Legacy Giving

Leaving a legacy at the Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH)  ensures that the Museum  provides art, history and cultural excellence for future generations.

Define your Legacy for OMAH is a way to make the “promise” of a gift, rather than making an immediate donation. You are making an investment in the culture and heritage of your community and your commitment ensures our cultural professionals have the resources to provide exceptional art and history exhibitions and education workshops for all age groups and abilities today, tomorrow and for the future.

Legacy gifts benefit future generations while providing you with current tax relief. Donations can be in the form of bequests, securities, life insurance policies and more.

Champion Our Collections

Artwork or Artifacts

If you have a piece of art or an object reflective of the history of Orillia and area, consider donating it to OMAH for addition to our collection.

In return, you’ll received a donation tax receipt equal to the appraised value of the work along with an acknowledgement of your donation in OMAH’s collection records.

Please be aware that OMAH has a mandate we must follow when selecting new artifacts for accession which ensures that our collection is relevant and up to date.  This means that not all artifacts can be selected, and some may be selected for purposes other than display, such as for our education collection.  We are grateful for your time and your interest in OMAH’s collection.

Donation of Securities

Did you know that when you donate publicly-traded securities or mutual funds, there are benefits for BOTH you and OMAH? When you give securities including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds:

  • You eliminate the capital gains tax on disposal of the securities
  • You get a donation tax receipt equal to the value of the securities

A gift of securities can be made at any time as part of you annual donation or as a bequest in your will. No donation is too small! Whether you have securities of $200 or $200,000, your gift will make a big difference.

We then ask that you kindly advise Vanessa, Santala, Development Officer of the pending donation by forwarding a copy of the Gift of Securities form to development@orilliamuseum.org. You can also reach Vanessa by telephone at 705.326.2159 for any questions. Thank you for your generous support of OMAH!

Bequests

A bequest is a future commitment that does not restrict your current financial security as both the principal and income of your estate are available during your lifetime. Bequests are of significant value to OMAH and an easy way to leave a legacy.

Bequests are accomplished through a written and executed will naming OMAH as a recipient of a specific piece of property, collection, sum of money, or portion of your estate. Bequests may be tailored to your wishes or circumstances and no bequest is too small to make a difference.

Undesignated bequests support the Museum’s highest priorities in the year the gift is received. Your estate will receive a donation receipt for the full amount of the bequest, which can assist in reducing the tax payable on your final income tax return.

Life Insurance

A gift of life insurance is a simple and affordable way to make a future major gift to OMAH without reducing the assets in your estate.  

  • Donate an existing policy making OMAH the owner/beneficiary. Receive a charitable tax receipt for the cash surrender value and for all future premiums you pay. Save estate probate taxes when proceeds on death pass on to OMAH. 
  • Take out a new policy and assign ownership to OMAH. Receive a charitable tax receipt for all premiums you pay. Save estate probate taxes when proceeds on death pass on to OMAH
  • Retain ownership of the policy (personal or Group Life); name OMAH as the direct beneficiary upon your passing. Your estate will receive a tax receipt for the amount of the proceeds received by OMAH.

Help Us In Our Mission and Support Future Generations

More on Bequests

Alternatively, a designated bequest can be made in support of a specific program (e.g. future acquisitions) or to increase the endowment in OMAH’s name held by the Community Foundation of Orillia & Area. This endowment provides that the principal of the bequest is invested and only the income is transferred to OMAH annually.

Sample Undesignated Bequest Wording
To pay to the Orillia Museum of Art and History the sum of $.. (or …% of the rest, residue and remainder of my Estate) to be used to support and fund its ongoing operations and programs.. Legal Name: Orillia Museum of Art and History | Charitable Number: 13723 0587 RR0001

If you are interested in remembering OMAH in your will, we can provide you or your lawyer with sample wording to address your wishes. 

Memorial & Honour Giving

A gift in memory shares your sympathy and ensure someone’s lasting legacy. Brighten someone’s day, celebrate a special occasion or honour a loved one by making a donation to OMAH in their name. You will also receive a charitable tax receipt in a separate email. Thank you for your generous support of OMAH!

For assistance with making a gift or sending an ecard, please contact us at development@orilliamuseum.org or 705 326-2159 Ex 105