Planned Giving

The donor-advised fund, or DAF, is Canada’s fastest growing giving vehicle, and yet it’s very possible you have never heard of it. It’s a giving vehicle that allows a donor to give today, receive the tax benefits today, and to grant to their favorite charity or charities over time. It will change your giving from reactive cheque-writing to very strategic philanthropy. In practical terms, you donate to a foundation that sponsors DAFs, and then provide recommendations on where that foundation ultimately grants the funds. Because you made an irrevocable donation to the foundation and received a tax receipt at that time, you have legally given up control of the assets. That’s why we call it a recommendation, but generally foundations that offer DAFs are cause-agnostic, meaning will send the funds to any properly registered Canadian charity that you choose.

Suzanne and Donald Colter gifted the very best of themselves to their family, intentionally passing on a legacy rich and consistent with their beliefs and values: the importance of being kind and compassionate, helping others without expectation, facing challenges with courage and sacrifice, being truly present, and finding joy in simplicity and optimism. With unwavering love, Sue and Don had a profound impact on their children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives they touched.

When it comes to estate planning, the role of a personal representative is paramount. In Alberta, the term “personal representative” is used instead of “executor,” and this person serves as the cornerstone between the deceased’s wishes, as outlined in their will, and the distribution of their assets and settling of affairs.

Sandra Munn lived a life filled with the joy and passion of music, a life shaped by courage, vision, discipline, generosity, expectation, and standards. A warm personality, she was funny, outgoing, and vivacious. Deeply committed to a journey of continuous learning and growth, Sandra was never shy about encouraging a personal excellence; of daring to create that spark of change within one’s own sphere of daily life and influence. Most importantly, to be wholly inspired to recognize how one act of kindness has the power to lift someone up the whole of their life.

As a longtime donor to YESS, it wasn’t difficult when staff asked me if I could write something about what inspires me to donate: why, since 1998 I have supported their programs and services for youth through donations and volunteering; and why, since 2015, I have been a monthly donor; and why, when I recently updated my will, I included a bequest to YESS?

Donating publicly traded securities, or mutual funds, to a registered charity in Canada is a tax-efficient way to give back. If you hold investments such as stocks, mutual funds, or ETFs in a non-registered account or a registered account like a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF), or Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), you can arrange to donate these assets either during your lifetime or on your death. This article explores how to structure these donations, the tax benefits, and key considerations when planning your charitable giving.