Legacy giving – sometimes referred to as planned giving – can take many forms, including a gift through your Will or estate plan, securities, life insurance, property or an endowment. At its heart, it is an expression of faithful stewardship and generosity: an opportunity to give thanks for what we have received and to help ensure that the Church and its ministries can continue to serve others into the future.
Continue scrolling to learn more about how to give and the impact of your gift.
Free Webinar
Supporting the Church You Love for Generations to Come
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – 11:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. via Zoom
The webinar brings together experienced voices in Christian stewardship, estate planning, finance and law. They will explore what legacy giving means, the practical considerations involved, and how we can begin thoughtful conversations about the legacy we hope to leave.
The webinar will be recorded and available online. If you cannot attend the webinar, please do register to be on our list and receive the direct link to the recording.
Explore Your Gift Options
Your Legacy Begins With a Conversation
Types of legacy gifts may include:
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A bequest in your Will
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A gift of property, bank account(s), or other assets”
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A gift of life insurance
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A gift of property or other assets
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A donation of an endowment fund
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A designated gift supporting a specific ministry
So which type of bequest is right for you?
When supporters are considering leaving bequests to the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, they might be concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the size of their estates when they pass on.
After all, none of us know how much longer we’ll live – or what the value of our estates will be when we pass from this world.
You don’t have to leave a fixed amount for a meaningful gift. There are several ways to include a legacy gift in a Will, which can make it easier to give while still providing for a loved one and also ease the worry about estate size and the gift amount.
One option is a residual gift. This option is a portion of the estate that remains after debts, expenses and specific gifts have been paid. So, for example, someone might leave a specific amount of money to their child and grandchild and still leave the remainder to a charity of their choice, such as the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, their parish or General Synod.
WHY CONSIDER A LEGACY GIFT?
For many of us, the Church has been part of some of life’s most important moments. It may be the parish where we worship, a ministry that has cared for people in our community, or a place where we have experienced belonging, friendship, faith and hope.
A legacy gift is one way of giving thanks for what has shaped us and extending that generosity into the future.
Your gift can help sustain worship and pastoral care, strengthen parish life and spiritual formation, reach people in our communities, care for people experiencing vulnerability, and continue the ministries that matter deeply to you.
Most importantly, your legacy is yours to shape. It can reflect your values and your faith while helping carry God’s mission forward for generations to come.
HOW TO MAKE A LEGACY GIFT
Creating a legacy gift is simple and can be done as part of your estate planning. Take the following steps to ensure your gift is in good hands.
Reflect
Making a legacy gift begins with considering what matters most to you and how you would like your generosity to continue into the future.
Speak with Your Professional Advisors
Discuss your wishes with your lawyer, financial advisor or estate planner. They can help you consider the options available to you and determine what is appropriate for your circumstances.
Connect With Us
We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your intentions and help ensure that your gift can be directed according to your wishes. If you choose to let us know about your plans, it also gives us an opportunity to thank you for your generosity.
Already have a will?
You can ask your lawyer or notary about adding a simple inexpensive amendment (codicil) to your existing Will so that you can include a legacy gift.
So what if the intention of my bequest is no longer possible?
It’s hard to know where your gift can have an impact in 20, 40, or 60 years.
A Power to Vary clause is recommended when a bequest is intended. It gives the Church to power to use your gift for a different purpose in the event that the original purpose is no longer possible and/or necessary.
The information provided on this page does not constitute legal or financial advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. The Anglican Diocese of Ottawa encourages you to seek professional legal, estate planning and financial advice before deciding on a course of action.