Leaving a bequest
A bequest is a simple, convenient way to donate. It can:
significantly reduce the amount of tax paid by your estate
ensure that your lifetime of effort contributes to making lasting positive change around the world after your passing.
How to leave a bequest
To give a specific amount:
“I give to CUSO-VSO, 44 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, the sum of $___.”
To give a percentage of the estate:
“I give to CUSO-VSO, 44 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, ___ percent (__%) of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”
To give a specific asset, such as shares in a company:
“I give to CUSO-VSO, 44 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, ___ shares of ABC Co. Inc.”
For a gift contingent upon a certain condition:
“In the event that my sister does not survive me, I give to CUSO-VSO, 44 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, ….”
To designate your gift to a specific purpose:
“I give to CUSO-VSO, 44 Eccles Street, Ottawa, Ontario, the sum of $__ to be used to support renewable and natural resources; climate change etc.
Restricting the bequest for a specific purpose:
If the bequest is restricted for a specific purpose, it is recommended that you, the donor, include a 'Power to Vary' clause, such as:
“If, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of CUSO-VSO, it should become impossible, inadvisable or impractical to use this gift for the specified purpose(s), then the Board may in their discretion use the gift to the best advantage of the charity, keeping in mind my original wishes.”
Information important to CUSO-VSO
CUSO-VSO requests that donors who have chosen to include CUSO-VSO in their will provide us with information about the bequest provision. This will help us provide better service to the donor and to the estate. If the donor is willing, we also request that the donor provide a copy of that section of the will naming CUSO-VSO.
For more information, feel free to call us toll-free at 1 (888) 434-2876, ext. 222 or e-mail us at support@cuso-vso.org.
