Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
(2 Corinthians 9:7)
Stewardship isn’t just about money; at its core, it’s about the worship and praise of God and serving God through our life and vocation. As part of the Church’s mission to care for those in need, the Diocese directs its resources to the most vulnerable members of our communities.
Funded by your generosity, our work helps to sustain the lives of families and individuals in our own parishes and communities, and internationally.
Annual giving programs
FaithWorks
provides support to more than a dozen ministry partners helping those in need throughout our Diocese and around the world.
For more information, contact Peter Mentis, Faith Works Campaign Manager.
The Bishop's Company
gives the Bishop of Toronto funds to support emergency needs of clergy and their families, and for special projects not covered in the Diocese’s operating budgets.
For more information, contact Melissa Doidge, Congregational Development and Stewardship Assistant.
Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation
provides financial support for the Diocese, or any parish of the Diocese.
For more information, contact Mary Lynne Stewart, executive director of the foundation.
How to donate
You can make a gift during your lifetime or at death through your will. Substantial gifts can be made without an immediate outlay of cash or assets, protecting your immediate financial security. Most gifts provide tax advantages. Gifts over $10 will be eligible for a tax receipt.
Gifts can be made in memory of or in honour of an individual or a special occasion. A card can be sent to your intended recipient, informing them of your gift. Cards do not indicate the gift amount.
You can give to the Diocese in several ways:
- cash
- a bequest in your will
- a life insurance policy
- securities
The Canada Revenue Agency has several publications that outline the rules for charitable tax credits. They are available free of charge at your district tax office, or you can consult your financial advisor.
The following are only guidelines, and we always recommend seeking advice of your lawyer or financial planner.
Cash
A cash gift is a voluntary transfer of cash without consideration. Cash gifts can take the form of bills, cheque, credit card or other bank instruments. You can make a cash gift online or through the mail.
A bequest in your will
A gift in your will demonstrates your passion, values and hopes. It also lets you make a larger donation than would be possible during your lifetime.
By naming the Diocese of Toronto, The Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation, or a church parish as a beneficiary in your will, you can give a percentage of your estate, a sum of money, a gift of property or a gift of securities. Your estate will receive a tax receipt for the value of the gift, which may reduce the taxes payable by your estate.
The benefits of making a bequest:
- It can be a lasting legacy for you, your family, or anyone you may wish to honour.
- You retain full control of your assets during your lifetime.
- It can provide tax relief to your estate.
Sample clauses for wording your bequest
Proper wording is vital to the validity of a bequest. Here are the recommended clauses for your use:
Specific amount bequest:
“I DIRECT my trustee(s) to pay the sum of _________ DOLLARS ($__________ ) to THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO, currently located at, 135 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1L8 for its *general purposes. The receipt of an appropriate officer of the Diocese of Toronto shall be a sufficient discharge of my Trustee(s).”
*general purposes – if you want to leave a gift to a specific ministry of the Diocese of Toronto, please note it here. For instance, you may wish to designate your gift to the Office of the Bishop of Toronto Endowment or to the Canon Robert L. Falby Memorial Endowment for Aboriginal Ministry, etc., or directly to the Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation.
Residual bequest:
“I DIRECT my trustee(s) to pay (insert number that equates to percentage) parts of the residue of my estate to THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO, currently located at, 135 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1L8 for its *general purposes. The receipt of an appropriate officer of the Diocese of Toronto shall be a sufficient discharge of my Trustee(s).”
*general purposes – if you want to leave a gift to a specific ministry of the Diocese of Toronto, please note it here. For instance, you may wish to designate your gift to the Office of the Bishop of Toronto Endowment or to the Canon Robert L. Falby Memorial Endowment for Aboriginal Ministry, etc., or directly to the Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation.
Let’s connect
You can decide at any stage in your life to leave a gift in your will to the ministries of the Diocese of Toronto. Talk to your family, talk to your financial planner and talk to us.
If you decide to leave a gift in your will, please complete the Bequest Confirmation Form to share your wonderful news with us.
There are numerous options for legacy gifts. Consult with your legal and financial advisors to consider all the relevant issues and income tax provisions.
A life insurance policy
Gifts of life insurance are made by transferring ownership of an existing or new policy to the Diocese of Toronto.
Gifts of life insurance are an affordable way to make a difference. A modest annual premium paid over time will result in a significant future legacy.
There are three ways of making a gift of life insurance:
- You can donate an existing policy and receive a charitable tax receipt for the net cash surrender value (less any outstanding policy loans) and any premiums paid after the date of transfer of ownership to the Diocese of Toronto.
- You can take out a new life insurance policy, name the Diocese of Toronto as the owner and beneficiary, and receive a charitable tax receipt for any premiums paid after the date of transfer of ownership to the Diocese.
- You can name the Diocese of Toronto as beneficiary of your policy, or the life insurance policy from your employer, and your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt equal to the death benefit proceeds paid directly to the Diocese.
Securities
When you donate publicly traded stock and securities, you’ll receive a tax receipt for the full appreciated value of a donation of publicly traded stock or securities, and you won’t be subject to any capital gains tax.
Benefits of making a gift of stock or securities:
- Capital gains tax on publicly listed stocks and securities are exempt when you donate your shares to the Diocese of Toronto rather than selling and donating the proceeds.
- The value of your tax receipt will be based on the market closing price on the day the foundation takes legal receipt of your stock or securities into our brokerage account.
- You may claim charitable donations up to 75 per cent of your net income, and a five-year carry-forward on any unused donation amount is permitted.
The Diocese of Toronto is dependent upon the generous support of donors and volunteers to fulfill our mission. We collect your personal information to process your donation and issue a tax receipt. Your personal information will not be sold or traded with other organizations. For more information about our privacy practices, view our Privacy Policy.
Our legal name is “The Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Toronto” and our charitable number is 10750 5059 RR0001.