An Introduction to Giving

The giving news is that each year, 84% of Canadians contribute to charity. People give in a variety of ways, through gifts of personal time or goods, money or bequests.

Giving personal time to strengthen the vitality of a city is very common. However, giving money as part of a will or financial plan is not yet as common. Current research shows that only 7% of Canadians leave money to a charity in their will. However, if charitable giving is mentioned when drawing up a will or creating a financial plan, this figure rises to 27%.

Burlington Community Foundation recognizes the important role professional advisors play in helping individuals create and realize a personal philanthropic vision. Helping a client realize their vision provides an opportunity for professional advisors to identify creative solutions that help their clients solve problems and achieve specific financial objectives.

When professional advisors proactively discuss charitable gift planning as part of a client’s overall financial planning process, they demonstrate their personal commitment to giving back to our community.

Professional advisors–lawyers, accountants, financial advisors and brokers–who regularly advise about charitable gift planning can help their clients solve everyday tax and financial planning challenges and add tremendous value to legacy planning and the community, today and in the future.

Contact Sandra Baker, Director, Development & Community Engagement at sbaker@burlingtonfoundation.org or 905 639 0744 x 223 to learn more about how the Foundation can help you introduce a wide range of charitable giving options within our community to your clients.

Learn more about charitable giving with the Professional Advisors eResource. Developed by Community Foundations of Canada, this comprehensive resource can help you effectively communicate and deliver giving options to your clients.