- Blanding’s Turtle, Photo Tom Thomas
There are many ways that you can leave a legacy to protect nature through the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club Legacy Circle that don’t affect your current lifestyle or your family’s security.
Gifts of Securities or Mutual Funds – Recent changes to the Income Tax Act have eliminated capital gains on gifts of publicly-traded stocks or securities that are donated to a registered charity like the HNC. Gifts of publicly traded stocks and securities can provide a major gift to preserving land and provide significant tax advantage to the estate.
“The HNC has helped me to make a lasting green legacy which will help to protect natural areas far into the future. By leaving my securities to the HNC, the land trust program will have a regular source of income. This way they can continue to protect and steward land over the long-term. I hope everyone thinks about options for their estate and what they want the future to be like for their children and grandchildren.” George Amaolo
Insurance – Making the HNC the beneficiary of your insurance policy may save your estate taxes and probate fees. Transferring ownership of the policy to the HNC provides an immediate tax credit, plus further donation receipts for payments on future premiums and potential tax savings for your estate.
RRIFs, RRSPs & Pensions – Making the HNC the beneficiary or alternative beneficiary of your RRIF, RRSP or pension may save your estate considerable taxes and avoid probate fees.
Charitable Gift Annuities & Charitable Remainder Trusts are mechanisms that allow donors to receive a tax benefit now plus a guaranteed income for life from the annuity or trust and potential tax savings for your estate.
If you are interested in creating a natural legacy with the HNC we recommend that you seek competent professional advice. HNC representatives would be pleased to meet with you or your advisors to provide assistance. We appreciate your interest in learning how you might be able to include the environment as a beneficiary of your long-range plans.
If one of these strategies seems right for you, we invite you to contact us at land@hamiltonnature.org or 905-524-3339 to learn more.
