A gift of securities

A tax-smart way to protect nature

A gift of securities is a tax-efficient way to make a lasting difference for nature. You can donate stocks, mutual funds or exchange-traded funds, turning an investment into conservation action across Canada.

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Donating securities can offer greater tax benefits than a cash donation. By transferring shares directly instead of selling them first, you can eliminate the capital gains tax and receive a charitable tax receipt for the full market value of your gift. This can lower the overall cost of your donation while making the most of the available tax benefits.

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How to give a gift of securities

There are many ways to turn your investments into lasting impact for nature. Donating eligible securities directly to NCC may offer tax advantages while making a lasting difference for nature.

Step 1: Speak with your financial advisor

Your financial advisor or investment professional can help you determine which securities may be appropriate to donate and can assist with initiating the transfer.

Step 2: Complete NCC’s Gift of Securities Form

Complete NCC’s Gift of Securities Form and send a copy to both your financial advisor or broker and NCC before your advisor initiates the transfer. Email your completed form to planned.giving@natureconservancy.ca or fax it to 416-789-6568.

Download form

Email your completed form to planned.giving@natureconservancy.ca or fax it to 416-789-6568.

Step 3: Your advisor initiates the transfer

Your financial advisor or broker will initiate the transfer of your securities to NCC’s brokerage account. Once initiated, the transfer will be received and processed by NCC.

Step 4: NCC receives and receipts your gift

Once your securities are received, NCC will confirm receipt, process your donation and issue your charitable tax receipt, where applicable.

Things to keep in mind

Please do not sell your securities first. To preserve the potential tax advantages of donating eligible securities, they should be transferred directly to NCC.
Transfer and settlement times vary by financial institution. If you wish your gift to be receipted in a particular tax year, please allow sufficient time for your securities to be received and settled. Mutual fund transfers can take approximately 4 to 8 weeks.
Please notify NCC before your advisor initiates the transfer. Financial institutions may provide limited donor information when securities are transferred, particularly for mutual funds. Sending us your completed form in advance helps us identify your gift when it arrives and process your donation and charitable tax receipt promptly.

Why give securities

Avoid capital gains tax

Transfer appreciated securities directly to us and you can eliminate the capital gains tax that would otherwise apply when you sell them.

Vidal Bay, Manitoulin Island Archipelago, ON (Jamin Hudson)

Reduce the net cost of your donation

Tax benefits can lower the overall cost of your donation, so more of your money can go toward conservation.

Full-market-value tax receipt

You’ll receive a charitable tax receipt based on the full market value of your securities at the time of the donation.

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Support conservation across Canada

Your gift supports conservation projects across the country, protecting the lands, waters and species that make Canada special.

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Start with a confidential conversation

Contact Jackie Mersereau, Director of Planned Giving, for a confidential conversation. Your advisor can initiate the transfer using our form.

Jackie Mersereau, Director, Planned Giving

This information is general in nature and not intended as legal or financial advice. Please consult your financial advisor to determine the best approach for your situation.