Thank you for considering a gift to UBC Library.
Your valuable support helps us provide resources and services to the UBC community and beyond.
The Library needs to preserve and expand collections and services, while embracing the tools necessary to serve as a 21st-century academic library. Our needs are great, but thanks to our generous donors we are confident that we will meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Giving to UBC Library allows you to contribute to the learning and knowledge of future generations, while partnering with an institution that embodies excellence, vision and a bright future. Universities can only be as great as the libraries that support them, and we are dedicated to providing our scholars with resources that will foster innovative research, new theories and challenging debates.
If you have any questions or would like to speak with someone in person, please call the Library Development Office at 604.827.4112 or email library.development(at)ubc.ca.
- Who do I make my cheque out to?
- Where can I mail a cheque?
- How can I update my mailing address?
- What is an Endowment?
- What is a Fund?
- Can I donate personal items, artwork or real estate?
- What are the tax benefits of making a gift to UBC Library?
- What are the tax benefits of a Gift Plus Annuity Plan?
- What are the recognition opportunities for my gift?
- What is a bequest?
- Can I give my estate to UBC Library through a Charitable Remainder Trust?
- How can I maximize my gift through Corporate Matching?
- Can I give a gift in memory or in honour of someone?
- Can I give my Insurance Policy as a gift to UBC Library?
- How can I sign-up for Monthly Giving?
- Can I leave UBC Library in my will or estate?
- What is a Reunion Gift?
- What are the advantages of donating Securities?
Who do I make my cheque out to?
Please make your cheques out to UBC Library. If you wish your cheque to go to a specific fund, please enclose a note with this instruction, or use the “Other” field on our Giving Form [PDF].
Where can I mail a cheque?
Cheques can be mailed to:
Library Development Office
Irving K. Barber Learning Centre
1961 East Mall
Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z1
How can I update my mailing address?
You can update your address by calling us at 604-827-4112, or e-mailing us at library.development(at)ubc.ca.
What is an Endowment?
An endowment can be a monetary gift or a bequest. The principal from an endowment is held permanently, to support ongoing projects and meet institutional needs, or until sufficient assets have accumulate to achieve a particular project. You can direct how interest from an endowment should be spent, or choose to put the interest towards an existing endowment. A donation of this kind is a good choice if you interested in giving over the long term.
What is a Fund?
Set aside for specific projects, funds are continuously put toward the designated area of development. If you are interested in versatility, and often an immediate availability of funds for project managers, this is the appropriate choice.
Can I donate personal items, artwork or real estate?
Yes. Gifts-in-kind, or a non-cash donations, can include items such as personal effects, artwork and real estate. Once your gift is appraised, UBC Library will issue a donation receipt for the fair market value of the gift.
What are the tax benefits of making a gift to UBC Library?
The Canadian income tax system encourages charitable gifts by granting tax credits to individual donors (corporations may claim deductions). For annual donations under $200, you will receive a tax credit of about 22 cents per dollar donated. For donations exceeding $200, you receive even more – approximately 43 cents for every dollar donated. Provincial tax credit varies depending on the province where you live. We encourage you to consult a qualified financial advisor for the most accurate information regarding your personal taxation situation.
To estimate your tax credit, use the Tax Savings Calculator. For more detailed information regarding charitable giving, see the Canada Revenue Agency website.
Additional tax tips
- Charitable donations may be claimed up to an annual limit of 75% of net income (100% for gifts made in the year of death, including testamentary gifts such as bequests).
- Individuals and corporations who donate shares or other securities get a tax break on any resulting capital gain. As of the May 2, 2006 Federal Budget, any capital gains arising on the donation of securities will be tax-free.
- The securities must be publicly traded on certain stock exchanges; for example, the TSX, the NYSE or certain other listed exchanges.
- Unclaimed charitable donations can also be carried forward up to five years.
- Either spouse can claim the tax credit, regardless of which spouse’s name is on the charitable donation receipt.
What are the tax benefits of a Gift Plus Annuity Plan?
A Gift Plus Annuity Plan combines your gift with an annuity that UBC purchases on your behalf. Guaranteed annuity payments continue throughout your lifetime, unaffected by changes in the economy or interest rates. UBC Library will issue a donation receipt for your gift, and a portion of the annuity payments may be tax-free. Funds over and above the contribution required for the annuity will be directed in accordance with your financial and personal goals.
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What are the recognition opportunities for my gift?
Every gift to UBC makes a difference to our students and programs. Every donor is recognized with a thank you letter, along with a tax receipt. Named opportunities are available for capital gifts.
Donors who give more than $1,000 become automatic members of one of our giving clubs:
- Wesbrook Society – Honours donors who contribute $1,000 to $24,000 annually.
- Chancellor’s Circle – Honours donors who have made lifetime contributions of $25,000 to $249,999.
- President’s Circle – Honours donors who have made lifetime contributions of $250,000 and above.
- Heritage Circle – Honours donors who have arranged a future gift for the University.
Members of giving clubs are honoured at annual events. Click here for more details.
Naming Opportunity: Those interested in funding a building, renovation, project (such as a research or learning commons), collection development project, or supporting an ongoing institutional need can attach their name to specific projects to inspire and educate future generations.
What is a bequest?
A gift by will of personal property; a legacy.
Can I give my estate to UBC Library through a Charitable Remainder Trust?
A Charitable Remainder trust is a planned gift that is legally promised to UBC Library as part of the your estate. You will continue to earn income on the promised capital and immediately receive a tax receipt that can be applied to their current and future income.
How can I maximize my gift through Corporate Matching?
Many companies have a matching-gift program that effectively doubles any employee’s charitable contribution by donating equal funds to the same cause. To find out if your company has a matching gift policy, try UBC’s Matching Gifts Search page.
Can I give a gift in memory or in honour of someone?
Yes. In Honour Gifts are donations made to recognize the achievements of an individual or group that has made an impact on your life. In Memoriam Gifts can be made to honour the memory of a friend, family member, professor or colleague in support of a project or institutional need that is meaningful to you both.
Can I give my Insurance Policy as a gift to UBC Library?
Yes, simply designate UBC Library as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy. Proceeds from the policy will go towards a project or fund selected by you. A tax receipt will be issued for the yearly policy premiums. A donation of this kind is ideal for those interested in making a donation with minimal expenditures on current savings and income. Your insurance premiums can be deductible as well, if you name UBC as a non-retractable beneficiary.
How can I sign-up for Monthly Giving?
You can sign-up for monthly charitable contributions that can be donated by credit card or automatic bank withdrawal . UBC faculty or staff members may set up a monthly giving through automatic donation.
Can I leave UBC Library in my will or estate?
If you are hoping to build a legacy at UBC Library, planned giving is an opportunity to make a major donation of assets or investments that is deferred into the future or to the time of your passing. As part of your overall financial and/or estate planning, planned giving presents unique tax deductions that can be determined in consultation with the Library Development Office and Gift and Estates Planning at UBC. Planned gifts can include gifts of securities, gifts in kind, gifts by will, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts (CRT), life insurance policies, and RRSP and RRIF Funds.
What is a Reunion Gift?
When a class celebrates a special reunion year, it may choose to make a class donation or gift. Past reunion gifts have included establishing a scholarship or bursary, purchasing new computers and providing resources for a new library collection.
What are the advantages of donating Securities?
A donation of securities (shares, bonds, mutual funds or stock options) is ideal if your finances are in investments. Publicly traded securities that are directly gifted to UBC Library are fully exempt from capital gains tax.
