Planned Gift
It’s not a pleasant thought, but one can imagine a time when they are no longer on this earth. What you leave behind in your will is a powerful summary of your personal and private wishes. It represents what you value in this life, and what you desire to happen beyond your lifetime. You can make a difference by leaving a gift in your will to the Norfolk Historical Society.
Including a gift in your will to the Norfolk Historical Society can help inspire others to learn, appreciate, and love the history of our beautify community the way you do. More importantly, it gives us the opportunity to recognize, appreciate, and thank you for your wonderful generosity during your lifetime. As someone with an interest and passion for history, this is your opportunity to be a part of it in a constructive and meaningful way to future Norfolk history enthusiasts. Whether it is supporting our educational programs, community initiatives, school outreach, or public events, your contribution to the Norfolk Historical Society – an accredited charity – will be put to good use.
Making a will can be amazingly simple and is often quick and inexpensive too. Preparing a will makes it so much easier for the people we leave behind. If you are considering leaving a gift to the Norfolk Historical Society in your will, we would be grateful if you could let us know. Please be assured all discussions with us will be in the strictest confidence. You will be joining a very special group of people who have chosen to commit to us in a significant way. Their gift will help make certain that the history and heritage of Norfolk County will never be forgotten. We hope you will consider joining these special people in making a real difference in the work we do.
If you decide to leave a gift to the Norfolk Historical Society, here is some wording which may help (Note: Wording provided to aid in estate planning process with an understanding that the NHS is not providing legal or professional advice. Review with your own legal and tax advisors to determine suitability for your situation):
Specific Legacy Gift – To Donate A Specific Amount Of Money/Asset
“I give and bequeath the sum of $ _____________ (or transfer assets with an equal value) to the Norfolk Historical Society at Simcoe, Ontario, Canada for the general purpose of supporting the historical society and its greatest needs.”
Residual Legacy Gift – To Donate A Portion Of Estate After Taxes, Debts, Etc.
“I give and bequeath the sum of ________ % of the residue of my estate (or transfer assets with an equal value) to the Norfolk Historical Society at Simcoe, Ontario, Canada for the general purpose of supporting the historical society and its greatest needs.”
“I give ________ % of the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate to the Norfolk Historical Society for the general purposes.”
Legacy Gift For Restricted Purposes
If you decide to leave a legacy gift to the Norfolk Historical Society with a restricted purpose, use the language in the previous wording above but also describe the particular purpose, for example:
“… to be used towards scholarships or grants to high school students going into a college or university history program.” “… to be used towards historical building preservation efforts and/or campaigns.” “… to be used towards a permanent office/venue for the Norfolk Historical Society and/or NHS events”
If you decide to restrict legacy gift funds, it is recommended that you include language that allows the NHS to use the gift for a different purpose if circumstances change, in order to ensure your gift will still go towards the organization in a meaningful way. We recommend including the following clause to your will if you are in full agreement with the intention expressed:
“In the event that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors of the Norfolk Historical Society, it should become impossible, inadvisable, or impractical to apply this gift for said purpose, the gift may be used to other purposes consistent with the spirit and intention of this gift, adhering as closely as possible to my stated intention.” “In the event that unforeseen circumstances make the specified use of the bequest no longer practical or desirable, the Norfolk Historical Society is hereby authorized to make changes in its use while keeping as close as possible to the spirit and general intent of the bequest. “
In Memory Donations
A gift in your will or in memory to the Norfolk Historical Society makes a world of difference in our mission preserve, protect, and promote Norfolk history for generations to come. Our organization – officially begun in 1900 – would not survive without the kind donations of members and community members of Norfolk County (or who have an attachment or connection to Norfolk County).
Donating to the Norfolk Historical Society in memory of a loved one, or asking family and friends to donate in lieu of flowers at a funeral, is a positive and lasting way of celebrating a person’s life. Many families choose to honour their loved one by requesting donations to the Norfolk Historical Society in lieu of flowers, or by organizing an event to raise funds in their memory. If requested, a tax deductible receipt can be sent to all identified donors. We may also send acknowledgement of contributions (name only, not amount) to the family or next of kin.
This wonderful gift will be used to aid in the work we do on behalf of the history and heritage of Norfolk County. Any gift, no matter the size, helps with our mission. To celebrate the life of your loved one, send us a special message along with your gift. We will be sure to share it on our website and/or social media as way to celebrate the life of your loved one and their passion for Norfolk history.