Will & testament

Be a part of an incredible legacy

No matter the size, every gift in a Will helps to realize our shared vision of a world free from diabetes. With this gift, you'll be part of an incredible legacy that helps Canadians with diabetes live healthier lives and supports innovative researchers working to find a cure.

Join the Heritage Circle

Heritage Circle is Diabetes Canada’s newly established Legacy Society. Heritage Circle is our way of acknowledging the remarkable generosity of donors who have left a gift in their Will to Diabetes Canada.

Gifts in Will are visionary investments that will have profound, transformational impact on the work being done to support the more than 11 million Canadians and their families impacted by diabetes.

As a member of the Heritage Circle you'll receive information about what's happening in your community, invitations to exclusive local events, and updates on research discoveries made possible by donors like you.

Many of our supporters, like you, have discovered that you don’t need to be wealthy to make a difference. Learn more about how to leave an incredible legacy below.

Making a gift by Will (bequest)

With the help of a financial advisor or lawyer you can include language in your Will to specify that you would like to leave a gift in your Will to Diabetes Canada.

A charitable bequest can consist of cash, real property and/or securities like stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

Below are some examples of the options and language used in a Will to specify how you would like to leave a legacy to Diabetes Canada. Your lawyer or financial advisor will be able to assist you in deciding how you would like to remember Diabetes Canada in your Will.

Percentage gift

Percentage gifts allow to give a specific proportion of your estate.

“I direct my trustees to pay or transfer to Diabetes Canada ___ % of my estate.”

Residual gift

Name Diabetes Canada as the beneficiary of all, or a percentage of your estate after all debts, taxes, administrative expenses and specific/legacy bequests have been paid.

After paying debts and other bequests: “I direct my trustees to pay or transfer to Diabetes Canada the whole (or ____ %) of the residue of my estate.”

Specific gift

With a specific gift, you can specify the exact amount of your future donation.

“I direct my trustees to pay or transfer to Diabetes Canada the sum of $________."

Or, "I direct my trustees to transfer to Diabetes Canada (identify the personal property to be given, for example 500 shares of XYZ stock).”

Special bequests

If you wish to designate your gift for a specific purpose, please contact us to discuss your intention before finalizing your Will.

Contingent bequests

This type of bequest takes effect when you name Diabetes Canada as a proxy beneficiary. Diabetes Canada receives your gift only if other beneficiaries in your Will pass away before you do.

Why Prepare an Estate Plan Now? 

Many people are reluctant and sometimes unsure about how to plan their estates and some believe they won’t need a Will until years into the future. However, a carefully prepared Will can make sure all reasonable provisions have been made for your dependents.

Your Will is the foundation of your estate plan. It makes clear your wishes for distributing your property, it names an executor to administer your estate, and may specify a trustee for managing assets on behalf of the people you name as beneficiaries of money, investments, or property.

A planned Will relieves any burden and enables your family and friends to receive money and valuable possessions you leave behind in your estate, minimize taxes at the time of death and name a charity like Diabetes Canada as one of your beneficiaries alongside your loved ones.

Please note: The information provided is general in nature and not intended to be a substitute for professional legal and/or financial planning advice. Diabetes Canada encourages all donors who are planning a significant gift to consult with their family and seek independent legal and/or financial planning advice.