Bequest in Your Will

One of the most common sources of donations of all sizes is your personal will. Many of our donors have recognized that they want to leave a lasting gift to those charities that mean the most to them and future generations. The Ontario Wildlife Foundation is proud to receive such gifts no matter how large or small.

You should always consult your lawyer or accountant to make sure that your wishes are properly noted in your will. If you have remaining family, they too should know your wishes so that there are no surprises. There are three options for you to consider if you wish to leave money or other assets to the O.W.F.

Residual Bequests

This type of gift is made after all other obligations (family and other specific bequests) are covered. Here is some potential wording that you could use in your will: "All (or a specific percentage of ... *) the rest, residue and remainder of my estate, both real and personal, I give to the Ontario Wildlife Foundation in the city of Peterborough, Ontario, CANADA, for its general purposes."

Specific Bequests

If you wish to give to a specific category of conservation work you may wish to use the following type of wording: "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Ontario Wildlife Foundation, the sum of $....... (or a specific percentage of ....*), for the benefit of the Ontario Wildlife Foundation to be used for the following purpose: (state the purpose such as "conservation education" or "habitat protection"). If at any time in the judgment of the Board of Directors of O.W.F. it is impossible or impracticable to carry out exactly the designated purpose, the Foundation shall determine an alternative purpose closest to the designated purpose."

General Bequests

If you have an amount in mind on an asset to donate to the O.W.F. you can use language like this: "I give, devise, and bequeath to the Ontario Wildlife Foundation in the City of Peterborough, Ontario CANADA, the sum of $....... (or the asset), for the benefit of the Ontario Wildlife Foundation and its general purposes."

* Note: Many wills identify a small percentage of their will - between 3% and 5% to be donated to their favorite charity