Make a Donation
As a charitable organization, Calgary Meals on Wheels needs and relies on the help of our community to continue to provide service.
There are many ways you can help. We have listed some donation options below in an effort to help you select the best method for your lifestyle and financial situation. Every donation, no matter the size, will help us reach our goal. Please feel free to email or call our Fund Development Department at 403-243-2834 if you have any questions about how to make a donation.
If you are making an online donation, please provide your address and contact information so we can mail you a receipt.
We appreciate the generosity of your support. Our ability to bulk purchase and leverage our corps of committed volunteers ensures your dollar is stretched beyond its face value.
Donation Options
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Cash: (cheque, money order, credit card or online): Cash is the easiest and most common way to make your charitable gift. The Federal tax benefit of a cash donation is 16% on the first $200 and 29% on the total of all donations above $200. The Province gives a further tax benefit of 50% of the Federal credit. To maximize the tax credit, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) allows couples to pool donation receipts and report them all on one tax return.
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Securities: (stocks, bonds, units of a mutual fund trust, or interest in a related segregated fund trust): Donations of securities receive the greatest tax benefit. In addition to the Federal and Provincial tax deductions, donations of publicly listed securities to public charities are exempt from capital gains tax. For full details of how a gift of securities would benefit your tax situation, ask your financial advisor.
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Life Insurance: A gift of life insurance can have either an immediate or deferred tax benefit. To receive an immediate tax benefit you must transfer ownership of the policy to Calgary Meals on Wheels. You will then receive a receipt for the Cash Surrender Value of the policy and further receipts for any future payments you make on the policy. A deferred gift of life insurance simply involves naming Calgary Meals on Wheels as the beneficiary or co-beneficiary and upon payment of the policy we issue a tax receipt in the name of your estate.
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Bequest: One of the biggest misconceptions about leaving a bequest to a charity is that it is complex and only for the wealthy or those who have no children. That cannot be further from the truth. A bequest is one of the simplest ways to make a gift to a charity, usually for a significantly larger amount than you ever imagined. A bequest may take the form of a specified cash amount, a list of securities or property, or a percentage of the estate. No matter the form of gift the bequest takes, the estate and possibly the preceding tax year realize the tax benefit.
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In Memoriam or In Honour Giving: In Memoriam or In Honour Giving provides you, the donor, with the opportunity to remember special individuals with a tribute gift. Gifts may be made “In Memory of” an individual to commemorate a loved one’s life, or “In Honour of” an individual who is special in your life. Gifts may also be made in honour of special occasions, such as birthdays, graduation, and anniversaries. At your request, Calgary Meals on Wheels will send a hand-written card to the individual whom you designate to notify them of your gift. The amount will not be disclosed.
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Workplace Campaigns & Matching Gifts: Many companies have a Corporate Matching Gift Program and will match your monetary and/or volunteer contribution with a corporate gift. Check with your employer to find out if they offer this great way to increase the value of your giving.
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Monthly Giving: A Monthly giving story - A couple of years ago I was a 'Mocha Frappacino' junkie who got a $5 fix every morning at Starbucks on my way to work. One morning I dropped the drink in the car making a terrible mess. The milk soured and eventually the smell permeated the car. When I could no longer stand the smell I paid $80 to have the carpet steam cleaned. While the carpet was being cleaned I caculated what I was spending each month on my fix and decided that maybe I should do better with my money. I decided to become a monthly donor to a worthy charity and I chose Calgary Meals on Wheels.
Each and every month the same amount I spend on a high sugar drink now goes to help people in my community. I make my donation on my Visa card that I pay off every month so I don't incur interest. I can do something for others and for myself at the same time. I save the calories and gain points on Airmiles while I make a contribution. That makes me feel just as good as the hot drink ever did. I don't miss the money because I was already spending it on something I didn't really need. Some might say I should just put it in the bank and save it for my old age. To my mind every dollar I give to Meals on Wheels is a investment in my future. I want to ensure that the organization is still here when I need it. - An Anonymous Monthly Donor
We appreciate each and every donation made to us, and provide special recognition to our donors in our Annual Report each spring. Our Annual Report is shared with other donors, interested corporations and foundations, Calgary Meals on Wheels members, the United Way of Calgary & Area, F.C.S.S. and others in the community who are interested in our work.
We do not share, sell, rent, or trade our donor, client, or volunteer lists with any outside organizations. Personal information provided in the context of donations or program participation would never be shared without written consent, unless there was a legal or ethical obligation to do so. Information provided to us is used to issue receipts for income tax purposes, comply with CRA and GAAP regulations, deliver services, and keep our stakeholders informed.
We respect your privacy. If you have made a donation and do not wish to have your name published in the Annual Report, please email or call our Communications & Development Department at 403-243-2834 to indicate your wishes.
Tax Advantages of Donating to a Charity
To download a copy of the Canada Revenue Agency publication "Tax Advantages of Donating to Charity" click here.
In addition, if you would like to know more about tax credits and charitable giving, click here to view the Canada Revenue Agency website.