Leave a Legacy for Calgary Catholic Students
Your values, your faith, and your commitment to education can live on through a gift in your Will. By including the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation (CCEF) in your estate plans, you help ensure students across the Calgary Catholic School District continue to benefit from enhanced learning opportunities for generations to come.
“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future.”
– Jeremiah 29:11
What is Will Power?
Will Power is a national public education campaign that encourages Canadians to think about how charitable giving can be part of their Will. It helps people understand that leaving a gift to charity is not just for the wealthy and that it is often possible to support loved ones and causes that matter most at the same time.
A legacy gift through Will Power is about making a lasting impact, one that reflects your values and supports the future of your community.
Why include the CCEF in your Will?
When you leave a gift to the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation, you are investing in students and schools throughout Calgary and surrounding communities. Your legacy gift helps:
- Support enhanced learning opportunities that go beyond standard education funding
- Strengthen innovative programs and initiatives across the Calgary Catholic School District
- Ensure students today and in the future have access to the resources they need to thrive
There is no greater legacy than helping young people grow in knowledge, faith, and confidence. A gift in your Will allows you to continue supporting Catholic education long after your lifetime.
Our Impact
The CCEF works closely with the Calgary Catholic School District to fund initiatives that enrich student learning experiences. Since 2009, Calgary Catholic schools have received more than $3.4 million in grants thanks to the generosity of donors who believe in the power of education.
How Your Legacy Gift Can Be Used
A gift in your Will can be directed in a way that is most meaningful to you. You may choose to:
- Support opportunities that help students succeed today
- Direct your gift to your own Catholic school or alma mater
- Establish or support a scholarship for students pursuing post-secondary education
- Create an endowment that provides long-term, sustainable funding
- Support areas of interest such as STEAM, playgrounds, the arts, or student wellness
- Fund specific programs, including Campus Calgary/Open Minds®
If you prefer, you may also choose to leave an undesignated gift. This allows the CCEF to apply your donation where it is needed most while always respecting the spirit of your wishes.
Leaving a Will Is Easier Than You Think
Including a charitable gift in your Will is a straightforward process:
1. Decide what you would like to give
This could be a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a residual gift after other commitments are met.
2. Choose how your gift will be used
You can direct your gift to a specific school, program, or area of interest, or allow flexibility to meet future needs.
3. Work with a professional advisor
A lawyer or estate planning professional can help you update or create your Will to ensure your wishes are clearly documented.
We encourage you to seek professional legal and financial advice when making or updating your Will.
Information to include in your Will
To include a gift to the Calgary Catholic Education Foundation in your Will, your lawyer may request the following information:
- Legal name: Calgary Catholic Education Foundation
- Charitable registration number: 820582294 RR 0001
Sample Will wording is available to help make the process simple.
Wealth & Estate Planning Support
Planning your legacy can feel complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. The Calgary Catholic Education Foundation works with trusted partners at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth to support individuals and families who are exploring wealth and estate planning.
Through this partnership, donors can access professional guidance to help align their financial plans with their values, faith, and long-term goals, including charitable giving.
Whether you are early in the planning process or reviewing an existing plan, thoughtful advice can help ensure your wishes are clearly documented and your legacy is structured in a meaningful way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of gifts can I leave in my Will?
You can leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residue of your estate after other gifts are fulfilled.
Can I support my family and a charity at the same time?
Yes. Many people choose to look after their loved ones first and then leave a portion of their estate to causes that are important to them.
Can I direct my gift to a specific school or program?
Yes. The CCEF works with donors to honour their intentions whenever possible and encourages conversation to ensure your wishes are clearly understood.
What if priorities change in the future?
You may choose to allow flexibility in how your gift is used so it can respond to future needs while staying true to your values.
Do I need a large estate to make a difference?
Not at all. Gifts of all sizes help create meaningful impact for students and schools.
Let’s Talk About Your Legacy
If you are considering a gift in your Will, we would be honoured to speak with you. A conversation does not require any obligation and can help you explore how your legacy can best support Catholic education.
Phone: (403) 200-7192
Email: info@theccef.ca
Your legacy can help shape the future of Catholic education in Calgary. We invite you to begin the conversation today.