The North Island College Foundation (NICF) is excited to announce it's launching the Future 50 Legacy Match campaign, which is a six-month initiative with a two-fold impact. Legacy gifts will create opportunities for future generations of North Island College (NIC) students. At the same time, matching funds will support those enrolled today. The goal is to encourage 50 donors to participate by making a meaningful difference both now and for years to come. 

Legacy gifts form the cornerstone of the campaign’s long-term impact. Legacy giving, also known as planned giving, is a charitable contribution included in a will or estate plan. The gift, which is realized after your lifetime, might be cash, a portion of your estate or assets like securities. By making this commitment, donors leave a lasting legacy for generations of NIC students. 

Janet Moody-Lackey is a former NIC employee and Foundation board member. She is also a legacy donor whose commitment to students has never wavered. Thanks to her support and dedication, Moody-Lackey has become an ambassador for the new and innovative Future 50 Legacy Match campaign.

“A legacy fund lets you think long term,” she says. “Even when you’re no longer here, it’s something that can continue on as a way to give back and show gratitude for students and the college community.” 

The second part of the campaign focuses on immediate impact through matching funds. Each new or enhanced legacy gift unlocks $1,000 from a $50,000 legacy matching fund. This fund was made possible by two generous gifts of $25,000 from Ida and Ted Sauve and Coastal Community Credit Union (CCCU).  

“At Coastal Community, we believe in building stronger futures together,” says Allyson Prescesky, Associate Vice-President of Community Impact and Corporate Communications. “Our $25,000 gift to North Island College will help launch the Future 50 Legacy Match campaign, encouraging meaningful conversations about estate planning and supporting education for generations to come.”  

There are several ways the matching funds can make an immediate impact. For example, donors can choose to allocate their unlocked $1,000 to an emergency fund, providing support for students who face unexpected financial challenges. This flexibility ensures that the matching funds address a student's most pressing need, while complementing the long-term benefit of the legacy gift.  

Woven into the campaign are the Future 50 Legacy Workshops hosted by NICF. The first event will be held on November 21st at NIC’s Comox Valley Stan Hagen Theatre from 1:30 to 3pm. The workshop is an opportunity to learn about charitable giving strategies, trusts and philanthropy trends and how life events can influence legacy decisions. The November session will be led by two NICF Board Directors, who are also industry professionals sharing real-world examples to help participants turn values into lasting impact. 

Seeing the ways the campaign engages the community, Moody-Lackey shares what supporting NIC students means to her. "I just feel very honoured that I can give back in some small way that will continue after I'm gone. It's wonderful that we have had this institution in this community for 50 years to provide the opportunity for people to pursue their dreams." 

For more information about the workshop or to learn more about how you can become a legacy donor, contact the NIC Foundation at foundation@nic.bc.ca or visit the website: foundation.nic.bc.ca/what-can-i-do/legacy-giving.