For decades, we’ve partnered with donors, agencies, and local leaders to create safe and healthy communities for all. But, as times change so do the needs of our region.
Thanks to legacy giving, we’re able to respond to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic quickly and effectively. Gifts left by those who have passed continue to uplift their communities—and in many cases, we rely on them when local love is needed the most.
Why leave a legacy gift to your community?
With legacy giving, we can help you achieve your philanthropic goals—now and well into the future. Here are four key benefits of choosing United Way East Ontario:
1. Your donation will build a brighter future for everyone.
There’s no greater legacy than helping the next generation fulfil their dreams.
Every time you make a donation to United Way East Ontario, your generosity puts kids on the path to success, makes mental health services more accessible, keeps seniors connected, strengthens our essential frontline partners—and so much more.
2. Your gift ensures stability and sustainability.
We make strategic and innovative investments where they are needed most and will have the greatest impact in our communities.
During a crisis like the pandemic, planned gifts enable us to act quickly to help the most vulnerable. In normal times, they ensure stability and provide much-needed support that thousands of local people rely on.
3. You know your donation is in good hands.
We’re serious about managing donor contributions wisely, and we believe you should feel confident when you give to charity.
We’re proud that Charity Intelligence, MoneySense & Maclean’s named us a top-100 Canadian charity. And every dollar you give stays 100% local in Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark County, and Renfrew County.
A will can evolve as life does. The flexibility of a custom planned gift means it’s easy to make changes and feel secure knowing that your gift will remain stable and accessible for years to come.
4. You can earn financial benefits and tax incentives too!
Your estate will gain a tax credit for the full current market value of the planned gift. Plus, making a legacy gift means you’re investing in the future, so your decision doesn’t deplete your current finances.
Leave a Legacy Month
May is nationally recognized as Leave a Legacy Month—a national initiative which encourages people to leave a gift through their will or another planned giving vehicle to a charity or cause that is meaningful to them.
Through United Way’s Tomorrow Fund™, you can change lives by supporting local programs that will have the greatest measurable impact in our communities, sharing in our belief that for our region to be great, it has to be great for everyone.
In whichever month you’re reading this, consider planning for a gift that lives on forever.
How legacy gifts helped our COVID-19 response
Even before the context of a global pandemic, many seniors living in rural areas were facing social challenges that put their health and well-being at risk. Food insecurity, social isolation, lack of transportation, and inconsistent connection to others are all issues that have been amplified and worsened by COVID-19.
In the early days of the pandemic, older adults living in the rural areas south of Ottawa felt left behind. Afraid to go grocery shopping, many were not eating.
Thanks to the generosity of our legacy donors, we were able to act quickly with our partners at Rural Ottawa South Support Services to deliver nutritious meals and food hampers to isolated seniors.
“I have to say I’m overwhelmed with the delivery of food today … thank you ever so much, I’m so grateful.”
Together, in the first few weeks of pandemic shut downs, we were able to act quickly and invest $39,123.42 through testamentary funds. We invested in 7 agency partners and 8 programs.
As a result of these investments:
787
people were supported
40
phones and tablets were distributed to support initiatives responding to violence against women
891
calls related to violence in the home were answered
6,003
check-in calls were made
How to leave a gift to the Tomorrow Fund™
There are many ways to build your legacy with United Way East Ontario.
A bequest is the most common type of planned gift. This can be a sum of money, a piece of property, or a percentage of your estate that is designated to United Way East Ontario in your will. Other types of planned gifts also include RRSPs/RRIFs, life insurance, securities/stocks, charitable remainder trusts and gifts-in-kind.
You can also give the gift of life insurance, which provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in the future while receiving tax benefits today. It allows you to make a long-term investment while preserving the value of your estate for your loved ones. Choosing to give the gift of life insurance means the proceeds of the policy are paid directly to United Way East Ontario and remain in our region.
