EBOL FAQs

• Why are participants referred to as signers?

  Participants in the Endowment Book of Life program are referred to as signers because they sign their promise to leave a bequest to the Foundation and they sign their family story.

• What costs are involved in becoming an Endowment Book of Life signer?

  There is no immediate cost to becoming an Endowment Book of Life signer. Participants are expected to leave a bequest to the Foundation. Many, however, do choose to establish a named fund at the time of becoming a signer.

• What size of a bequest does a signer have to leave to the Foundation?

  There is no minimum amount required. Signers, however, are encouraged to remember that this will be the last gift that they will be making to the community and that it should reflect their sense of gratitude, commitment and hope for the future of the community. It will be their legacy.

• What are the bequests used for?

  Donors may leave an undesignated bequest that will be used for grants and scholarships at the discretion of the Foundation. If they prefer, they may designate their bequest to be used to support a specific charitable organization, program, service or scholarship.

• May participants get help writing their family story?

  Absolutely. Foundation staff is available to interview donors about their life, write their stories or edit their stories.

• May a signer write the story of another family member?

  Yes. Signers may choose to write the story of their parents, grandparents or any other family member they wish to memorialize.

• May only Winnipeggers become Endowment Book of Life signers?

  No. The Endowment Book of Life program offers former Winnipeggers a unique opportunity to remember their roots and to leave a gift to the community that raised them. It also offers them an opportunity to ensure that their family name will be remembered in the Winnipeg Jewish community.

• What happens to the family stories once they are written?

  The stories are placed into a special leather-bound book, and can also be viewed on the Foundation’s website here. Signers receive a custom-designed printed legacy keepsake with their story as a token of appreciation from the Foundation.

• How does someone become an Endowment Book of Life signer?

  Anyone interested in becoming an Endowment Book of Life signer should contact Pamela Minuk, Donor Services Associate, by telephone at 204.477.7520 or toll-free from the US/Canada at 1.855.284.1918 or by email at [email protected].