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Legacy gifts

A legacy gift to Dalhousie University 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 legacy 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 — 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 you’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.

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Dr. Eldon Smith, Dalhousie

Life insurance

Make Dalhousie 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, LL’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.

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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.

Contact a member of our Legacy Giving team

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

Terri Mann

Senior Development Officer, Legacy Giving

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