“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Psalm 90:12
No one is promised tomorrow.
But we are given today to steward and make the most of what God has entrusted to us – our families, our resources, our time. Take the time today to start the process of creating a will that will not only look after your loved ones, eliminate hardship and stress for those that survive you, but will also reflect God’s generosity to the ministries that impact His Kingdom.
How to Donate to a Charity In Your Will
Step 1: Start with a plan
Whether you have a little or a lot, a good plan will help make the most of what God has entrusted to you.
We have partnered with Advisors with Purpose – a ministry that seeks to help Christians wisely steward all that God has entrusted to you. This ministry is provided free of service (just mention you are connected to one of our churches, camps, or partner ministries). There is no obligation, and everything is confidential – and each step of the process can be completed over the phone at your convenience.
Your advisor will listen to what is important to you, and look at all the options – especially in complex/difficult situations. They will offer ways to either reduce or eliminate taxes, help you look after loved ones, and give generously to the ministries and charities that are important to you. Once they have created a plan, they will review it with you. You are always free to make changes to your legacy plans at any time.
To start your estate plan, schedule an appointment by clicking the calendar link below, or call AWP at 1-866-580-9319.
Step 2: Activate the Plan
Once your estate plan is completed, you need to add or incorporate it into a legal will. We recommend using the services of lawyer, but there are other low cost options available, such as:
- Hand-written Will.
Use a blank piece of paper, and label it as your “Last Will and Testament.” Hand-write your wishes, date and sign (no witnesses required). - Download a Do-it-Yourself Will Kit
These are good for simple estates but usually fail to cover ‘what if’ scenarios. - Online Interactive Will Service
These services will guide you through the process, are specific to your Province or Territory and will check for errors. There is typically a small fee for the use of this service. After answering all a questionnaire, the service compiles a document that can be downloaded and printed. - Use the services of a lawyer (or Notary in BC or Quebec)
This is recommended as the traditional approach for making a will. If you don’t have a lawyer, Advisors with Purpose can provide you with names of Christian lawyers close to your area. The Canadian Centre for Christian Charities (CCCC.org) is another resource, or you can ask your friends and family— sometimes it is the best way to find a lawyer!
Step 3: Review & Update the Plan
A general rule of thumb is that your will should be reviewed and, if needed, updated every 5 years, or if there is any major change in your life circumstances (marriage, death, children, new home/assets etc.)
It is also wise to create an “If I should die” box, where copies of your will and other important documents are kept safe and accessible in case something happens. Your named executor should know where to quickly find this, and know where the originals of the following are stored:
- Your complete Estate Plan
- A document outlining your funeral wishes and/or funeral arrangements that have already been made including contact information
- Inventory of Assets (including life insurance policies, investments, properties, savings accounts, etc.) and the passwords, codes and/or contacts to access them
- Financial Power of Attorney
- Living will
- A love letter to your family including how God has been involved in your life
Useful Legal Information
LEGAL NAME: THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH IN CANADA
ADDRESS: NATIONAL MINISTRY CENTRE
5 INTERNATIONAL BLVD., ETOBICOKE, ON M9W 6H3
CRA CHARITY #: 107406316 RR 0011
For more information, please email support@fmcic.ca or call 905.848.2600
FMCIC’s policies do not allow FMCIC or its employees to serve as personal representatives, executors, trustees, or witnesses or a Will or Trust that includes a gift to one of our FMC churches, camps, ministries and/or partners.
FMCIC strongly recommends you seek the professional services of a lawyer, accountant, or financial advisor to ensure that your financial goals are considered, your tax situation reviewed, and your planned gift tailored to best fit your circumstances.
