What if your generosity could go even further, without costing you a penny more?
In collaboration with Marc-André Cardinal, BMO Investment Partner, Wealth Management
Hello, this is Anie, director of Épilepsie Montérégie.
I have to confess something: just a few years ago, I knew nothing about gifts of securities. Absolutely nothing.
Then I met Marc-André, an investment associate. He’s a caring person who really takes the cause of epilepsy to heart. It was he who informed me about this way of giving that few people know about, and which can make a huge difference.
What he taught me hooked me. I want to share this discovery with you, because it could transform the way you support the causes you care about.
Let me tell you a story first….
A story of giving …and impact
An active volunteer at the organization gave us a donation every year. She’d sell a few shares, then send us a check. So generous. We were grateful.
Jean, for his part, followed the encouragement of his financial advisor, who suggested something different: transferring his shares directly to our organization, without selling them first.
The result? Jean was able to give a lot more for the same personal investment. How? By avoiding paying capital gains tax. When I realized this, I immediately thought of all those generous people like our volunteer who were already giving so much… but who could have multiplied their impact simply by changing the way they gave.
What the pros say about giving in shares :
Giving a gift in action allows you to share the fruits of a sound investment decision with an organization that is close to your heart. By using it effectively, giving allows you to choose for the government where your taxes are distributed.
Marc-André Cardinal, B.A.A. Fin.
Investment Associate BMO Wealth Management | BMO Nesbitt Burns
Why talk about it now?
Because at Épilepsie Montérégie, we hope your generosity will go as far as possible and translate directly into concrete support for our community.
A simple strategy for powerful gifts
Here’s the difference, explained simply by Marc-André:
When you sell your shares and give us the money:
- You pay tax on the gains (which can represent hundreds or thousands of dollars).
- You give what’s left
- You will receive a receipt for this reduced amount
When you give us your shares directly :
- You pay NO tax on earnings
- You will receive a receipt for the total value
- All the money saved goes directly to our mission
What your donation makes possible
Every dollar invested in Épilepsie Montérégie is transformed into something tangible for those who are affected by the disease:
- Personalized support and guidance – A caring place where no one has to go it alone
- Workshops and themed meetings – Time to learn, share and better understand epilepsy
- Specialized training – In schools, workplaces and residences, to demystify epilepsy and break down prejudices
- Advocacy – So that everyone living with epilepsy can live a full and dignified life
- Help in the living environment – Concrete support in everyday life, whether for social integration, employment or studies.
- Recreational activities and sports – Because epilepsy shouldn’t prevent you from living life to the fullest
1500 is 50 hours of coaching. That’s a lot for us. And it doesn’t cost you a penny more.
What if, without spending a single dollar more, your generosity could support even more families?
How does it work? Less complicated than filling out your tax return!
I promise you, it’s a lot less complicated than it sounds. Our donors who have done it confirm it every time.
The 4 stages
- Talk to your financial advisor
Mention that you wish to make a gift of securities. It’s common practice. He or she will know exactly what to do. - We’ll send you our bank details
A simple e-mail or phone call, and we’ll provide you with all the information you need. Your advisor will need our brokerage account number. - The transfer is made
Your advisor takes care of everything. The securities are transferred from your account to ours. You don’t have to do a thing. - You receive your official receipt
We send you a charitable donation receipt for the full value of the securities. You can use it for income tax purposes.
It takes a few days, no more.
The questions I’m often asked…Marc-André answers them:
“Is it just for large amounts?”
Every donation counts. Even if you have a few hundred dollars in stock, it’s worth exploring this option. There is a threshold to respect. Talk to your advisor
“Will my advisor know how to do it?
Normally, yes, this is standard practice. But if he or she ever needs information, we can contact your financial institution directly. We’ve already done it several times!
“Is it complicated?”
It’s not complicated, it’s just a matter of remembering to hand over the details of the donation to your accountant.
“Why don’t more people do this?”
Excellent question! That’s exactly why we’re writing this article. Many people simply don’t know that this option exists.
A word from the heart
I know that talking about money and investments isn’t always comfortable. At the end of the day, what we’re really talking about is maximizing your impact for people living with epilepsy.
You’re already generous. You’re already giving. I just want to make sure your generosity goes as far as possible.
Thank you to all those who are already part of this chain of solidarity. You really are changing lives.
Because when it comes down to it, it’s not just a question of money, it’s a question of impact!
And if you have any questions, just give me a call. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
- 450 378-8876
- anie@epilepsiemonteregie.org
- epilepsiemonteregie.org
Thank you for being part of our community.
Share with someone who might be interested
Know someone who has investments and likes to give? Forward this article to them. This information could change the way they contribute to the causes they care about.
P.S.This article is intended to provide information, not personalized tax advice. For your specific situation, always consult your financial or tax advisor.
