How to Leave Charitable Gifts in Your Will (Canada)

Charitable giving in a Will—often called a legacy gift—lets you support causes you care about while potentially reducing estate taxes. For a complete estate planning overview, see our Complete Canadian Will Guide.

Benefits of Donating to Charity

• Medical research & patient care: fund new treatments, equipment, and hospital programs.
• Education & scholarships: expand access through grants, bursaries, and student supports.
• Food security & housing: support shelters, community kitchens, and affordable housing.
• Children & youth programs: enable tutoring, mentorships, and after-school activities.
• Environment: conserve habitats, restore ecosystems, and support climate initiatives.
• Arts & culture: sustain museums, local arts, and heritage preservation.
• Community services: bolster mental health supports, crisis lines, and newcomer services.

How to Name a Charity Properly

• Use the charity’s full legal name and CRA registration number.
• Confirm details via the Government of Canada charities database.
• Avoid ambiguous names that could cause uncertainty.

Tax Advantages

Your estate may receive a donation tax credit for up to 100% of income in the year of death, with potential carryback. This can reduce taxes and may increase what beneficiaries receive. For large or complex gifts (e.g., securities or real estate), consult an accountant or estate lawyer.

Example Clause

“I give the sum of $10,000 to The Canadian Cancer Society, registered charity number 118829803 RR0001, to be used for general charitable purposes.”