How to Support the Nature Conservancy of Canada Through Donations or Legacy Giving

Updated

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) accepts support through both current donations and planned legacy gifts. If you want your contribution to fund large-scale, permanent land conservation, you can give now or arrange a future gift through your will, retirement savings, life insurance, or an annuity. The NCC states that 82% of all donations go directly to land, programs and endowments, so a large share of what you give is directed toward conservation work rather than administration.

What NCC Does With Your Support

NCC describes itself as "the country's unifying force for nature, working to deliver large-scale, permanent land conservation." Its stated results since 1962 include:

  • 20 million hectares of ecologically significant land conserved across the country
  • 258 species at risk protected on NCC lands
  • 82% of all donations going directly to land, programs and endowments

These figures matter when you are deciding where to give: they tell you the scale of the organization's land holdings and how it reports the use of donated funds.

Giving Now vs. Legacy Giving

There are two broad paths, and they are not mutually exclusive.

Path What it means Where to start on the site
Current donation Give during your lifetime to support active conservation Donation options on the site
Legacy giving Arrange a gift that takes effect later, often through an estate plan "Plan Your Legacy" section

Legacy giving is the more structured route. NCC groups it under a "Plan Your Legacy" area, which is the entry point for the options below.

Legacy Giving Options NCC Describes

NCC's legacy section lists several specific ways to give. Each has different mechanics and different tax timing, so the right choice depends on your financial situation and estate plan.

Gift in Your Will

You include NCC as a beneficiary in your will. This is the most direct form of legacy giving: the gift is distributed as part of your estate, and the amount can be a fixed sum, a percentage of the estate, or a specific asset. Because it takes effect through your will, it does not reduce your available funds during your lifetime.

Gifts of RRSP/RRIF

You name NCC as a beneficiary of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan or Registered Retirement Income Fund. These assets are often heavily taxed when inherited by anyone other than a spouse, so directing them to a charity is a common estate-planning approach. The gift passes outside your will, which can simplify administration.

Gifts of Life Insurance

You can name NCC as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, or transfer ownership of a policy. The policy proceeds go to NCC on your death, and depending on how the arrangement is set up, the premiums or the proceeds may have tax implications worth reviewing with an advisor.

Annuities

NCC lists annuities as another legacy option. An annuity arrangement typically involves transferring assets in exchange for a guaranteed income stream for life, with the remainder going to the charity. The terms vary, so the specifics should be confirmed with NCC and a financial advisor.

How to Decide Which Option Fits

Use these conditions to narrow the choice:

  • You want to give without affecting your current cash flow → a gift in your will or a beneficiary designation on RRSP/RRIF or life insurance.
  • You hold RRSP/RRIF assets likely to be heavily taxed at death → naming NCC as beneficiary may be the most efficient route.
  • You want a guaranteed income for life while still leaving a gift → ask NCC about annuities.
  • You want to see the impact now → make a current donation instead of, or in addition to, a legacy gift.

Because tax treatment depends on your province, your estate, and how each arrangement is structured, confirm the details with a financial or legal advisor before committing. NCC's site provides the option descriptions; it does not replace personalized advice.

Getting Started

  1. Go to natureconservancy.ca and open the "What You Can Do" area.
  2. Select "Plan Your Legacy" to see the overview.
  3. Choose the specific option you want to explore — Gift in Your Will, Gifts of RRSP/RRIF, Gifts of Life Insurance, or Annuities.
  4. Read the page for that option to understand the mechanics and any steps NCC asks you to take.
  5. Contact NCC or your advisor to confirm wording, beneficiary designations, and tax treatment before finalizing anything.

The site also highlights current campaigns and impact reporting, such as the 2025–2026 Impact Report and featured projects like protecting the Boreal Forest, if you want to see where support is currently directed before deciding.