If you have an investment portfolio and are considering selling some of your investments to make a cash donation in support of land conservation in Muskoka, hold on—there may be a more tax-efficient way to give.

Did you know that donating appreciated stocks, bonds, ETFs, or mutual fund units directly may be more tax-efficient than selling them first?

Here’s why: If publicly traded securities have increased in value, donating them directly may allow you to avoid tax on the capital gain while receiving a charitable donation receipt for their fair market value at the time of the transfer. Muskoka Conservancy can then sell the securities and use the proceeds to support conservation work.

Under Canadian tax rules, qualifying gifts of publicly traded securities to qualified donees may receive a zero capital-gains inclusion rate, subject to certain conditions.

This can be a great way to support Muskoka Conservancy while avoiding capital-gains tax on qualifying donated securities.

To learn more, contact Derek Berkhout at ops@muskokaconservancy.org or (705) 645-7392, ext. 203. Tax treatment depends on the securities and your circumstances, so we recommend consulting your financial advisor before proceeding.

To donate securities, please use the Securities Transfer Form.

Thank you for supporting Muskoka Conservancy!