

Also, we can share the good news of your support with our health care and research professionals, motivating them in their life-saving work.

A. The most significant benefit to making a planned gift is you can create a meaningful legacy. You can have personal satisfaction in knowing you are making a significant difference in the lives of others. You can leave a gift for the charities and causes that made a difference in your life. Imagine the positive impact on our community if everyone made a gift from their estate for the common good and worthwhile causes that we all hold dear. What do you want the world to know about you? What did you live for? You can create a lasting legacy by helping future generations of cancer patients within Alberta.

What do you want the world to know about you? What did you live for? You can create a lasting legacy by helping future generations of cancer patients within Alberta.