Bequests
What is a bequest?
A bequest is a gift left in a will to a charitable organization like the MS Society of Canada. Bequests are, by far, the most popular form of legacy gift.
One reason why bequests are so popular is because with a bequest, you will help the MS Society to help end MS without touching the funds and assets you need now.
There are different ways to make a bequest to the MS Society:
- Specific bequest: a gift of a fixed amount of cash or a particular asset
- Percentage share: a gift of a percentage of the whole estate
- Contingent bequest: a gift that will take effect only in the event of the prior death of other named beneficiaries
Some of the advantages to creating a legacy to end MS through a bequest are:
- It’s easy to do by contacting your lawyer
- Your will can be amended or revoked by you at any time
- Reduced taxes payable on your estate as your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt for the gift
- It’s flexible: bequests can be for a specific amount, a percentage of the estate or residual of the estate
If you are about to have a will drafted for the first time or are considering making changes to your current will, your lawyer can include a bequest to the MS Society of Canada. The MS Society’s Board of Directors recommends the following language for use in your will:
I direct my Estate Trustee to pay the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada the sum of $____________ (or _____% of my estate) to be used for such purposes of the Society as its Board of Directors may from time to time determine.
How may I create my bequest?
Creating your legacy gift is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Make an appointment with your lawyer; collect key information
- Create your will that reflects your wishes
- Contact the MS Society so that we may thank you for your gift
If you have already created a legacy gift and you wish to let us know about your gift, please take a moment to fill out our Statement of Intent form. Any information you provide will remain strictly confidential.
