Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nature Conservancy of Canada?
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is Canada's leading national private land conservation organization. A non-profit organization, we partner with individuals, corporations, other non-profit organizations and governments at all levels to protect our most important natural treasures — the natural areas that sustain Canada’s plants and wildlife. We secure properties (through donation, purchase, conservation agreement and the relinquishment of other legal interests in land) and manage them for the long term.
Since 1962, with the help of our donors and supporters and partners, NCC has helped conserve 15 million hectares of ecologically significant land, coast to coast to coast. To learn more, click here.
Is NCC a registered charity?
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is a registered charity. Our charitable registration number is 11924 6544 RR0001. Our legal name is The Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Why should I support NCC with a financial donation? How do you allocate your funds?
NCC works hard to ensure the best value for our supporters' dollars. Over the past years, we have spent 22 per cent or less of donated funds on administration and fundraising. This means 78 cents of each dollar goes directly to the protection of Canada's natural areas.
Each year, since 2010, MoneySense magazine has ranked NCC as the top environmental charity and one of the most efficient and responsible charities.
For more information on how we allocate our funds, download our annual reports here.
Will I receive a charitable tax receipt?
You will automatically receive a tax receipt for income tax purposes when you make a donation of $10 or more. If you make your gift over the phone or by mail, your receipt will be sent through the postal service. If you donate online, you will receive your tax receipt by email. Donors who contribute $25 or more will automatically receive the quarterly Nature Conservancy of Canada Magazine for one year.
What are my giving options?
There are many ways you can help conserve Canada’s natural spaces. To make a donation, monthly gift or tribute gift, click here. To learn more about other ways to give, including donating land, click here.
Can I donate by telephone?
Yes. To make a donation by telephone, please call our Supporter Services team toll-free at 1-800-465-8005.
Can I pay by cheque?
Yes. If you prefer to donate by cheque, please make the cheque payable to "The Nature Conservancy of Canada" and mail it to:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
1501-365 Bloor Street East
Toronto, Ontario M4W 3L4
Can I make a gift by email?
To protect your security, we do not accept credit card information by email. However, our Supporter Services team would be delighted to speak with you on the phone at 1-800-465-8005 or suggest other giving options. You may also email our Supporter Services team at supporter.services@natureconservancy.ca.
Is it safe to enter my credit card number on the website?
All data on our website is encrypted using software that is in accordance with a PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards)-compliant environment. All data collected is completely secure and sent to a secure server.
Can I designate my gift to a specific area or program?
We encourage you to first consider an unrestricted donation, which gives us the flexibility to deploy funds in the areas of greatest need — and greatest promise. However, if you would prefer to restrict your donation to a specific area, let us know so that we can ensure your gift is designated according to your wishes.
How can I include NCC in my Will?
A gift in your Will is an expression of your passion, your values and the things that are most important to you. A bequest gift is a tax-effective way to conserve nature, and it reduces the taxes owed by your estate.
Your gift will help protect our most vital habitats and the species that depend on them, for today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
For more information on planning a bequest gift to NCC, please contact Jackie Mersereau at 1-877-231-3552 X 2275, planned.giving@natureconservancy.ca, or click here.
What are other ways I can leave a meaningful gift to NCC?
There are many other ways that you can support NCC and leave a gift to conservation.
- A gift of publically traded securities
- A gift of RRSP/RRIF
- A gift of life insurance
- A gift of land
For more information, please contact Jackie Mersereau at 1-877-231-3552 X 2275, planned.giving@natureconservancy.ca, or click here.
What is the Nature Legacy Society?
The Nature Legacy Society celebrates and recognizes all individuals who have left a gift in their Will to NCC, regardless of the amount. Over 1,500 thoughtful and engaged Canadians have planned a gift in their Will to NCC. Nature Legacy Society member are specially honoured in our annual report and other publications, kept up to date on NCC’s latest conservation achievements and invited to special events in their area.
For more information on the Nature Legacy Society, please contact Jackie Mersereau at 1-877-231-3552 X 2275, planned.giving@natureconservancy.ca, or click here.
How can I easily update my personal information with NCC?
If you would like to update your name, address and/or phone number, please call us at 1-800-465-8005 or email us at supporter.services@natureconservancy.ca.
Who should I contact if I want to update my monthly donation?
If you would like to update your credit card or banking information for your monthly gift, or to update the amount of your monthly gift or to cancel your monthly donation, please contact us by telephone at 1-800-465-8005.
How can I update my communication preferences?
You have the ability to choose which communications we send you. Please call us at 1-800-465-8005 or email us at supporter.services@natureconservancy.ca and we will be happy to update your preferences.
Why do you send labels, calendars and other materials?
Many charities find that this a cost-effective way to encourage people to make a donation to their charity. There is minimal cost in sending out labels, calendars and other materials; however, if you no longer wish to receive these items, please let us know at supporter.services@natureconservancy.ca. Please be sure to include your complete address.
Does NCC engage in tele-fundraising? How do I know if a fundraiser is legitimate?
Yes. NCC reaches out to donors by telephone periodically throughout the year.
NCC works with two reputable tele-fundraising agencies: Fundraising Direct and Public Outreach. You may have received a phone call on behalf of NCC from the following numbers: 514-228-2805 or 289-509-0650. If you are concerned about the validity of the call, you may ask the caller to confirm details with you over the phone that only NCC would be able to confirm, such as the date and amount of your last gift, and how often you have donated.
Does NCC engage in SMS? How do I know the text message I received is legitimate?
Yes. NCC reaches out to supporters via SMS periodically throughout the year. You may have received an SMS on behalf of NCC from the following phone number: 416-548-4799. If you have any questions or concerns about an SMS you have received, please contact our supporter services team by phone at 1-800-465-8005 or by email at: supporter.services@natureconservancy.ca.
What are my rights as a donor?
The Association of Fundraising Professionals, in collaboration with Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits developed a Donor Bill of Rights, which has been widely adopted as minimum best practices for the charitable sector. We aim to exceed these standards.
To learn about how NCC protects your privacy, view our Privacy Policy.
What is a Gift of Canadian Nature, and how can I make such a gift?
A Gift of Canadian Nature – whether it’s sending an e-card, or symbolically adopting a Canadian species or landscape – helps NCC ensure our country’s natural spaces are protected for today, tomorrow, and for future generations.
For more information on Gifts of Canadian Nature, click here.
How can I volunteer with NCC?
There are lots of ways to volunteer with NCC. For more information on volunteering, click here.
Can I get my donation refunded?
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) states that a registered charity cannot return a donor’s gift. Once a donation is made, ownership of the funds transfers from the donor to the charity, and the charity is obligated to use the gift to support its charitable activities. As a registered charity, the Nature Conservancy of Canada must adhere to these CRA guidelines. For more information, please visit the CRA website. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding refunds, please don't hesitate to contact us at 1.800.465.8005 or email supporter.services@natureconservancy.ca. We’ll be happy to assist you.
