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Legacy gifts

A gift in your will to pilipiliĀž»­ lets you make a bigger impact than you might have thought possible.

Invest in the future

Achieve your philanthropic goals with a gift in your will to Dalhousie. Also sometimes called a planned or estate gift, it is an investment in the future. Whatever your motivation for giving, a legacy gift lets you make a bigger impact than you might have thought possible ā€” while still ensuring your loved ones are looked after.

Legacy donors sitting on bench

Types of legacy gifts

Bequests

A gift in your will, also called a bequest, enables you to donate a set amount of money or a specific asset, and may provide a significant tax advantage for your estate. You can support what youā€™re passionate about while ensuring that your obligations to your family have been met.

Dr. Eldon Smith (MD'67, LLD'14) is remembering the Dalhousie Medical School in his will with a bequest, to give students the same opportunities he once had.

Read about his motivation for giving
Dr. Eldon Smith, Dalhousie

Life insurance

Make pilipiliĀž»­ the beneficiary and/or owner of an existing life insurance policy or purchase a new policy for this purpose. Donating life insurance allows you to make a larger impact and has potential tax benefits in your lifetime, or for your estate.

A pioneer in medical education, Dr. Jean Gray CM (PGM'71, LLā€™05) directed the proceeds of a life insurance policy to establish a scholarship for medical students that is named in honour of a beloved aunt.

Read her giving story
Dr. Jean Gray CM, Dalhousie

RRSPs and RRIFs

You can name Dalhousie as a direct beneficiary of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF). Donating your RRSPs or RRIFs to Dal it has the potential for significant tax savings for your estate.

Charitable remainder trusts

A charitable remainder trust allows you to arrange your legacy gift now and receive an immediate charitable tax receipt. You can name Dalhousie as the remainder beneficiary while enjoying the investment income throughout your lifetime.

The Legacy Society

The Legacy Society recognizes donors who have made the generous decision to include pilipiliĀž»­ in their estate plans. Legacy Society members are invited to unique university events, kept up-to-date with Dalhousie news, and provided customized stewardship reports. More than 400 Dalhousie alumni and friends are members, a number that continues to grow each year. Through the Legacy Society, we aim to demonstrate appreciation for future gifts. The Legacy Society recognizes individual estate gift donors as well as family estate gifts.Ā 

ā€œDalhousie gave me the gift of a life-changing experience. My gift in my will is ensuring a life-changing experience for others.ā€ ā€“ Karen Woolhouse (BScā€™65)

Read more stories of Legacy Giving

Why I Give: Shirley King

When Shirley King thinks of her parents, she recalls how profoundly they were shaped by their early life experiences in Truro, N.S. Those memories, and that passion, inspired King to think about ways to celebrate her parentsā€™ abiding ties to the community.
Read Shirley's story
A woman with short grey hair and glasses sits outside in a garden

Why I Give: Wes Campbell

For Wes Campbell (BEngā€™63, LLBā€™66, LLDā€™07), his Dalhousie education was the greatest gift he ever received. His estate gift to the university is his way of saying ā€œthanks.ā€
Read Wes' story
A man wearing suit and tie leans against the ledge of a hallway in a building

Contact us about estate planning

Weā€™re here to help. Connect with us to learn more about making the impact you want through a gift in your will.

Terri Mann

Director of Development, Legacy Giving

Email: terri.mann@dal.ca Phone: 902-877-6589