DRAFT: Donating Securities & Mutual Funds
Learn how to contribute securities to your GiveWise Giving Fund, what to prepare, and how to complete the transfer based on how you manage your investments.
Donating securities to your GiveWise Giving Fund is a straightforward way to turn your investments into charitable giving. Once your securities are received by GiveWise, they are liquidated and the proceeds become available in your Giving Fund to support the charities you choose.
Submitting the GiveWise form does not transfer your securities. If you work with a financial advisor, they will need to review your request and arrange the transfer. If you use a self-directed investment platform, you will need to follow your platform’s process to initiate the transfer.
Why Donate Securities?
If your eligible securities have increased in value, donating them directly can be more tax efficient than selling them first and donating the proceeds. When eligible appreciated securities are donated in kind, the capital gain on the donated securities is not subject to capital gains tax, while you receive a charitable tax receipt based on the fair market value of the donation.
This can allow more of the value of your investment to go toward charitable giving.
Before You Begin
If you work with a financial advisor, speak with them about which investments you plan to donate. Have their name, email address, and firm or brokerage ready, along with the approximate amount you plan to contribute. Your advisor will need to review your request and arrange the transfer with the firm holding your investments.
If you manage your own investments, have your investment platform’s name and account number ready, as well as the name, symbol, quantity, and approximate value of each security you plan to donate. Once you complete the GiveWise form, you will receive a Letter of Direction with the information needed for the transfer. You will then need to follow the transfer process required by your investment platform or custodian.
Fees and Tax Information
A $150 Administration Recovery fee applies to each securities contribution and is deducted after the contribution is completed. It does not reduce the eligible amount on your charitable tax receipt and is instead posted as a separate transaction. See the GiveWise Fee Schedule for details.
You can explore the potential tax benefit of donating securities using the GiveWise Donation Tax Calculator. Your individual tax circumstances may vary, so consider discussing your donation with your financial or tax advisor.
For more information, see the Canada Revenue Agency: Capital gains on gifts of certain capital property.
Choose Your Next Steps
How do you manage the investments you want to donate? Select the guide that applies to you:
I work with a financial advisor — Your advisor will receive the transfer instructions and help arrange the donation.
I use a self-directed investment platform — You’ll provide the details of the securities you want to donate and receive a Letter of Direction. You will then need to follow your investment platform’s process to initiate the transfer.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, please reach out to support@givewise.ca.
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