We are pleased to be a participating charity in Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink again this year.

Birdies for Kids a non-profit program run under the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation. This program was introduced to the 2015 tournament and is a program designed to help raise funds for local charities, engage the community in the tournament, and provide matching funds for each charity involved. The program itself acts as a partnership builder between donors and charities, as all money will flow through the Calgary Shaw Charity Classic Foundation towards Alberta charities. All administrative costs and efforts for the program are covered by the Shaw Charity Classic tournament meaning that charities have no costs associated with the program and 100% of all donated funds through the Foundation will go directly towards the charity selected. On top of your donation, the most exciting part of BFK is the matching pool. For your generous contribution, up to 50% will be matched and the funds will go directly to your chosen charity.

– Making a bequest in your will can help you leave an impact on the issues you care about, and your estate receives a tax receipt to help offset outstanding tax payable.

– Giving the gift of securities is particularly advantageous thanks to new legislation. You will receive a tax receipt for the full value of the appreciated securities but will pay no tax on the growth of the securities. The tax receipt can be used to shelter other income by reducing the tax payable on capital gains. A gift of securities is also an effective way to dispose of publicly traded securities that have depreciated.

– You can also decide to make Calgary Crime Stoppers the beneficiary of an RRSP or RRIF and offset tax at the same time. Simply indicate Calgary Crime Stoppers Association as the recipient on your financial institution’s beneficiary designation form. We will provide you with a tax receipt in the year of disbursement.

– Giving gifts of Life Insurance can make a big impact. You can donate a fully paid policy, by naming Calgary Crime Stoppers as the irrevocable owner and beneficiary. You will receive a tax receipt equal to the policy’s cash surrender less any outstanding policy loans. You can also gift an existing policy that you are still paying the premiums for and you will receive a tax receipt for the premiums you pay each year.

– If you wish to combine your gift with an investment, an Annuity is an excellent choice. This option results in a gift and can often provide stable, higher after-tax income to the donor. As a donor, you will earn a charitable donation tax credit if the amount of the lump sum gift is greater than the market price of the annuity. Depending on circumstances, an annuity combined with life insurance may be an option.

Talk to your financial advisor to decide what is best for you.