legacy

giving

Create a gift that lasts beyond your lifetime.

A legacy gift is a charitable donation made through your will or estate plan. It doesn’t require cash today—but it can shape the future of Alberta Ballet for decades to come. Whether through your will, life insurance, RRSPs, or other assets, legacy gifts are powerful, tax-effective, and deeply meaningful.

Why It Matters:

Only 8% of Canadians currently include charities in their wills—yet legacy gifts could unlock $40–60 billion in new support for Canadian charities over the next decade (WillPower.ca, 2023). Legacy gifts to Alberta Ballet can be made through many forms: writing us into your will, naming us as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or registered savings plan, donating real estate, or setting up a named endowment fund.

Many donors today are also choosing to make their legacy gift before they die. By working with us and your financial advisor, we can help you make a gift that will allow you to see the impact while you’re still around to do so—and get the tax advantages of that gift today.

You don’t need a large estate to leave a legacy. If you’re considering a gift in your will, we’d be honoured to speak with you. We can help you and your advisor explore the options and find the one that best fits your wishes.

WAYS TO MAKE A LEGACY GIFT:

  • 1. Contact Alberta Ballet

    We’ll help you explore your options and provide sample bequest language for your lawyer.

    2. Consult Your Lawyer or Notary

    Update your will or add a codicil to include Alberta Ballet Foundation as a beneficiary. You can designate a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a residual gift.

    3. Let Us Know

    Informing us of your intentions allows us to thank you, ensure your wishes are understood, and recognize you (confidentially, if you prefer).

    Contact Us

  • 1. Contact Alberta Ballet
    We can walk you through how these legacy gifts work and what to consider before naming us as a beneficiary.

    2. Request a Beneficiary Change Form
    From your financial institution, obtain a form to name Alberta Ballet Foundation as a beneficiary (full or partial) of your RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA.

    3. Submit the Form
    Return it to your provider. This gift bypasses probate and reduces taxes on your estate.

    4. Notify Alberta Ballet
    Sharing your plans helps us plan for the future and thank you appropriately.

    [See donating Financial Assets]

  • Step 1. Contact Alberta Ballet
    We’ll help determine whether you’d like to transfer ownership of an existing policy, take out a new policy, or name Alberta Ballet Foundation as a beneficiary.

    Step 2. Work with Your Insurance Provider
    Complete the required forms to assign Alberta Ballet Foundation as owner or beneficiary, depending on your strategy.

    Step 3. Submit Supporting Documentation
    If ownership is transferred, you may be eligible for tax receipts for premiums paid and the policy’s fair market value.

    Step 4. Let Us Know
    We’ll provide acknowledgment and ensure the gift is handled according to your intent.

    [See donating Life Insurance]

  • Step 1. Contact Alberta Ballet Early
    Gifting real estate, artwork, or collectibles requires review and planning. We’ll assess suitability and guide you through next steps.

    Step 2. Obtain an Independent Appraisal
    CRA requires a qualified third-party appraisal to determine fair market value.

    Step 3. Work with Your Lawyer and Advisors
    You can give real estate through your will, a residual interest gift, or a charitable remainder trust.

    Step 4. Document the Gift
    Alberta Ballet will prepare a gift agreement outlining the terms of the gift and any use or restrictions.

    [See donating Real Estate]

  • Step 1. Contact Alberta Ballet Foundation
    We’ll help you establish your fund, choose a purpose (e.g. scholarships, community outreach, new works), and name the fund in your honour or someone else’s.

    Step 2. Decide How to Fund It
    You can contribute a lump sum, pledge over time, or include the endowment in your estate plans. A minimum gift of $500,000 is required to create a named fund.

    Step 3. Formalize the Agreement
    We’ll draft a gift agreement to define the fund’s purpose, recognition preferences, and long-term stewardship.

    Step 4. See Your Legacy Grow
    Once the fund is established, it will generate annual support in perpetuity for the area you’ve chosen.

    [See setting up a Named Fund]

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