in all sizes. Many people choose to leave a small percentage of their estate to charity, while others designate a specific dollar amount. Even modest gifts can have a significant impact when combined with other donors’ gifts. For example, leaving just a small portion of an estate, such as one or two percent, can provide meaningful support for a local organization while still ensuring that the majority of the estate goes to family and loved ones. For charities, these gifts add up and often provide essential funding for programs that benefit the entire community. There are several ways to structure a legacy gift. The most common approach is to include a charitable bequest in a will. Other options may include naming a charity as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement fund, or investment account. Because everyone’s financial situation is different, it’s always wise to discuss plans with a lawyer or financial advisor to ensure that wishes are clearly reflected. Beyond the financial and tax benefits, legacy giving offers some- thing even more meaningful: the opportunity to leave a legacy. It allows individuals to be remembered not only for what they achieved in their lives but also for the positive impact they chose to make on others. A legacy gift becomes part of a community’s story, helping organizations grow, supporting neighbours in need, and strengthening the institutions that bring people together. In the end, legacy giving is about more than money. It is about investing in the future and ensuring that the community we care about continues to thrive for generations to come. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that making a lasting difference does not require extraordinary wealth, only the desire to give back.
scholarships. Others may choose to help healthcare institutions, environmental causes, arts organizations, or programs that support vulnerable members of the community. Whatever the cause, legacy gifts allow people to make a statement about what mattered most to them. A common misconception about legacy giving is that it requires a large amount of wealth. In reality, legacy gifts come
Hometown St. Thomas • May 2026 • Page 29
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