A charitable bequest is simply a distribution from your estate to a charitable organization through your last will and testament. There are different kinds of bequests. For each, you must use very specific language to indicate the precise direction of your assets, and to successfully carry out your final wishes. In any charitable bequest, be sure to name the recipient accurately. There are a few types of charitable bequests, for example:
A gift of life insurance is made when you name a charitable organization of your choice as the beneficiary. This means that you control the policy, and the organization would receive the insurance proceeds upon death.
Gifts of retirement plans are made when you name a charitable organization of your choice as the beneficiary. This means that upon your death the organization would receive the proceeds and your estate will receive a charitable receipt. This receipt will counterbalance your final tax return, transforming any final tax liabilities you have when you die into a charitable gift.
A gift of annuity is made when you make a contribution of cash or other property to a charitable organization of your choice in exchange for a guaranteed lifetime income (or for a stated interval of time). It is an agreement or contract between you and your organization of choice. Upon death, the charitable organization of your choice would receive the remainder of the original contribution. Depending on the time elapsed the organization of your choice may get more or less than the original contribution. If an annuity is started when you are between the ages of 75-90 you can receive tax free income. If an annuity is started when you are between the ages of 65-74 you can receive partially tax free income. Where the income is totally tax free, you will receive a donation receipt equalling the initial amount of your contribution minus your expected annuity income.
A gift of trust is made when you decide to make a charitable organization of your choice the secondary beneficiary to an irrevocable trust. The primary beneficiary (or the income beneficiary) includes you, and if applicable, your spouse. Throughout your lifetime or for a stated period of time you will receive a predetermined amount of the trust; upon death the charitable organization of your choice will receive the remainder of the trust.
A gift of residual interest is made when you decide to give the property in which you reside or any other property (art, valuables etc.) to a charitable organization of your choice. You can continue to use and enjoy the property throughout your lifetime. You will receive a charitable tax receipt for the present value of the property when the gift is made. Upon death, the charitable organization receives the deed of the property.
A gift of real estate is made when you leave property, buildings, land, or a place of residence that you own to a charitable organization of your choice. This type of gift can be given immediately or specified in your will. You will receive a charitable tax receipt to be used in your final income tax return.
81% of Canadians contribute to charitable organizations throughout their lifetime. However, research shows that only 7% continue this support through a gift in their will or estate plan. We at the Kingston Humane Society would be pleased to assist you in planning for your legacy. We would be pleased to work with you and your financial/legal professionals so you can plan your charitable gift to provide the greatest benefit to you, your family and KHS. You may choose to make your gift during your lifetime or through your estate. You can also join together with a group of family and friends to create a named fund to honour or memorialize a loved one.
Talk to us to learn more about the options for planned giving:
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Contactless adoptions will begin on May 6th for limited number of animals
Kingston, ON – May 1, 2020
Beginning on Wednesday May 6th, the Kingston Humane Society (KHS) will resume adoptions of animals to suitable members of the public. The number of animals available will initially be limited and significant safety protocols will be employed to avoid any contact or direct interaction with potential adopters.
Five weeks ago, the KHS suspended all adoptions in an effort to significantly reduce the potential of COVID-19
transmission within the community or to the KHS staff. In that time, more than 100 foster volunteers have stepped up to care for animals that would normally have been housed in kennels and waiting for adoption.
“Our foster volunteers have been incredible,” said Gord Hunter, Executive Director, “but we’re starting to see
the expected spring influx of animals and we need to be sure we have capacity within the shelter once things
begin to open up again and once the foster families begin returning animals to us.”
The capacity of the current building is limited to 75 cats and 44 dogs. The KHS currently has 112 animals in
care; the majority in foster homes. In May of 2019, the Kingston Humane Society took in just under 200
animals. After this year’s mild winter, Animal Programs Manager Christie Haaima expects numbers to rise significantly, potentially putting the shelter well over capacity.
“Each year, we see a large influx of animals heading into the summer months, predominantly stray cats and
orphaned kittens,” said Haaima. “We can’t allow Covid-19 to prevent us from saving the lives of nearly 2,000 pets this year. We need to be prepared by continuing adoptions and expanding our foster program.”
Pre-adoption counselling and meet and greets will be done virtually utilizing available electronic meeting platforms. The successful adopters will then come to the shelter to pick up the animal in a no-touch environment. Adoption payments will be accepted by debit or credit only using no-touch or minimal contact protocols. All KHS staff employees will wear full PPE and adopters will be asked to wear gloves and masks when picking up their new family member.
“This is new to all of us and we expect to experience small glitches that we’ll address and correct on the fly,” said Hunter. “Our goal is to find forever homes for as many animals in our care as possible and to remain within our somewhat limited capacity, keeping the strain on staff and animals to a minimum.”
Beginning Wednesday May 6th, the public can find animals available for adoption on our website at www.kingstonhumanesociety.ca . Online applications will be processed as received and suitable adopters will be contacted for virtual meet and greets.
BACKGROUND
The Kingston Humane Society is committed to advocating for and improving the lives of animals within our community. Founded in 1884, the KHS continues to provide shelter and care for homeless animals in Kingston and surrounding communities. We promote responsible pet ownership and compassion and respect for all animals. In addition, we work in and with our community to provide leadership in the humane treatment of all animals, to address the causes of animal suffering, to encourage people to take responsibility for their animal companions and to provide care for animals who are neglected, abused, exploited, stray or homeless.
CONTACT
Gord Hunter, Executive Director KHS, 613-546-1291 ext 105