Wills and Bequests

Make a lasting impact by including the Great Divide Trail in your estate plans.

Consider these thoughtful giving options

  • Charitable Bequest in Your Will: Choose to leave a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or residual assets to the Great Divide Trail Association. This allows you to support the Great Divide Trail while maintaining control over your assets during your lifetime. Your legal advisor can help you with a new will or writing a simple codicil to update an existing will.
  • Gift of Life Insurance: Do you have an existing life insurance policy? There are three easy ways to make a significant future gift to the GDTA:
    • Name the GDTA as a revocable beneficiary: This is a simple way to ensure a portion of your life insurance policy benefits the Great Divide Trail upon your passing. A charitable donation receipt will be issued to your estate for the donated amount following receipt of the funds.
    • Donate an existing policy: If you have an existing life insurance policy you can name the GDTA as owner and irrevocable beneficiary. You’ll receive a tax receipt for the fair market value, as well as any future premium payments.
    • Purchase a new policy with the GDTA as owner and irrevocable beneficiary: You can purchase a new policy specifically for the GDTA and receive tax receipts for the annual premiums you pay after the purchase date.
  • Gift of Registered Funds: Consider designating the GDTA as a beneficiary for your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) or registered retirement income funds (RRIFs). The resulting charitable donation tax receipt issued by the GDTA may provide significant tax benefits to your estate.

Planning for the future allows you to

  • Make a meaningful contribution to protecting the wilderness experience of the one of North America’s crown jewels.
  • Reduce your estate’s tax burden.
  • Ensure your legacy lives on as future hikers explore the Great Divide Trail.

Getting Started

  1. Connect with us: We’d be happy to discuss your charitable giving goals and answer any questions you may have. Contact the GDTA at info@greatdividetrail.com.
  2. Speak with your professional advisor: A lawyer or financial advisor can help you integrate charitable giving into your overall estate plan.
    • Information your advisor will need:
      • Official Name: The Great Divide Trail Association
      • Address: Suite 4016, 918 – 16th Ave NW T2M 0K3
      • Registered Charity #: 761911718RR0001

Every Contribution Makes a Difference

The GDTA is a dedicated team of mainly volunteers working tirelessly to maintain a vast trail network. As a small, nimble organization, your gift, big or small, has a powerful impact.

Together, we can ensure the Great Divide Trail continues to inspire future generations.

Disclaimer: This page does not contain legal or financial advice. Speak to your professional legal, tax, financial, or other advisor to determine if any of these options are suitable for you and your situation.

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