Strategic Approach to Year-End Giving

A Strategic Approach to Year-End Giving Through Appreciated Securities

As the year comes to a close, many Canadians look for ways to support the causes they care about while planning wisely for tax season. Donating appreciated, publicly traded securities is one of the most effective and tax-efficient ways to make a meaningful gift to the National Ballet.

How It Works

When you donate securities directly to a charity, the transfer happens in kind:

• The shares move from your investment account to the charity.
• The charity sells them immediately and receives the full market value.
• You receive a charitable receipt for the fair market value on the day the shares are received.
• No capital gains tax is payable when securities are transferred directly to a charity.

Because the tax credit is applied to the full market value and no capital gain is triggered, donors often find this option more cost-effective than a cash gift. Donation receipts can be applied against your income for up to five years.

1. Know Your True Giving Capacity

A clear view of your financial picture helps you understand what you can comfortably give. Many donors hold appreciated securities for years without realizing they may be an untapped resource for meaningful support.

2. Choose the Right Securities

Some assets are more effective to donate than others. Strong candidates often have:

•  the largest unrealized gains
• the lowest cost base
• little or no impact on cash flow

These gifts offer maximum value for both you and the charity.

3. Take Advantage of Year-End Tax Planning

Gifts of appreciated securities eliminate capital gains tax and generate a receipt for full fair market value. You can:

• claim donation credits up to seventy-five percent of your income
• carry forward unused credits for five years
• time your gift to coincide with a higher-income year

Year-end is an ideal moment to review these opportunities with an advisor.

4. Make Your Gift Count Today

Supporting the Ballet through appreciated securities strengthens programs and performances in the season ahead. It can also be part of a broader plan to shape your long-term philanthropic goals.

Example: Donating $10,000

For illustrative purposes only.

Same $10,000 gift. Lower cost. Stronger impact.

Bringing It All Together

Effective giving begins with clarity. Understanding what you need for security, what resources are truly available, and how strategic tools like appreciated securities fit into your plan can make your generosity both sustainable and rewarding.

A year-end gift of appreciated securities is one of the most impactful and tax-efficient ways to support the National Ballet’s work while taking advantage of current-year tax benefits.

Next Steps

If you’re considering a gift of appreciated securities before December 31 or would like guidance on how to begin, support is available. Richard Lefebvre, Associate Director of Development would be pleased to help you explore the best approach for your goals. Richard can be contacted at rlefebvre@national.ballet.ca.

About the Author

Serena Hak is a wealth advisor with CI Private Wealth specializing in intergenerational wealth planning and philanthropy. She serves on the National Ballet of Canada’s Development Committee and helps donors align their wealth, values, and long-term impact.

Top Photo: Artists of the Ballet in The Winter's Tale. Photo by Karolina Kuras.