Giving

We are here to help you support the causes you care about. Whether you want to donate to an existing fund or create a new fund, we will ensure your charitable goals and the needs of the community are met. Each gift, no matter what size, will have a lasting impact.

Gifts to endowment funds at the Foundation are invested and community grants are made from the earned income. This allows our Funds to grow, so that each year the Foundation can grant more and more to the registered charities working so hard to make a difference throughout Muskoka: now and forever.

Why choose Muskoka Community Foundation?

  • We Have Deep Roots in Muskoka
    Muskoka Community Foundation was established for Muskoka by local volunteers. We have deep roots in our community because we are an integral part of it. Our Board consists of a dedicated group of volunteers who care about how and what happens where we live: just like you.
  • We Work with You to Help You Realize Your Philanthropic Goals
    We help you support the causes you care about so you can have a lasting impact on your community. You choose the type of fund you want and your level of involvement in grant-making. We collaborate with local charities and community leaders in the public and private sector to identify current priorities to help you make informed granting decisions, and your philanthropic vision a reality.
  • We Grant with Impact
    We take a broad and inclusive view of what a community is and provide grants to the widest possible range of organizations and initiatives. Our funds are invested with the TD Wealth Private Investment to take advantage of the rates of return generated by their investment committee who manage their large pool of funds. The earned income is granted back to the community to respond to the needs of Muskokans today, and for generations to come.
  • We Nurture Community Vitality
    We go beyond granting to bring the entire community together to stimulate new ideas, build participation and strengthen philanthropy to create a smart and caring Muskoka. We build capacity by hosting educational workshops and community conversations to identify areas of concern and lead the way to facilitate change.
  • We Provide Personal and Flexible Service
    We work with you to find the right type of fund to meet your financial situation. Donors can claim credits to a maximum of 75% of their net income, and any excess can be claimed in any of the next five years; capital gains tax is eliminated, which translates into an immediate tax savings for most gifts of private company shares.

Ways To Give

Gifts of Marketable Securities

If you have Marketable Securities that have appreciated in value you can donate them to MCF and your capital gains are tax-exempt. Marketable securities include stocks, bonds, bills, warrants, futures traded on approved stock exchanges and mutual funds. You will receive an immediate tax receipt for the market value of those securities.

Gift of Securities Form (PDF)

Gifts of Wills & Estates
Make a bequest in your will by designating a gift or portion of your estate to Muskoka Community Foundation and, in some cases, receive a substantial reduction in federal gift and estate taxes.

Gifts of Life Insurance Policies
Designate Muskoka Community Foundation to receive a portion or all of the proceeds from your life insurance policy to reduce your estate taxes, or transfer the policy to the Foundation’s name and receive an immediate tax receipt for the cash surrender value.

Gifts of Trusts
Place cash or property in a Charitable Remainder Trust that pays annual income to you or another named beneficiary for life. After your death, the remainder of the trust transfers to Muskoka Community Foundation and is placed in a charitable fund you have selected. You receive income tax benefits the year you establish your trust.

We welcome your donations. Please let us know the purpose of your gift and if you wish us to acknowledge someone if it is in memory or in honour of someone else.

Eligible donations will receive an official receipt for income tax purposes.

Online
To make a secure online donation
by credit card, please click the following:
CanadaHelps.org
By Cheque
Please mail your contribution to our office:
Muskoka Community Foundation
PO Box 35, Bracebridge ON P1L 1T5
Confidential Meeting
For information about creating an endowment fund please contact our office 705-646-1220