For many, discussing wills, estate planning and organizing your affairs can feel like a daunting and somber task. However, embracing these conversations and planning for the future empowers you with the option of choice and ensures your legacy wishes are fulfilled once you pass on.

Did you know that leaving just one per cent of your will to a charity can create a significant impact? While many people focus on providing for their loved ones, legacy giving can help support a cause you deeply value, allowing you to make a lasting difference alongside securing a brighter future for your family.

The impact of legacy giving

A legacy gift, or planned gift, is a powerful way to leave a lasting impact through your estate plan. This charitable contribution takes effect after you pass, allowing you to support a cause that resonates with you. By making a planned gift, you enable a charity to continue its vital mission, ensuring that your passion for making a difference lives on long after you’re gone.

From bequests to property donations, there are many ways for individuals to include a charity in their estate plans. Common options include bequests, beneficiary designations, gifts of stock/securities, or donations of other assets. Not only do these planned gifts support the causes you’re passionate about, but they can also help reduce the taxes your estate owes, ultimately benefiting your beneficiaries.

By planning your legacy thoughtfully, you can ensure your generosity goes further, creating a lasting impact for both your chosen charity and your loved ones.

A personal connection: David’s legacy gift

We recently met with David Acomba to hear his story about why he chose to include the Farley Foundation in his will.

After receiving a heartfelt in-memoriam card for his beloved black lab Chester, who was not only well-loved but also a talented animal companion, he began to reflect on how he could make a meaningful impact.

“Everyone in our neighbourhood knew Chester; he even had his own paper route. So, when a close friend donated in his memory to an organization somewhat similar to yours, it truly touched my heart,” says David. “I thought it was interesting, so I started investigating charities that help pets, and that’s how I learned about the Farley Foundation.”

As an animal lover, David was instantly drawn to the foundation’s mission, but it was when he learned more about our impact and scope of work, particularly in helping low-income pet owners, that he took a deeper interest.

“The Farley Foundation seemed to have a real reach; a real understated reach,” says David. “Having a pet is expensive, but I’ve never had to worry about that. However, there are people who do have to worry about that.”

Inspired by the foundation, David reached out to a friend and his veterinarian for their opinions. When he learned about the foundation’s size and its low overhead costs, he knew it was a charity he wanted to support.

“It just made sense,” says David. “I felt that every dollar I donated would help two sentient beings, not just one.”

Why consider legacy giving?

There are many reasons why individuals choose to leave legacy gifts, but for David, it was a chance to make a heartfelt impact. He saw it as an opportunity to support an organization that transforms the lives of both pets and their owners. In doing so, he was not only honouring the memory of his beloved dog Chester but was also helping create a brighter future for other cherished pets and their families.

“There are many organizations in the world that could use help, and there are so many places you can support, but I decided that I wanted to just focus on one organization so that my support could make more of a difference.”

Planned gifts are meaningful contributions that can provide lasting stability for a charity. For the Farley Foundation, a legacy gift can help us expand our reach, increase our resources and raise awareness. Most importantly, it allows us to extend our impact, reaching more pets and families in need. Each gift, no matter the size, plays a vital role in ensuring our mission continues to thrive for years to come.

Your legacy, their future

At the Farley Foundation, we deeply understand and value the human-animal bond and the positive impact this companionship can have on the elderly, individuals with physical or mental impairments, and those living with disabilities.

Leaving a planned gift is about more than financial assistance—it’s a contribution to the well-being of pets and a way to enrich the lives of those who rely on their companionship.

“Pets are truly vital to our lives, especially in today’s electronic, isolated society,” says David. “Many people seek companionship and find comfort in animals to help navigate life’s challenges.”

David Acomba’s story illustrates that a legacy gift is not just about financial support; it’s about creating a lasting impact that resonates far beyond your lifetime. By making this choice, you leave behind a legacy of compassion for both animals and their families, helping us continue our mission for years to come!

To learn more about leaving a legacy gift for the Farley Foundation, contact Kristy Hoffmann, manager of community and donor relations, at khoffmann@ovma.org.