Donating to a community foundation or other charitable organization
If you intent to make a donation to a charitable organization, it's best to plan ahead. You'll have a hard time finding a charity that will refuse cash donations. But when it comes to assets, it's best to advise the organization beforehand to make sure they will be accepted.
What is a charitable organization?
Charitable organizations must be registered with the government to be authorized to issue tax receipts for donations. Charitable organizations can be:
- charities
- private foundations
- public foundations
Community foundations
Community foundations are public organizations that collect donations to support local charitable organizations. They are established by and for the community. Acting independently and under their own power, community foundations amass donations in the form of inalienable capital (called endowment funds) and distribute funds to recognized organizations according to the donor's instructions.
Here are a few examples of community foundations:
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Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) |
National organization that oversees a vibrant and growing network of 158 Canadian community foundations.
Find out more about Community Foundations of Canada |
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Fondation communautaire du grand Québec (FCGQ) |
Gives private companies, non-profit organizations, charitable foundations, trusts, individuals and families the help and resources they need to create funds bearing their name or the name of someone dear to them.
Find out more about Fondation communautaire du grand Québec |
Foundation of Greater Montreal (FGM) |
Differs from other charitable organization in that it builds endowment funds whose revenues are used to support charitable work in a number of areas, primarily health, education, social services, arts and culture and the
environment. Donations to the FGM thus serve the Greater Montreal community in perpetuity.
Find out more about Fondation of Greater Montreal |
Fondation communautaire du grand QuébecFondation communautaire Gaspésie-Les Îles |
Founded in 2000, the foundation is devoted to improving the quality of life of citizens residing in the area and creating an endowment fund to help community development.
Find out more about Fondation communautaire Gaspésie-Les Îles |
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