Everything you need to know about legacy giving
Have questions about will planning? We’ve got answers! Learn more about making a gift in your will below or contact us directly to chat about the different options available. to chat about the different options available for planning your gift to CNIB.
How do I make a gift in my will?
Making a gift in your will is a lot easier than you think. Contact Cindi Meyer, Director, Planned Giving, at legacyservices@cnib.ca or 1-800-563-2642 to learn more about the different ways you can create a legacy gift.
You can also view our helpful guide for sample bequest wording and important details about CNIB, including our legal name and address. CNIB’s charitable registration number is 119219459 RR0003
What information do I need so that I can include CNIB in my will?
When making a gift in your will to CNIB, you will need the following information:
- CNIB’s legal name: The Canadian National Institute for the Blind
- Registered Charity Number: 119219459 RR0003
- CNIB’s address: 1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M4G 3E8
- Then get in touch with us to let us know: legacyservices@cnib.ca or 1-800-563-2642
Can you provide sample bequest wording?
Absolutely! Here are several sample bequest clauses you may wish to use:
If you would like to leave all or part of the remainder (residue) of your estate (a specified percentage):
“I deliver, pay, or transfer ______% of the residue of my Estate to The Canadian National Institute for the Blind.”
If you would like to leave a specific bequest (a specific dollar amount):
“I deliver, pay, or transfer the sum of _____ dollars [$] to The Canadian National Institute for the Blind.”
If you would like to designate your gift to a specific location or for a specific use, you should add:
“It is my preference that this gift be used for _____________________.”
I’m the executor of an estate that names CNIB as a beneficiary. Who should I contact?
For assistance with an estate or trust matter, please contact us at legacyservices@cnib.ca or 1-800-563-2642, and we will be happy to provide guidance and support.
I’ve already arranged a gift in my will to CNIB. What should I do now?
Thank you for choosing to leave a gift to CNIB in your will! We would love to have the opportunity to thank you personally and recognize your generosity. Please consider filling out our Gift in Will Confirmation Form.
Can I set up my gift through CNIB or do I need a lawyer?
You don’t necessarily need to speak with a lawyer to set up a gift in your will. We would be happy to help you determine the best approach for creating your gift. Contact us at legacyservices@cnib.ca or 1-800-563-2642 to get started.
What happens if I want to add to, change, or stop my gift?
You can alter your will through your lawyer at any time or by creating a codicil, which is a legal document that allows you to make changes to your will without creating an entirely new will.
We would be happy to discuss how this process works in further detail. Please contact us at legacyservices@cnib.ca or 1-800-563-2642 to learn more.
I'm not comfortable giving a large amount. Would anything I leave be helpful?
Absolutely. Making a gift in your will allows you to choose to leave any percentage or specific amount of your assets to CNIB. Every dollar will make an enormous impact in our work to empower people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind to live the lives they choose.
Can I choose what CNIB programs and services my gift benefits?
Yes. We’re committed to directing your gift to the programs important to you, in the community you want to help. You can also choose to make an unrestricted gift, which will help us address the highest priority needs across all of our program areas.
What is an endowment?
An endowment is a permanent fund held by CNIB where a portion of the interest generated each year supports our work in perpetuity. This means that your gift will create impact for people who are blind for generations to come.
For more information about endowments, please contact us at legacyservices@cnib.ca or 1-800-563-2642.
What other options are available for leaving a gift in my will to CNIB?
There are lots of different ways to create a gift in your will. These include:
- Making a one-time gift
- Creating an endowment for lasting impact
- Leaving a gift of life insurance
- Leaving a gift of securities
- Giving through a registered savings plan
Read more about each of these options on our legacy giving homepage, contact us to learn more, or speak with your financial advisor.