Build your legacy in this place you love

Leaving a gift to charity in your will is called making a bequest. Establishing a bequest fund at BCF offers an enduring commitment to the Bow Valley.

Support the Power of Community through a Legacy Bequest

Once you’ve set up a bequest fund, you can establish or contribute to the fund during your lifetime or through a bequest in your will. Gifts are permanently endowed and invested professionally – a portion of the value of the Fund is available each year for distribution. Depending on the fund type, this distribution is directed to support the Foundation’s own charitable activities or to grant to other organizations that you’re your goals and wishes.

Including your local community foundation in your will helps strengthen the community for years and years and years to come.

Knowing that a ‘fund agreement’ is in place and your wishes have been documented can give you and your family peace of mind and offer a path forward.

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WHY BUILD YOUR LEGACY AT BCF

We have extensive knowledge of the Bow Valley – our communities and our partners in the local philanthropic sector.

We will act as a trusted confidante while you are exploring options.

We can suggest a plan that will steward your financial legacy and honour your philanthropic wishes.

We are community leaders who are committed to a vision, mission and goals that builds a sense of belonging, inclusion and is committed to positive impact right here in the beautiful Bow Valley.

WHAT BCF OFFERS

We work with individuals to craft a donor-centric plan that will add meaning and richness to the philanthropic process.

Together, we create a fund agreement that clarifies the donor’s wishes, purpose of a gift (present or future) and include any instructions related to recognition or anonymity.

We meet with groups, families, anyone who wishes to understand the range of services offered and options for thoughtful and strategic gift planning.

We ensure everything is in order and ready to be activated as per you and your family’s wishes.

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START WITH A WILL

Without a will, there is no mechanism in place to make a bequest. Here are the steps you should take to make sure your wishes are granted.

Bequests for Endowments:

Your gift will be invested professionally, and a portion of the earnings will be made available each year for distribution. This means that your gift will continue to have an effect for years after your gift is realized. You can direct a gift to be added to an existing endowment fund, including the Foundation’s BCF Community Fund, or to establish a named fund to be used for specific long-term purposes.

General Bequest:

If you’d like your gift to provide direct assistance to meet the Foundation’s current priorities, consider leaving your gift to Banff Canmore Foundation. These gifts can be directed for a specific purpose or provide flexibility for Banff Canmore Foundation to determine how to best use your gift to support its mission.

FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Banff Canmore Foundation helps people craft a philanthropic plan that is customized for an individual’s or family’s wishes and deeply rooted in this place they love – the Canadian Rocky Mountains. We can help you help your clients. 

If your expertise is tax law or financial planning, we’d be happy to connect and help you guide your clients through their philanthropic options.

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TAX ADVANTAGES

Did you know that gifts made to charitable organizations in your will offer significant tax benefits? In the year of death, 100% of the bequest is credited as a charitable donation. This means that a bequest to a charity will reduce the amount of taxes owed by your estate.

Want to Learn More?

Please reach out to Laurie Edward, BCF Executive Director, to continue the discussion.

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"This endowment will mean that mum and her example are not forgotten."

Ted Wilson, The Dr. Priscilla Wilson Change Maker Fund