Leaving a gift in your will to the Hellenic Heritage Foundation is a simple, yet powerful way to play a vital role in shaping the future of Hellenism in Canada.

A gift in your Will allows you to make a major contribution for tomorrow—without impacting your cash flow or savings today. And it provides an opportunity to make a
lasting statement of generosity and commitment to your community.

HOW IT WORKS

It’s easy to leave a gift in your Will:

1. Simply include the name of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation in your Will. The donation can be a sum of money, a percentage of your estate or residual gift

(the balance of your estate after your loved ones have been cared for), or another item of value that you own.

2. Following your death, the Hellenic Heritage Foundation will issue a tax receipt to your estate.

WHY IT MAKES SENSE

• Retain control of your assets during your lifetime
  • Provide for loved ones while supporting the future of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation
  • Make a gift in honour or memory of someone special

NEXT STEPS

1. Start by talking to your lawyer and/or financial planner to discuss what bequest option works best for your goals and needs.
   2. If you haven’t yet done so, please fill out the Will confirmation form, and return to us. Filling out this form is not a legal directive—you will still need to write the gift into
   your Will to make sure your wishes are carried out.
   3. If you have already included us in your Will, please let us know so that we can show our appreciation.

Why having a Will is important.

There are many reasons why all of us should have a Will, ranging from the very personal to the philanthropic, but only about half of Canadians have one.  A Will is a written

document which, if properly written and executed, states how a person’s property is to be distributed at death.  For most of us, it is important to think about family and to

secure a financial future that will ensure that family members have any needed support(s) throughout their entire lives. If you die without a valid Will, provincial legislation

determines the distribution of your assets. And if you have no spouse or next of kin, the province may assume control of your assets.

Most people know about Wills, yet they postpone making one because they are confused about the estate planning process or feel no sense of urgency. Creating a Will is

a major component of estate planning, and puts you in control of your assets.  Having a Will allows you to:

• Ensure your assets are distributed after your death to the right people
• Name the estate trustee to follow the instructions in your Will
• Name a guardian to care for your children if they are under 18
• Help take care of the community in which you live and work by including a charitable bequest

A Will may also minimize taxes due upon death and avoid the higher administration costs due to intestacy (not having a Will).

Charitable giving through a bequest in your Will.

Charitable giving has become an increasingly important source of revenue for charitable organizations.

Many people have causes and charitable organizations which are important to them, but significant gifts to these organizations may not be possible during

their lifetime.

A charitable bequest enables you to make a major contribution either through a bequest of cash, stocks and bonds, real estate, retirement savings plans or the

designation of life insurance. There are several methods by which you can leave funds to a charity in your Will:

1. A fixed sum gift can either be a specific dollar value or a percentage of your estate. 
2. A residual gift means that after you have provided for the needs of your family and friends, the remainder of your estate is given to charity.

The government looks favourably upon giving through your Will. When a charitable donation is made in the year a person dies, specific rules apply to their income tax

returns. The estate may claim a charitable tax credit to a maximum claim of 100 per cent of net income in the year of death and the previous year.

Without a properly drafted Will, many of the tax minimization strategies that could be employed might be unavailable or overlooked.

When you are ready to make arrangements for including a charitable bequest in your Will:

• • Speak with your lawyer.
  • Ensure you have the correct legal name of each charity.
  • For Wills already in existence, a codicil can be added to make your wishes known.
  • Once you have completed your Will, you should provide each beneficiary charity with a copy

of the clauses pertaining to your bequest.  Your intentions can be kept confidential,

if you wish.

Estate planning is a continual process. As your life changes so should your estate plans. Not only will changes occur in your personal life, but legislative changes

can also affect your estate plans.  Make sure you review your estate plans with an estate professional at regular intervals to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

This is an investment well spent when you consider your family’s wellbeing and the ability to give to your favourite charities.

The Hellenic Heritage Foundation strongly advises you to consult your own legal and or financial advisors to get specific advice regarding your own circumstances,

and those of your dependants.

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your planned giving options.

For CRA purposes we file under:  Hellenic Heritage Fund, and operate as Hellenic Heritage Foundation                                                

CRA registration number 887769297 RR0001

An Unrestricted Bequest permits you to direct your gift to the Foundation’s General Fund which supports our Projects and initiatives as well as our operating expenses. 

Example: 

“I give, devise and bequeath to HELLENIC HERITAGE FUND, operating as HELLENIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION bearing registration number 887769297 RR0001, the sum of

$................ (or ............%, or specific property (real estate, securities, etc.)) to be applied by to their General Fund.”

A Residual Bequest designates whatever remains of your estate after all debts, taxes, expenses, and all other bequests to your beneficiaries (including family and friends)

have been fulfilled.

Example: 

“I give, devise  and bequeath  to HELLENIC HERITAGE FUND, operating as HELLENIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION bearing registration number 887769297 RR 0001, all  ( or  %)

of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate.”

A Restricted Bequest permits you to direct your gift towards a specific purpose.

Please keep in mind that your gift may be realized many, many years from now and some major projects or endowments may either already be fully funded or cease to exist.

We recommend that you use as broad wording as possible and we can assist you.

Example: 

“I  give,  devise  and  bequeath  to HELLENIC HERITAGE FUND, operating as HELLENIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION bearing registration number 887769297 RR 0001,

the sum of $................ (or ............%, or specific  property (real estate, securities, etc.)to be used for the following purpose: 

• list designation here

A Contingent Bequest  takes place only if specific individuals do not survive you.

Example:

“If (name/s of beneficiaries) does not survive me, or shall die within 90 days from the date of my death, then I give to HELLENIC HERITAGE FUND, operating as

HELLENIC HERITAGE FOUNDATION bearing registration number 887769297 RR 0001, all of my estate.”

The Hellenic Heritage Foundation strongly advises you to consult your own legal and/or financial advisors to get specific advice regarding your own circumstances,

and those of your dependants.

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your planned giving options.

Please feel free to CONTACT OUR OFFICE to obtain further information.

Legal information: For CRA purposes, we file under Hellenic Heritage Fund, and indicate that we operate as Hellenic Heritage Foundation,

bearing registration number 887769297 RR 0001.

With your advice and guidance, clients can make a much larger gift than they can during their lifetime—while reducing, or even eliminating—the tax burden on

their estates. We’re grateful for your partnership, and for the important role you play in helping us make a lasting impact in preserving Hellenic heritage across Canada.