A Planned Giving Program

The Masonic Foundation of Ontario

Masons assisting neighbours in need

Every year, thousands of Ontario residents benefit directly and indirectly from the generosity of Ontario Masons through the programs of The Masonic Foundation of Ontario.
Our ongoing programs include:

While most of the Masonic Foundation's funding has traditionally come from the faithful and regular donations of Masons through the Annual Yellow Envelope Appeal and major projects, such as "H.E.L.P.', "Nip Drugs in the Bud" and "HELP-2-HEAR", a increasing amount is coming from bequests made in wills and from life insurance policies. Gifts of property or publicly traded securities, such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, are another growing source.

Many Masons are making an investment in Ontario's future by including
The Masonic Foundation of Ontario in the planning of their estates.
If you share their desire for the growth and positive impact of Masonic charity in the communities throughout Ontario, and wish to help ensure that Masonic charity can continue to make its presence felt, there are many ways you could help "For the Cause of Good".

You could:
Include The Masonic Foundation of Ontario in your will, in the form of a codicil or a bequest directed to the Capital Fund.

You could:
Name The Masonic Foundation of Ontario as a

You could:
Name The Masonic Foundation of Ontario as the beneficiary of a new life insurance policy. Many insurance companies offer special "for charity" products that accommodate clients who wish to maximize the benefits to their favourite charity/charities at the most reasonable cost.

You could:
Consider using your assets as a charitable gift, by transferring ownership of eligible stocks, bonds, mutual funds, term deposits or other property, or by willing residual funds from a RRIF to The Masonic Foundation of Ontario.

   When you include The Masonic Foundation of Ontario in your will, your estate receives tax deductions on the final income tax return.
   If you name The Masonic Foundation of Ontario as the beneficiary of an existing policy, you can transfer ownership of the policy to The Masonic Foundation of Ontario and the cash value can be used as a tax deduction in the year of ownership transfer.
   When you purchase a new life insurance policy and name The Masonic Foundation of Ontario (Capital Fund) as beneficiary, premium payments are eligible for a tax credit.
   If you donate publicly listed securities to The Masonic Foundation of Ontario, they are deemed to have been sold on the date of transfer, which determines the amount of the charitable receipt. The rules governing the tax benefits of charitable giving can, and do, change; however, there may be a tax advantage to donating eligible securities instead of selling them and donating the cash proceeds - discuss the possible advantages of this alternative with your financial advisor.

   The procedure to include The Masonic Foundation of Ontario in a will is simple and straight forward.
   You may include The Foundation as a beneficiary by either amending your current will by codicil or by drawing up a new will.
   Some people leave the remainder of their assets to The Foundation after specifying bequests to family, friends and loved ones.
   Your lawyer or financial advisor will assist you in adding the proper wording to your will.

   Planned giving through the donation of a life insurance policy is a simple thing to do. You may assign fully paid life insurance policies to the Masonic Foundation of Ontario and receive a tax benefit, or you may name it as beneficiary of a new life insurance policy and receive income tax receipts for the premiums paid on the policy. Which is better depends on individual circumstances.
   For older members, an existing life insurance policy may no longer be required for its original purpose of securing the future of a young family. For younger members, the new policy could be more attractive, as the type and face value of the policy can be tailored to the individual's budget and intentions. Your insurance advisor and/or your financial advisor will be able to direct you on all aspects of the use of life insurance policies for charitable giving.
   The value of a life insurance policy that has been assigned is not considered as part of an estate for valuation purposes and, therefore, is not included for probate or probate taxes.

Transferring your assets to The Masonic Foundation, whether through bequest, life insurance or securities, is a legal matter. It is most important that the recipient of the asset be shown as the Masonic Foundation of Ontario - Capital Fund.

Power of Attorney And Last Will & Testament
   Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to the laws of the province.
   A Public Trustee appointed by the province can also take over and manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated to the extent that you are deemed unable to manage your financial affairs, even if a spouse or other family members are available and capable!
   A properly drawn "Power of Attorney" prepared by your lawyer will prevent this and everyone should have both a properly drawn and completed Power of Attorney and Last Will and Testament, in order that their affairs can be processed by their designates or executors, and not by a Public Trustee.

The Masonic Foundation of Ontario
361 King Street West
Hamilton, Ontario,
L8P 184
Telephone 905-527-9105
Fax 905-527-8859

Regular Hours: Monday to Friday - 9am to 4pm
May 1 - Sept. 30: Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm

Generous considerations given to the Annual Yellow Envelope Appeal are also vital to the success of the Foundation's various programs.

Webmaster's note - I think that you will find that the proceeds from one's will will be divided and administered in accordance with the laws of the province regardless of whether one has a will or not and that if not there will be hell to pay.
                                                   Wor. Bro. Dave Oltmann