We appreciate you considering leaving a gift in your will to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation and we know that you may have some questions. We have shared answers to some of the most commonly asked questions below.
If you want more information or would like to speak with us directly, please reach out to Emily Lennstrom, Director of Philanthropy. Click on the button below or find her full contact details at the bottom of the page.
Who can leave a legacy gift?
Anyone can leave a legacy gift – it is not limited to a certain income level and there is no minimum requirement. You can leave as much or as little as you want. Every gift makes a difference, and the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation appreciates your consideration.
Why leave a legacy gift?
A legacy gift is a way for you to leave a lasting footprint with the charity of your choice, such as the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. Legacy gifts provide a source of future funding that will support the causes you care about.
It is also important to consider that a charitable gift can reduce the amount of taxes to be levied against your estate after you pass.
*Please speak with a professional (lawyers, estate planners, or investment firms) who can assist you in determining these amounts.
When is it better to give - now or later?
Leaving a gift in your estate allows you to give much more than you ever thought possible. Your estate includes all your assets – like real estate or investments, which are often overlooked when you consider how much you have. Leaving a legacy gift does not require you to give any funds during your lifetime and should not take away from your loved ones.
Where do I begin?
If you wish to leave a legacy gift to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, it will need to be included in your will. This is important, as it explicitly states what you want to happen with your estate after you have passed away.
If you choose to create your will yourself, you can take advantage of a free tool, such as Willfora. Use the button below to access this will-making service. For more complicated scenarios, it is advisable to consult a professional.
If I have already made my will, can I still include the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation?
If you have an existing will, ask your lawyer to add a codicil (an addition that modifies a part of your will) that establishes your desire to provide a legacy gift to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation. We would be honoured if you take this step.
What wording should I use if I would like to leave a gift to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation?
Below you will find some sample wording when adding a legacy gift in your will. There are different types of gifts that can be given, and we have tried to cover those that are most common.
Specific gift amount
You may choose to designate a certain dollar amount in your will.
Sample wording: I give $[amount] to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.
Residuary gift
The “residue” of your estate is that which remains after the taxes, administrative and legal expenses are paid, and your heirs have received their specific gifts. The residue can be given in whole, or divided amounts. This type of gift can easily ensure that your loved ones are taken care of first in your will.
Sample wording: I bequeath the residue of my estate (or xx% of the residue of my estate) to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.
Contingent gift
This provision allows you to determine the recipient of your estate if none of your named beneficiaries are alive at the time of your death.
Sample wording: If none of the individuals are alive at the time of my passing, those who would benefit by this will or otherwise capable of benefitting, I leave the residue of my estate to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation.
Donating to a designated program
If you wish to designate to a specific program, we recommend the following wording in order to keep flexibility should that program no longer be in existence at the time the bequest is realized:
If through the passage of time, the designated program I wish to donate to is no longer in existence, I give permission to alter the terms of my will to adhere as closely as possible to my original wishes; in the event that this is not possible, please direct my gift to the area of greatest need.
Do I have to tell you that I have made a gift in my will to the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation?
No, you don’t have to tell us at all! However, if you do share details with us, and wish to keep them private, we can easily do that. We respect your privacy absolutely! That said, we would like to know so that we can say thank you and welcome you to our Royal Willow Society. We can also share with you the future impact that your gift will make and also invite you to special events at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and its medical centres of excellence.
What is the official name I should use when leaving a gift?
By using our official name, address and charitable number you ensure that your executor/executrix and lawyer know exactly to whom you would like your gift to go to. Please use the information below when naming a gift to the Royal Alexandra Hospital:
Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation
10240 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9
Canadian Charitable Registration Number: 11912 6217 RR0001