Two-thirds support it, but fewer than a third have discussed it with an adviser
Most Canadians want to leave a charitable legacy. Almost none have planned for it.
Despite 68 percent of Canadians saying charitable giving belongs in an estate plan, fewer than a third have discussed it with an adviser, lawyer, or notary, according to the annual IG Wealth Management estate planning study conducted with Pollara Strategic Insights.
Only 29 percent have made any arrangement with their family or executor.
The gap is part of a broader planning shortfall.
While 84 percent of Canadians call estate planning important, fewer than half (41 percent) have one.
“There is a clear gap between recognizing the need to plan and taking meaningful action,” said Christine Van Cauwenberghe, head of financial planning at IG Wealth Management.
One underused option the study flagged: donor-advised funds, which allow individuals to donate, receive an immediate tax receipt, and direct distributions to charities over time.
Two-fifths of Canadians said they are open to including one in their estate plan — suggesting demand that advisers could be doing more to address.
Van Cauwenberghe urged Canadians to work with a financial adviser to build an estate plan that integrates charitable giving alongside the standard components: a will, named beneficiaries, personal life insurance, a healthcare directive, and power of attorney.
She said proper guidance can help Canadians protect their legacy, reduce the burden on loved ones, support causes that matter to them, and make their intentions clear.
