Bill Gray, (H.B.A. 70)
Q: How long have you been an advisor in this area?
A: I have been a financial security advisor since 1972.
Q: Do you have experience advising clients who have arranged planned gifts? For how many years?
A: I have helped people with planned gifts since about 1994.
Q: Do you have specialized training in gift planning?
A: I have specialized training in gift planning through the Legacy Companies of Boston Mass. In addition I am a CLU (chartered life underwriter), a CH.F.C.(chartered financial consultant) and a RHU (registered health underwriter).
Q: What ethical/professional code(s) do you follow in your work?
A: I would say that the client drives the process. There is a significant amount of time spent on discovery, on understanding the wants and desires and philosophy as well as the financial position of the client. I don't represent any charity professionally.
Q: Have you made arrangements for a personal planned gift?
A:My wife and I have made arrangements for several planned gifts. We are working with Hallie McClelland now to put some structure to a gift program we began with Foundation Western in 1994.
Q: What is your personal philosophy of philanthropy, and gift planning, specifically?
A: Nancy and I believe planned giving is very important. We are working to develop our Family Financial Philosophy now. It is an involved process. At this point we allocate 1% of our non-registered investment assets to giving endeavors on an annual basis. Most of this is planned. Over half is allocated to building Permanent Assets, endowed funds. We support a range of endeavors both in our community and the broader world community. We have interests in education, humanitarian projects, environment, the fine arts etc. About 25% would be focused on work outside Canada. About 50% supports work in Kingston and area. About 25% supports projects in Canada outside Kingston.
Q: How are you involved in your community?
A: I am a director of the Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO). I am a Rotarian who is very active in both community and international work. I have several volunteer commitments in the community mostly dealing with charity and fundraising. I am involved with microcredit, education, water and health projects.
Q: Are you a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners locally and/or nationally? If so, for how long?
A: I have been a member of the Association of Gift Planners. I was a speaker at a recent Leave a Legacy eventin Kingston with video hook up to other communities. I have worked to promote gifts for several organizations and have had district responsibility for building the Permanent Fund of The Rotary Foundation. I have spoken to many organizations. I do not have any plans to rejoin the Canadian Association of Gift Planners at this time. Gift Planning is a small part of what I do.
