Ways to Give Giving
We help donors create vibrant, ongoing support.
We do this by establishing endowment funds that create a permanent legacy felt across generations. An endowment fund with ECF invests your gift through independent investment managers, and each year a portion of the fund is granted to the causes and organizations that matter most to you.
There are many ways to make a difference for the causes you care about. We invite you to imagine what that impact could look like and share your vision with us. As long as there is a Canadian registered charity doing the work you want to support, we can help bring that vision to life.
The conversations we value most are about the goals you want to achieve. If those goals include building lasting, meaningful support, we’re here to help. And if your vision calls for resources beyond our scope, we’re always happy to make connections. Lean on our flexibility and expertise to discover how you can make a difference.
Who Can Give?
Endowment funds are often misunderstood as options only for those with millions of dollars to give. This is a misconception that ECF is proud to debunk. In reality, an endowment fund can be established with $10,000 — and you can take up to 10 years to reach that threshold. That’s as little as $85/month!
Many of our donors realize that their annual one-time charitable gifts exceed the monthly minimum. They decide to pool and allocate their individual gifts toward opening an endowment fund and to start building their legacy.
The power of endowment is within your reach. Here’s how the process works.
Why Give?
The reasons for giving are as diverse as the charities our donors choose to support. Some people create endowments as a memorial for a loved one. Others open endowments as a way to leave a legacy of their own. Companies establish funds to exemplify their commitment to social responsibility and as a way to involve their employees in community building. Charities create funds as a way to build a solid foundation of financial support in the face of uncertain granting cycles. Whatever your reason, we have the resources to help you.
When Do I Give?
The best time to start your endowment fund is now. There is no age limit, and the sooner you establish an endowment, the more time it will have to grow. This provides support sooner to the causes and organizations close to you. Many donors have also discovered their endowment fund is an excellent way to encourage a family tradition of caring. They start funds when their children are young to help develop an active interest in the charities the family’s fund supports.
How Can I Give?
Once you decide to create a fund, it’s important to choose the giving option that best fits your goals. If an endowment isn’t the right fit, you can contribute to an existing fund or establish a non-endowed fund for more immediate impact. Whatever you choose, we’ll help ensure your gift makes the greatest possible difference for the causes you care about. There are several donation options available:
Giving Publicly Traded Securities
A Tax-Smart Way to Maximize Your Impact
Donating publicly traded securities is a tax-efficient way to support your community. By giving shares in-kind to ECF, you avoid capital gains tax and receive a tax receipt for their fair market value. This allows more of your gift to go directly to the causes you care about while maximizing your impact. In Alberta, donating publicly traded securities in-kind can save you up to $240 per $1,000 of capital gain compared to selling and donating the cash. This tax advantage also applies to gifts made through your will, helping you maximize both your impact and your savings.
Giving Through Life Insurance
A Flexible and Affordable Way to Give Back
If you have a life insurance policy that you no longer need for its original purpose, you can turn it into a meaningful charitable gift. Alternatively, purchasing a new policy can be an affordable way to create a lasting impact for the causes you care about. Life insurance offers unique tax advantages, and ECF can help you explore innovative ways to use it as part of your philanthropic plans.
Direct Gifts
Quick and Easy Ways to Give
Direct gifts include cash, credit cards, PAD, etc. Direct gifts of any amount can support an existing fund or ECF’s Community Fund, helping address emerging needs in Edmonton. You can also set up monthly donations via pre-authorized debit or credit card for ongoing support. Cheques should be made payable to “Edmonton Community Foundation” with a note indicating your chosen fund. To donate by credit card over the phone, call 780-426-0015.
Online Giving
A Simple Way to Grow Your Fund
A personalized online donation page can make it easy for friends and family to contribute to your fund. This secure and convenient option allows you to share your philanthropic goals and invite others to support the causes you care about. To set up your custom donation page, please contact us.
Leaving a Gift in Your Will
A Simple Way to Create a Lasting Legacy
Leaving a gift to ECF in your will is a simple yet powerful way to support the causes you care about for generations. After providing for your loved ones, even a small percentage of your estate can make a big impact on the charities and initiatives that matter most to you. Plus, your gift may offer valuable tax benefits, making it a smart and generous way to give back to your community long into the future.
Contact Us
To inquire about donating publicly traded securities, please contact us at securities@ecf.ca
For all other questions or inquiries, please contact donorservices@ecf.ca or speak with your donor advisor.