Giving to UVic

Planned giving

Information about gift planning

Planned giving, also refered to as legacy giving, can provide significant financial support to the university, while meeting the donor’s philanthropic objectives. Planned giving can offer significant tax benefits and allows the donor to maintain financial security.

It is our primary purpose to ensure that each gift is managed and administered according to the donor's wishes. In consultation with our donors, we develop terms of reference that ensure the spirit and intent of the gift. We will work closely with donors and their legal and/or financial advisors to structure the donation to the greatest benefit of the donor. Donors who inform us that they have included the University in their estate plan can be recognized through our “T.S. McPherson Legacy Society”.

Planned gifts include both current and deferred gifts. A current gift allows the donor to witness the results of their contributions and receive the immediate tax savings which is why current gifts have become an important part of charitable giving. A deferred gift is the process of making arrangements to provide a future and lasting gift. Gifts of this type can involve the use of financial or legal instruments such as wills, life insurance, endowments, and trusts. Such gifts may also include:

Gifts by will (bequests)

For many people, a charitable bequest in their will is the most realistic option for making a financial contribution while maintaining financial security. The University of Victoria or one of its Foundations can be named the beneficiary of a gift of cash, of publicly traded securities, personal property or real estate. There are considerable tax savings for your estate. Please refer to this fact sheet for more detailed information.

Gifts of real estate

There are many opportunities for a donor to give during his/her lifetime, and continue to enjoy the use of a donated home or other property. While tax laws do change, donations of real estate to the University of Victoria usually generate considerable tax benefits for the donor. The Development Office will discuss the possibilities in confidence with you and/or your financial and legal advisors. A gift of real estate is considered a gift-in-kind; additional information on gifts-in-kind is available here.

Gift of RRSP and RRIF

By naming the university as the beneficiary of an RRSP or RRIF, donors can eliminate income taxes owing on the plan’s assets on their final tax return. This is a simple and tax-effective way to support the university. More information can be found on this fact sheet.

Charitable remainder trusts

If you have assets that you would consider gifting to the University in your will but would like to receive the income for life and the tax benefits today, a charitable trust arrangement may be the answer. More information can be found on this fact sheet.

Gifts-in-kind

Most Gifts-in-kind are given to the Library or Maltwood Gallery. Donations of books, manuscripts, works of art and collections have added tremendously to the University of Victoria's cultural and educational resources, and wherever possible, are accessible to the public in our libraries or galleries on campus and downtown. Gifts in kind can also include also electronic equipment, lab equipment, or other items that are needed by the university. A tax receipt is given for the fair market value of a gift-in-kind.

For more information about Gifts-In-Kind please review this fact sheet.
For gifts-in-kind to the library, please visit the Library.
For gifts-in-kind to the Maltwood Gallery, please contact Martin Segger, 250-721-8298, email: msegger@uvic.ca.

Gifts of residual interest

There are many opportunities and tax advantages for you to give an art collection or your home to the University now, and continue to enjoy the use of the property for life. A gift of a residual interest in property is actually a gift of future interest, where you (the donor) retain a present interest.

For more information about Gifts of Residual Interest, please review this fact sheet.

Life insurance policies

A donation of a life insurance can be a small investment that yields large benefits. For example, a gift of life insurance premiums can be a way to leave a legacy in your name or that of a loved one, for a small after-tax cash investment. Donors have several options, including assigning an existing policy to the university, or making the university the beneficiary of a new policy. More details are provided on this fact sheet.

Gifts of shares

A donation of publicly listed securities - stocks, bonds, mutual fund units or shares- benefits the university in the same way as a gift of cash and can be directed to any fund. For the donor, a gift of securities may result in considerable tax benefits. Please consult this fact sheet for examples, and information on how to transfer shares to the university.

The Planned Giving office at the University of Victoria will be pleased to assist you with your estate and gift planning goals. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential.

Ms. Deborah Walker
Planned Giving Officer Phone: 250-721-8967
email:dgwalker@uvic.ca

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