After a combined 31 years of volunteering and working with Osprey Community Foundation, Tom Murray, Nelson Ames and Vivien Bowers know how much the organization does for this community. That’s why they are putting estate gifts to the foundation in their wills.
“Bequests are a relatively painless way to give,” says Murray. “You can leave a charitable bequest that will support a cause or organization you are passionate about. Through this gift, whether small or large, you’ll leave a permanent and positive legacy.”
Right now, there’s an added incentive. The Vancouver Foundation is supporting Osprey by providing it with $10,000 for immediate granting to local charities … if local donors pledge a total of $100,000 in new bequests to Osprey Community Foundation.
Murray, Ames and Bowers have already kicked off the campaign and invite others to join them.
“In this community, it shouldn’t be at all difficult for us to reach the $100,000,” says Ames. “Maybe you were thinking of putting something aside for charity anyway. Now would be a good time to make those arrangements.”
Planned estate gifts can take various forms, from cash bequests to the residual of one’s estate to transfers of life insurance. A financial advisor or lawyer can help you decide what’s most appropriate for you, and what confers the best tax advantage.
“If you have a particular passion or area of interest you’d like to support with your bequest, you should also talk to Osprey,” says Bowers. “The foundation administers funds that support many local charities.”
Bowers asks local individuals who decide to leave a bequest to Osprey Community Foundation in their will to let the organization know, so that these gifts can count towards the $100,000 total.
Osprey is a public, charitable foundation, created in 2000 by and for the people of Nelson and the surrounding area. Donations to Osprey are pooled in a permanently-endowed fund, currently worth $8.4 million, generating income each year that flows back to local charities and eligible organizations. For further information or to donate, go to ospreycommunityfoundation.ca or call 250-352-3643.