Top 10 things you can do today to leave a legacy

1. Prepare a will.

2. Leave a gift in your will for the not-for-profit organization that makes a difference in your life.

3. Leave a specific dollar amount or a percentage of your assets to a not-for-profit organization.

4. Consider using assets for your legacy gift.

5. Name a not-for-profit as a beneficiary of your RRSP, RRIF or pension plan.

6. Name your favourite not-for-profit as the beneficiary of an existing life insurance policy.

7. Purchase of a new life insurance policy naming your favourite not-for-profit as the beneficiary.

8. Remember loved ones with memorial gifts.

9. Encourage family and friends to leave gifts to not-for-profit organizations in their wills.

10. Ask your financial or estate planning advisor to include charitable giving as part of your financial plan and to incorporate in their counsel to other clients.