July 8, 2024

If you care deeply for this region’s natural beauty and want to see it protected forever, you are not alone. HAT shares that vision, and you can be a part of making it a reality through a legacy gift. 

A legacy gift allows you to support HAT's vital mission of land conservation even after your lifetime. It’s a way to ensure these stunning natural areas and key wildlife habitats remain stewarded and healthy in perpetuity. Here are some ways you can contribute through a legacy gift: 

BEQUESTS OR WILLS: 

HAT gratefully accepts fee simple donations of properties or cash for the permanent protection of natural values. There are a number of ways to donate property while still meeting your financial and lifestyle needs. In addition to leaving a legacy that benefits nature forever; there are potential tax benefits for you or your estate. In all cases, you should seek independent financial advice. 

SECURITIES OR MUTUAL FUNDS: 

If you own publicly-traded securities or mutual funds that have increased in value, you may want to consider donating the securities directly to HAT. Such a gift can minimize the capital gains taxes that you have to pay on those securities. Should you decide to make a gift of securities to HAT, please contact us and we will provide all the necessary information to ensure a smooth transfer. 

LIFE INSURANCE OR RRSP, RRIF, TFSA: 

A life insurance policy, RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA can offer a simple solution to supporting HAT, especially if your family no longer needs life insurance for financial security after your death. You can choose to make HAT the beneficiary of a new policy. Your payments for the new policy will be eligible for a tax credit. Another option is to make HAT the owner of an existing policy, allowing you an immediate tax benefit. 

PROPERTY & LAND DONATIONS: 

The simplest form of land donation is a straight transfer of title. In most cases, you or your estate will be eligible for a tax receipt for the value of the land as appraised by an independent AACI-certified appraiser. If you choose to bequest your land to us in your will, we strongly encourage you to speak with us about your vision for the property. There are three ways to donate: 

1. Life Estate: A life estate allows you to donate your property now, but retain use of the property during your lifetime. Essentially, with a life-estate, the title of the property is transferred, and a legal agreement is registered that ensures the donor retains use of it. The major advantage of a life-estate is that you will be eligible for a tax- receipt immediately. The tax-receipt value is determined by an independent appraisal of the property, and an actuary would determine the value of the life estate. The final tax receipt would be the appraised value of the land minus the appraised value of the life estate.  

1. Conservation Covenant: A covenant can permanently and legally protect the natural values on your land, while still allowing you to retain ownership of the land. For people who need to sell their property, or wish to pass the property onto heirs, a covenant is an excellent tool to help you meet your financial and life needs while still protecting nature. Please note that there are significant upfront costs to a covenant, often between $20,000 to $30,000. 

1. Donate Land as an Asset: HAT can also accept gifts of land without ecological value to be used as assets to further our mission. HAT will discuss with you how your property could be used to help conserve natural landscapes. This might include selling the property and using the resulting funds to conserve other land. 
   
   

Remember: Consulting with a legal or financial professional is always recommended when making estate plans. They can guide you through the process and ensure your legacy gift aligns with your wishes. 

By leaving a legacy gift to HAT, you're not just supporting environmental stewardship, you're creating a lasting tribute to your values. 

Visit HAT's website (https://hat.bc.ca/) to learn more about legacy giving options and take a step towards creating a lasting conservation legacy. 

Consider HAT in your Will: https://hat.bc.ca/donate/will 

Donate Land: https://hat.bc.ca/donate/land