Your RRSP will support you and the people you love in the future, but did you know that it can also help you create a lasting natural legacy?

Every RRSP includes an associated beneficiary form that allows you to choose who will receive any remaining funds when you’re gone. You can name a loved one, or a charity you care about, or both!

By naming a charity as a beneficiary, your funds will continue to support a cause that was important to you in your lifetime. And your gift can also offset (or even eliminate) the estate taxes that would otherwise be owed. It’s a speedy and easy way to make a donation at no cost to you!

You can designate or change a beneficiary at any time, following these three steps:

• Step 1: Download a beneficiary designation form. If your RRSP is managed by a wealth advisor, you’ll want to go through them.

To make it easy for you, here are direct links to the forms for some of the most common banking institutions:

BMO SmartFolio CIBC CIBC Investor’s Edge Manulife

RBC Direct Investing Scotiabank Scotia iTrade TD Direct Investing

• Step 2: Put the charity’s full legal name (Nova Scotia Nature Trust) and registration number (88962 7691 RR0001) on each beneficiary form, and the percentage or dollar value of any funds you’d like the Nature Trust to receive.
• Step 3: Sign and submit your completed form to the financial institution holding your account. Note that it isn’t valid until they receive it!

That’s it!

BONUS STEP: Contact the Nature Trust and let us know you’ve included us in your plans using this quick form or by emailing barbara@nsnt.ca so we can ensure that we are able to use your gift as you intend and recognize your support in a way that is right for you.

We also call this a “Speedy Bequest” and you can learn more about it on our Speedy Bequests page!

Thank you for considering this quick, easy, and wonderful way to make a big impact on the future of Nova Scotia’s nature.

Note that you can designate a beneficiary in a similar way for your TFSA, Spousal RRSP, and RRIF too!

Caution: If you are a resident of Quebec you must designate a beneficiary through your Will.

Learn more about creating a lasting natural legacy with the Nature Trust, including our free Legacy Giving Guide & Toolkit!