Western Sky Land Trust

Donate Funds

Funds (cash, securities or bequests) can go to assist us with our operations or can be directed to projects. They can be given one time or over the course of many years.

Funds can be allocated to operations (or operating costs) or directed to projects or stewardship.

Western Sky Land Trust is a a registered charitable organization: 86241 1634 RR0001

*** Charitable tax receipts will be issued for donations of $40.00 and over ***

$20 for 12 Program

Want to support our organization monthly? It's easy with our
$20 for 12 program!

Western Sky is embarking on a new fundraising campaign. Your donation of $20 for 12 ($20 per month for one year for a total of $240 annually) will be directed to any of the following programs which support our land conservation efforts: Land Evaluation & Acceptance; Outreach & Awareness; Operations; or Fund Development & Membership.

Donate Now! (click on the button below)

The new federal government budget allows increased incentives for donations of securities or ecologically sensitive land to charities read more ...

Securities

Changes in the federal budget have provided increased tax benefits to donors that may want to support our organization through the donation of publicly-listed securities - please read below.

Donations of Publicly-Listed Securities to Public Charities

Donations to registered Canadian charities are eligible for a charitable donations credit (if the donor is an individual) or a deduction (if the donor is a corporation). For individuals, the credit for the first $200 in total annual donations in a taxation year is calculated by reference to the lowest personal income tax rate for the taxation year (i.e. 15.25 per cent for 2006 and 15.5 per cent for the 2007 and subsequent taxation years), and the credit for donations above that $200 threshold is calculated by reference to the highest personal income tax rate for the taxation year. Provincial governments also provide tax assistance for charitable donations.

Since 1997, donations of publicly-listed securities to charitable organizations and public foundations have been eligible for additional tax assistance. When a taxpayer donates to an eligible charity securities listed on a prescribed stock exchange (or certain other securities such as units in mutual funds), the capital gain that has accrued on the securities is included in income at only one-half the standard capital gains inclusion rate. Currently, the standard capital gains inclusion rate is 50 per cent, and therefore the inclusion rate for charitable donations of listed publicly-traded securities to eligible charities is 25 per cent.

Since 2000, an individual who makes a qualifying charitable donation of listed publicly-traded securities that were acquired with employee stock options has also been eligible for a special deduction that has the effect of taxing the associated employment benefit at the reduced capital gains inclusion rate. Budget 2006 also proposes to reduce the effective inclusion rate for such donations to zero per cent.
These measures will apply to donations of eligible securities made on or after May 2, 2006.

Donate Land, Conservation Easements or Conservation Agreements

All projects are reviewed by our Lands Committee to understand that they are consistent with our Vision and Focus, but most importantly that we can meet the landowners wishes.

There are potential tax benefits associated with the donation of land or easements, however every individual situation is different. We have a general tax guideline document, however landowners should seek their independent tax and legal advice.

Changes have been made to the federal budget to give greater tax benefits associated with donations of ecologically sensitive land - please read below.

The Canadian Ecological Gifts Program
Improved Income Tax Treatment of Certified Ecological Gifts

The Canadian Ecological Gifts Program provides a way for Canadians with ecologically-sensitive land to protect natural areas and leave a legacy for future generations. Since 1995, donations of ecologically-sensitive land, or easements, covenants and servitudes on such land have been eligible for special tax assistance. Ecological gifts can be made to environmental charities approved by Environment Canada, as well as to any level of government in Canada. Under the EGP, Environment Canada certifies the land is ecologically sensitive, approves the recipient, and certifies the fair market value of the gift. In addition to the charitable donations tax credit (for individuals) and the charitable donations deduction (for corporations), donations made on or after May 2, 2006 and certified under the Ecological Gifts Program will no longer be subject to tax on any capital gains accruing in respect of the property.

If you are interested in learning more about the options for land conservation, we would be happy to talk to you. Please contact our offices at 403-268-4721.

WESTERN SKY LAND TRUST DONATION POLICY

1. Funds may be donated to Western Sky Land Trust based on a restricted or unrestricted basis.

2. If funds are directed by a donor for a specific purpose or bequest ('restricted donation') Western Sky Land Trust will use its best efforts to fulfill the wishes of the donor. Notwithstanding such efforts, matters may arise which preclude the restricted donation from being fulfilled as originally contemplated or directed by the donor.[1] In such circumstances, should the Board determine that the object of a restricted donation not be achievable:

a. the Board shall first endeavour to consult with the donor of a restricted donation prior to any donation reallocation;
b. Following such consultation, the Board may reallocate such funds to other qualifying Land Trust activities as the Board, in its sole determination, deems appropriate; and
c. The determination of the Board in such circumstances shall be final.

3. Any donations that are received by Western Sky Land Trust without documentation or direction restricting such funds to a specific purpose will be considered by the Western Sky Land Trust as unrestricted ("unrestricted funds"). Unrestricted funds may be applied to general programs (operating) or any other Trust purposes that the Board deems appropriate.

Western Sky Policy No. 3
Governance Committee Review: October 23 - Nov. 19, 2009
Board approval: November 19, 2009
Author: CD & various

2009 Nov 19 - Western Sky Donation Policy - csd - Approved

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[1] Canada Revenue requirements do not permit the return of such funds to donors where donations have qualified for a tax receipt.