Make a Lasting Legacy for Future Generations

Legal name: United Way British Columbia
Charitable Registration Number (CRN): BN108160185 RR 0001
Address: 4543 Canada Way, Burnaby, BC V5G 4T4

Please click here to view sample will clauses to be used for discussion purposes with your lawyer or notary in preparation of your will.

You can create a lasting legacy for your community in many ways:

• Donating properties such as personal residences, vacation homes, jewelry or shares in privately held corporations.
• Transforming tax liabilities by naming UWBC as the beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF, TFSA or pension plan
• Donor Advised Funds
• Donating Life Insurance

How do I leave a gift to United Way British Columbia?
It is easy and flexible with several giving options. The most common type of planned giving is a charitable gift through a bequest in a will. Gifts of a specific cash amount or asset or a percentage of the remaining estate are popular bequest choices.

You can leave a paid up life insurance policy, securities, a retirement account or other financial investments. Some donors also give through property including real estate, jewelry or art.

What name should you include in your will to make a bequest to United Way British Columbia?
The legal name you should include in your will to make a bequest is United Way British Columbia.

What is United Way British Columbia’s Charitable Business Number?
108160185 RR 0001

Must I have an estate in order to leave a planned gift?
Everyone can leave a gift in an amount that they deem appropriate. “Estate” is simply a word used to describe everything that you own at the time of your passing. Every gift to United Way British Columbia helps strengthen our community and those at risk in the Lower Mainland.

Do I have to include my wish to leave a gift to United Way British Columbia in my will?
A charitable bequest will not take effect unless you state your intention in your will. A well-prepared, up-to-date will is one of the best ways you can make your wishes known so that your legacy is exactly what you want it to be.

Is making a will expensive and time consuming?
Making a will doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. It usually takes less time than most people think and can usually be completed in one or two short meetings. While sometimes there are reasons to make a more complicated Will, contact a notary or solicitor and ask for their estimations.

Do I tell United Way British Columbia that I’ve left a gift and the specifics?
No, you don’t have to disclose any details about your bequest. However, it would help us greatly in planning for the future programs and in recognizing your generosity. If you choose to inform us of your plans, it is not binding in any way.

Can I leave a legacy to fund a specific program?
Community needs change from time to time. For United Way British Columbia to have the flexibility to focus on the greatest need of the community, we encourage you to leave an undesignated gift. However, you can always direct your caring gift to a specific area or project or to United Way British Columbia’s highest priority needs. We would be delighted to provide you with appropriate bequest wording to help ensure your gift is used as you wished and directed to the fund or area you have chosen to support.

Can United Way British Columbia help me arrange for a gift?
While we will do everything we can to assist you in creating a legacy gift for United Way British Columbia, we cannot offer legal advice or financial planning. A professional advisor, like a financial or estate planner, lawyer, accountant, trust officer or insurance agent, will be able to assist you in leaving a gift.

Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, gifts are eligible for tax credits or tax deductions. However, the tax benefits will depend on several factors: the type of gift, the timing, outright or deferred or has any income payments. We encourage you to talk to professional advisors. They can advise you and help to ensure you realize the philanthropic goal while enjoy the maximum tax and legal benefits.

If I create a bequest, will United Way British Columbia to ask me for annual contributions?
We will because the commitments address two different needs. Through your annual gift, United Way British Columbia is able to help vulnerable children, youths and seniors in immediate need. Last year, we invested and provided 450 programs in 26 communities to strengthen the community and create change.

However, to allow United Way British Columbia the ability to meet the challenges and opportunities in future, your planned gift is significant. It will allow us to help the most vulnerable members of our communities for the generations to come.