Ways to Give

Donating shares, bonds, futures, or units of mutual funds listed on a public stock exchange is one of the most tax effective ways to support Calgary Opera. Currently, the Canada Revenue Agency does not apply capital gains taxes on donations of publicly traded securities, while if you choose to sell appreciated securities during your lifetime (or liquidated through your estate), taxes must be paid on 50 per cent of the capital gains on those securities.

You can leave your gift unrestricted and be confident it will address Calgary Opera's areas of greatest need in years to come. Or you can choose to give to a particular area, such as production support, educational programs, or the McPhee Artist Development Program. Wherever your opera passions lie, we will ensure your gift has a powerful impact. 

Benefits of Donating Securities

• Tax Effective: You or your estate receive a tax receipt for the fair market value of your gift of appreciated securities. The taxable capital gain is eliminated by donating the securities directly to Calgary Opera.
• Flexible: You can make an impact with a gift of appreciated securities during your lifetime or through a direction in your will.
• Rewarding: You can make a meaningful gift to Calgary Opera without depleting cash reserves by putting some of your appreciated securities to work.

How to Arrange a Gift of Appreciated Securities 

Download Calgary Opera's Gift of Securities form and speak to your broker or investment manager about arranging an electronic transfer of publicly traded securities into Calgary Opera’s account.

1. Forward the completed transfer form to your broker or investment advisor to initiate your electronic transfer of securities.
2. Forward a copy of the completed form to Calgary Opera. It is helpful for Calgary Opera to be aware of incoming transfers, to issue appropriate and timely tax receipts. A contact email is on the gift of securities form.
3. The value of the tax receipt is based on the closing price of the security on the day the securities are received in Calgary Opera's account, as per Calgary Opera’s standard procedure and Canada Revenue Agency regulations. 

Here To Help 

Thank you for considering a gift of securities to Calgary Opera. It's an excellent way to save on tax and make a big difference in your community. We strongly advise you to consult with your lawyer or investment advisor to learn if a gift of securities is appropriate for your charitable and financial goals.

Contact Us

Looking for more information? Want to have a conversation about giving a gift of appreciated securities? Please contact: 

Gary Fredrich-Dunne 
Director of Development

Download Gift of Securities Form

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) can be a convenient way to manage your charitable giving. A DAF is a charitable giving account that you open through a sponsoring organization, such as a public foundation or financial institution. You contribute assets—such as cash, publicly traded securities, or even real estate—directly into this account, and receive an immediate tax receipt. The funds can be invested to grow tax-free, and you can then recommend grants to your chosen charities over time, giving you flexibility and control over how your philanthropic goals are achieved.

Find more information on Donor-Advised Funds

Benefits of giving through a Donor-Advised Fund

• Tax Effective: When you contribute to a DAF, you receive a tax receipt for the full value of your donation in the year it's made, allowing you to claim a deduction promptly.
• Flexible: DAFs give you the freedom to support your charity/charities of choice over time. You can take your time deciding where to direct your funds, ensuring your donations reflect your personal values.
• Growth Potential: Funds in your DAF can be invested to grow tax-free, which means your charitable contributions can have an even greater impact over time.
• Simple: The organization managing your DAF handles all the administrative tasks, such as issuing tax receipts and distributing funds to your recommended charities, saving you time and effort.
• Legacy Planning: DAFs can be structured to continue beyond your lifetime, allowing you to leave a legacy of generosity. You can even name successors to carry on your philanthropic vision.

Establishing a planned gift, whether during your lifetime or as a legacy gift through your estate, is an act of philanthropy that demonstrates thoughtfulness, foresight, and generosity. Unrestricted gifts support Calgary Opera's most urgent needs. Designated gifts might include support for productions and performances, learning and community programs, and professional training. Wherever your opera passions lie, we will ensure your gift has a powerful impact on the community you care about.   

We would be pleased to work with you and your trusted legal, estate, or insurance advisors to explore the possibilities of planned giving.
 
Gift in Your Will 

Naming Calgary Opera in your will can be one of the simplest methods of realizing a legacy gift. Once you have taken care of your family and loved ones, the most common ways you can include Calgary Opera in your will are:  

• Residual gift: A percentage of the remainder of your estate after other specific designations have been fulfilled.
• Specific gift: A specific dollar amount or stated fraction of your estate or a specified gift in kind.
• Contingent gift: A gift originally intended for other beneficiaries in your will that is redirected as a charitable donation if the other beneficiaries die before you.

Benefits of Leaving a Gift in Your Will

• Simple Process: Instruct your lawyer to include a gift to Calgary Opera in your will.
• Flexible: A gift in your will can be for a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residue of your estate. You can direct your gift to be unrestricted or to go toward a specific initiative at Calgary Opera.
• Tax Effective: A gift in your will is an effective way to reduce taxes on your estate, leaving more for family and loved ones or other charities you care about. Calgrary Opera issues a charitable tax receipt for the total value of your gift, which can reduce the tax payable on your final tax return.
• Peace of Mind: You can make a meaningful gift to Calgary Opera without depleting cash reserves, and you can make changes to your will at any time.

Sample Language for a Gift in Your Will

When you meet with your lawyer or estate planner, you can share the sample language below and ask to have it included in your will. Feel free to contact us if you require more specific language.

I give and bequeath _______% of the residue of my estate [OR the sum of $_______] to CALGARY OPERA ASSOCIATION to be expended and used by Calgary Opera in support of its highest priority needs. The receipt of the treasurer or other officer of this organization shall be a sufficient discharge to my trustees.

Gift of Life Insurance

Naming Calgary Opera as the beneficiary and owner of a life insurance policy can be a powerful way to ensure the art form you care deeply about remains vibrant well into the future. It allows you to create a substantial legacy without a large upfront financial commitment. Whether a new or existing policy is gifted to Calgary Opera, you can use life insurance to increase your charitable giving beyond what you may have thought possible.

You can choose to continue paying premiums directly to the insurance company or donate the money to Calgary Opera to take over the premium payments. The difference between the two is when you receive your donation tax receipt: one will generate a significant tax benefit today, while the other will have tax benefits for your estate. 

Benefits of a Gift of Life Insurance

• Easy and Convenient: Your life insurance specialist can make the process of gifting a life insurance policy to Calgary Opera simple. They can help determine the type of policy that aligns with your goals, assist in customizing the policy to meet your specific needs, and handle all the necessary paperwork to maximize impact.
• Cost Effective: Giving life insurance is a strategy in which you can make a significant charitable contribution without depleting your current assets or impacting your estate later. There are also potential tax receipts for premiums being paid that can be applied to your annual return.
• Eliminates Fees: Life insurance is not subject to probate fees or delays associated with the probate process. The entire proceeds of the policy are payable to your designated charity at maturity or upon your death.