What Kind of Gift Makes Sense for Me?
Cash donations are declining, but Canadians have more giving power than ever—through real estate, investments, insurance, and retirement accounts. This site is here to help you understand your options and make the most of them.
Cash is still valuable—but it’s no longer the only, or even the most impactful, way Canadians give. In fact, traditional cash donations have declined steadily over the past decade, with just 17% of Canadians claiming charitable donations on their taxes in 2022—down from 25% in 2011 (CanadaHelps, 2024 Giving Report). Meanwhile, Canadian wealth is growing—but it’s tied up in real estate, investments, RRSPs, and insurance, not chequing accounts.
With the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in Canadian history underway—estimated at $1 trillion over the next 10 years—much of this giving power will flow through non-cash assets, especially real estate, which makes up over 40% of household net worth (Statistics Canada, 2023). Yet few Canadians realize these assets can be donated—often with significant tax advantages and long-term impact.
Here are some of the most powerful ways Canadians are giving today. Explore what fits your situation best.
Not every gift is right for every stage of life. Here are common life situations and the strategic giving options that might make the most sense for you.
Young Professionals / Under 40
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Start with a small monthly donation that fits your budget—$10 or $20/month makes an impact and is tax-deductible. Consider setting up a pre-authorized donation plan through our site at Canada Helps. You can also plan ahead by including Alberta Ballet in your will or naming us as a beneficiary on your life insurance, TFSA, or RRSP—these options require no out-of-pocket cost today.
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Yes. You can name Alberta Ballet as a beneficiary of your TFSA or RRSP directly through your financial institution—this is simple to do and avoids having to go through a legal process after you die. You retain full control of the funds during your lifetime, and your estate may receive a tax credit later.
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Yes—especially while you're starting to build assets. People often wait much too long to write their wills. 52% of Canadians don’t have a will and that number skyrockets to 70% for those under 35. It is a critical part of your overall financial plan.
Once you have a will, you can leave a percentage of your estate, a fixed amount, or a residual gift to Alberta Ballet. Ask your lawyer to include us in your will using our full legal name and charitable number. If you don’t have a lawyer, we can point you to helpful estate planning resources.
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Yes. Alberta Ballet accepts cryptocurrency donations through a secure third-party platform. When you donate crypto directly rather than converting it to cash first, you avoid triggering capital gains tax on any appreciation. You’ll receive a charitable tax receipt for the full fair market value of the gift at the time of donation, which can offset your other taxable income. This makes donating crypto one of the most tax-efficient ways to give.
Mid-Career / Family-Focused
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Too few people in Canada work with a financial advisor. 72% of Canadians agree that everyone should have access to a financial professional, but 62% think they’re only for the wealthy. A financial advisor can help you understand not only what your financial situation is today, but how much you need to save for retirement. They can factor in variables like your CPP and Old Age Security, which may make you better off than you think.
Even annual donations timed with tax planning should be done in concert with your financial advisor. Then, as you build your retirement plan, consider naming Alberta Ballet as a beneficiary in your RRSP or life insurance, or include a percentage of your estate in your will. A financial advisor can help you align charitable giving with your long-term goals.
See Ways to Give
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You can give without disrupting your current financial obligations. If you hold appreciated investments (like stocks or mutual funds), donating them directly to Alberta Ballet allows you to avoid capital gains tax while receiving a full-value tax receipt. This strategy can free up cash flow by reducing your tax bill. Alternatively, consider naming Alberta Ballet as a secondary (contingent) beneficiary on your RRSP, RRIF, or TFSA—this requires no immediate gift and preserves your resources for your children.
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An inheritance can be a unique opportunity to make a meaningful gift, especially if it honours the legacy of the person who left it to you. Consider donating publicly traded securities to reduce or eliminate capital gains tax, or speak with your advisor about setting up a named fund in their memory. You may also be able to offset taxes owed on the inheritance itself with a charitable receipt. Before making a decision, talk with a financial advisor or estate lawyer to ensure your gift aligns with your long-term goals.
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Yes. Inherited real estate—whether a home, cottage, farmland, or rental property—can be donated outright to Alberta Ballet. If you donate the property directly, you'll receive a charitable tax receipt for its fair market value, which can offset capital gains tax owed on appreciation since the original owner’s acquisition. In some cases, it may make sense to donate the property instead of selling it, especially if it’s not needed or is difficult to maintain. A certified appraisal is required, and we recommend involving your estate lawyer or financial advisor early to navigate the tax implications.
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Absolutely. A second property—like a vacation home, rental, or undeveloped land—can become a powerful gift to Alberta Ballet. You have several options:
Outright Gift: Donate the property now and receive a tax receipt for its fair market value, which may help offset income taxes.
Residual Interest Gift: Keep the right to use the property during your lifetime (or a set number of years) while guaranteeing it will go to Alberta Ballet in the future.
Gift by Will: Include the property in your will, leaving it to Alberta Ballet as part of your estate plan.
Sell and Donate Proceeds: If you sell the property, you can donate all or part of the proceeds—this is often a simpler way to give, with immediate tax benefits.
Gifting real estate can be complex, so we recommend consulting your lawyer and financial advisor to explore what option works best for you and your family. We’re also happy to provide resources or speak with your advisors to support your decision.
Contact Us
This site can help you learn, but some gifts need a conversation. If you’re curious, uncertain, or want to start planning a legacy gift, we’d love to hear from you.
Retirees / Empty Nesters
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Yes—and it can be a smart tax strategy. While you can't transfer RRIF funds directly to a charity tax-free, you can withdraw from your RRIF and then donate the proceeds to receive a charitable tax credit, which may offset the tax on the withdrawal. To leave a longer-term impact, you can also name Alberta Ballet as a beneficiary of your RRIF. This reduces the taxable value of your estate and may significantly lower estate taxes. Speak with your financial advisor to plan withdrawals and beneficiary designations in a way that maximizes both your impact and your savings.
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With no direct heirs, you have a unique opportunity to shape a lasting legacy. Many donors in your position choose to include Alberta Ballet in their will, create a named scholarship, or establish an endowment that reflects their values. You can also name us as a beneficiary on your RRSP, RRIF, TFSA, or life insurance policy—simple tools that don’t require rewriting your will. To ensure your intentions are honoured, work with your lawyer or financial advisor to formalize your plans.
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You have several options. One is to donate appreciated investments or real estate while keeping the right to use the asset or receive income from it during your lifetime. Another is to set up a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) with your advisor—this provides you with regular income now, and the remaining value goes to Alberta Ballet after your lifetime. Both options come with potential tax advantages and allow you to leave a legacy without affecting your financial stability today. Talk to your financial advisor or estate planner to explore the best fit.
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Yes. You can make a gift of your home or property to Alberta Ballet now, while keeping the right to live in it for the rest of your life (known as a gift of residual interest). You’ll get a tax receipt right away based on the property’s value, and nothing changes in your day-to-day living. This type of gift needs a formal appraisal and legal help, but it’s a powerful way to create a legacy without having to move.
If you own a rental property or other real estate that brings in income, another option is a charitable remainder trust. This lets you keep the income for life while donating the property now for a tax receipt. It’s more involved and requires advice from a lawyer or financial advisor, but it can be a smart way to give without giving everything up today.
50+ Double-Income, No Kids
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Absolutely. Many donors like you begin planning their charitable legacy well before retirement. You can name Alberta Ballet as a beneficiary of your life insurance, RRSPs, or your will. Starting early means you can shape the impact you want to leave—while taking advantage of tax-efficient giving strategies along the way.
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Yes—consider donating publicly traded securities. You’ll receive a tax receipt for the full market value and won’t pay capital gains tax. This lets you give significantly without affecting your cash flow. You can also arrange a future gift through your will or insurance policy with no financial impact today.
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You can create a planned gift that activates in the future—such as a gift in your will, a beneficiary designation, or even a charitable remainder trust. These options let you enjoy your assets now while building a meaningful legacy for tomorrow.
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Yes. Alberta Ballet can help you design a gift that aligns with your values—such as establishing a named endowment, supporting a specific production, or funding community programming. Personalized giving ensures your legacy reflects what matters most to you. If you own a rental property or other real estate that brings in income, another option is a charitable remainder trust. This lets you keep the income for life while donating the property now for a tax receipt. It’s more involved and requires advice from a lawyer or financial advisor, but it can be a smart way to give without giving everything up today.
Single or Divorced
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Yes—having a will is essential, especially if you don’t have children or close family. Without one, your estate may be distributed according to provincial intestacy laws, which might not reflect your wishes. By writing a will, you can leave a meaningful legacy to the causes and people you care about most, including Alberta Ballet, and ensure your assets go where you intend.
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Absolutely. Divorce doesn’t automatically remove your former spouse as a beneficiary on life insurance, RRSPs, or other accounts. It’s critical to review and update your will, insurance policies, registered investments, and any powers of attorney to reflect your new situation. You can also consider including Alberta Ballet as a beneficiary if you want to make a lasting impact.
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Yes—many people without close family choose to leave their estate to charities that reflect their values. You can designate a percentage or the entirety of your estate to Alberta Ballet in your will. We can provide sample wording to share with your lawyer to ensure your intentions are clear.
See Make a Legacy Gift -
Yes—planned gifts like a Charitable Remainder Trust or naming Alberta Ballet as a beneficiary in your life insurance or RRSP allow you to leave a legacy without affecting your current financial security. These options let you support the arts you love while ensuring you have the income you need during your lifetime.
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Consider appointing a trusted friend, professional executor, or trust company to handle your estate. Having a clear, updated will and documented wishes reduces complications. You can also simplify by consolidating assets and specifying clear charitable gifts to causes like Alberta Ballet.