Leaving a Legacy

A Unique Approach to Legacy Giving

Legacy giving through a community foundation provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact with flexibility, efficiency, and inclusivity. Rather than naming specific charities in your will, consider giving to or through a community foundation—for yourself, your family, or with the guidance of your advisor.

Your Connection to Community

The Ottawa Community Foundation (OCF), a registered charity, is one of over 200 community foundations across Canada. Since 1987, we have pooled and invested donations from generous people like you, providing over $200 million in grants to a wide range of charitable causes. By sharing insights into community needs, we connect donors with the causes they care most about, working together to build a stronger, more supportive community.

Giving to or Through the OCF

Give Directly

Naming the OCF as a beneficiary in your will is a simple way to support your community. Your donation will give the OCF full discretion to apply your generosity to where it’s needed most. View sample bequest wording for this type of donation.

Start a Donor-Advised Fund

Do you have a specific vision? Our donor-advised funds (DAFs) offer flexibility and and an advisory role. You can strategically align your vision and values to how the fund operates, then name the fund as a beneficiary in your will. If you have set up a fund within the OCF to receive your bequest, click here for sample bequest wording. Here are some benefits of DAFs at the Ottawa Community Foundation:

How to Set Up Your Fund

We will work with you to determine the type of fund that matches your needs and interests and the charity(ies) or causes you would like it to support. Your fund can be established in your name, in the name of your family, or in honour of any person or organization you choose. Setting up a fund allows you to direct your bequest without needing to update your will if you change your preferred charities, making it a flexible and efficient estate planning option. Our dedicated team will work with you with every step of your philanthropic journey.

Plan Your Estate and Legacy Gift

With your fund set up at OCF, you and your advisor can plan your legacy gift:

Your Fund In Action

Will Power - Quiz

The Ottawa Community Foundation is a partner inWill Power, a national awareness campaign that encourages Canadians to use their Wills as a force for good.

Calculate your Legacy

You can make a big difference with a gift in your Will to charity, while still taking care of those you love. Use our calculator to see your potential impact.