Legacy Giving
A Gift That Continues the Good You’ve Done
A legacy gift is a thoughtful way to keep showing up for children and youth in Durham Region.
By including Durham Children’s Aid Foundation in your future plans, you can help ensure that children, youth, and families connected to the child welfare system continue to have access to support, opportunity, and hope for years to come.
Legacy giving is one of the most meaningful gifts you can make. It is also often much simpler than people expect. You do not need to be wealthy to leave a legacy. A gift of any size can help create brighter futures and ensure support is still there when it is needed most.
Why Legacy Gifts Matter
Every child deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, included, and hopeful about the future.
For some children and youth, that support does not come easily. Many face barriers shaped by instability, loss, trauma, or a lack of resources and opportunity.
A legacy gift helps keep meaningful support in place, from education and enrichment opportunities to urgent needs, mentorship, and programs that help young people build confidence, connection, and belonging.
For many donors, legacy giving is a way to reflect the values they have lived by and extend their impact beyond their lifetime.
Ready To Plan Your Legacy?
If you are considering a legacy gift, we would be pleased to provide a one-page Legacy Guide and answer general questions in confidence.
Request The Legacy GuideAlready Included Us In Your Plans?
If you have already remembered Durham Children’s Aid Foundation in your Will or estate plans, thank you. If you choose to let us know, we can understand your wishes, ensure your future gift is honoured as intended, and thank you for the lasting difference you will make.
Let Us Know About Your Legacy GiftWays To Leave A Legacy Gift
Leave A Gift In Your Will
A gift in your Will, also called a bequest, is one of the simplest and most common ways to leave a legacy. You may choose to leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, a particular asset, or the remainder of your estate after loved ones have been cared for.
Make A Gift Of Life Insurance
A gift of life insurance can be a meaningful and cost-effective way to make a future charitable gift. Depending on your circumstances, you may choose to name Durham Children’s Aid Foundation as a beneficiary of an existing policy, transfer ownership of a policy, or establish a new policy for charitable purposes.
Name Us As A Beneficiary Of A Registered Plan
You can also name Durham Children’s Aid Foundation as a beneficiary of a registered plan, such as an RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA. For some donors, this can be a simple way to make a future gift without changing the structure of their Will.
A Note About Tax Benefits
Depending on the type of gift and your individual circumstances, a legacy gift may offer tax benefits to your estate.
Because every situation is different, we always encourage donors to speak with their lawyer, financial advisor, or estate planning professional about the option that is right for them.
Suggested Wording For Your Will
If you would like your gift to support Durham Children’s Aid Foundation’s highest priority needs, the following sample wording may be helpful:
“I give to Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, charitable registration number 85426 0940 RR0001, the sum of $_____ / _____% of my estate / the residue of my estate, to be used for its general charitable purposes.”
Legal Name: Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
Charitable Registration Number: 85426 0940 RR0001
Address: 1320 Airport Blvd, Oshawa, ON L1J 0C6
If you would like your gift to support a specific area of our work, we would be pleased to speak with you and your advisor about appropriate wording.
Every Gift Will Make A Difference
A legacy gift is more than a future donation. It is a reflection of your values, your compassion, and the kind of community you want to help build.
Your gift can help ensure that children and youth in Durham Region continue to have access to the care, encouragement, and opportunities they deserve.
Legacy Education Partner
We are grateful to Mark Bull and Bull Financial for supporting our legacy giving education and helping ensure our information is clear and practical.
Questions About Legacy Giving?
If you would like to have a confidential conversation, we are here to help.
Julie Van Hartingsveldt, CFRE, MA
Executive Director
Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
905-433-1551 ext. 2823
[email protected]
Important Note: Durham Children’s Aid Foundation provides general information only and encourages donors to consult their own legal and financial advisors when considering a planned gift.
