There are many ways to give to the University of Ottawa. Whether it is a one-time or monthly gift, an annual gift, a corporate gift or a gift for tomorrow, we can help you figure out what works best for you.
Campus Campaign – It take a campus...
Faculty, Support Staff and Retirees
Campus Campaign is a grassroots fundraising initiative that seeks to engage faculty, support staff and retirees.
The campaign provides an opportunity for the University community to come together to make a genuine and appreciable difference in the lives of students through the unique projects and initiatives that have been established by uOttawa employees.
Although Campus Campaign runs during the months of March and April each year, gifts may be donated at any time. Faculty, staff and retirees have the option of donating directly through payroll deduction, automatic bank withdrawal or even by mailing in a cheque.
For more information visit Campus Campaign, phone us at 613-562-5800 ext. 3417 or email us at campuscampaign@uOttawa.ca.
Give NowAnnual Giving
Annual gifts strengthen every single area of the University of Ottawa, including faculty teaching and research, infrastructure, student programs, scholarships and overall student experience.
You can direct your sustainable annual gift — of any size — to the faculty, service or project of your choice. Whether it is a one-time or monthly gift, it helps to ensure that the University continues to meet student needs.
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There are a number of ways to give to the University of Ottawa on an annual basis:
- Making an on-line gift
- Replying to a mail appeal
- Responding to a call from a student at our call centre
- Making a class gift
No matter what amount you give, all gifts received through the Annual Fund make a significant impact.
If you have any questions about donating to the University of Ottawa, please call 1-888-352-7222 or send an email to annualfund@uOttawa.ca.
Give NowBequests
Leave a lasting gift by setting up a bequest, a gift to the University included in your will. This lets you support our students, researchers and innovative programs far into the future.
Your will must:
- show that you clearly intend to make the bequest to the University of Ottawa;
- expressly state the type of bequest and the purpose.
Types of bequests
There are three types of bequests:
- Residual: a gift of all or a percentage of the residue of your estate after gifts to other beneficiaries.
- Specific: a gift of a specific amount of money or specific property (for example: gifts-in-kind, securities, life insurance, RRSPs).
- Contingent: a gift of all or a share of your estate in the event of the prior death of other beneficiaries or if certain conditions have been met.
When you make a bequest, you can do one of the following:
- Leave it to the University or a faculty for its general priority needs.
- Restrict the bequest to a specific purpose.
- Designate the bequest to an existing fund, scholarship or bursary.
Sample bequest wording:
Residual bequest
I direct my executors or trustees to deliver, pay or transfer (the residue of my estate or __ % of the residue of my estate) to the University of Ottawa in the City of Ottawa, Province of Ontario, Canada for its priority needs.
Specific bequest
I direct my executors or trustees to deliver, pay or transfer (the sum of $__) or (x number of shares of Xco) to the University of Ottawa in the City of Ottawa, Province of Ontario, Canada, for its priority needs.
Contingent bequest
If (insert name of person) predeceases me, I direct my executors or trustees to deliver, pay or transfer (the sum of $__) or (x number of shares of Xco) or (the residue of my estate or __% of the residue of my estate) to the University of Ottawa in the City of Ottawa, Province of Ontario, Canada for its priority needs.
For reference the University of Ottawa Charitable Registration Number is B/N 11927 8877RR0001
Changes to use of the bequest
The University’s needs may change, and it may therefore become impossible or impractical to carry out a particular use of a bequest. We strongly recommend that bequests with conditions or restrictions associated with them also include wording to authorize the University of Ottawa to make changes to the use of the bequest within the spirit and intent of the gift.
Example:
If circumstances make the specified use of my gift no longer practical or desirable, the University of Ottawa is hereby authorized to make changes in its use as it deems most beneficial for the University of Ottawa while adhering as closely as possible to the spirit and general intent of the gift.
Seeking legal or other professional advice
When drafting your will and considering your estate plans, we recommend that you seek legal or other estate planning or financial professional advice.
This document is not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. Examples of bequest clauses are provided for general information purposes only. They may be modified by your lawyer or other professional adviser to suit your personal circumstances.
Contact us
We strongly encourage you to meet with our Planned Giving Team to learn about programs and innovations at the University of Ottawa.
Please contact us at 613-562-5800 ext. 3440 or toll free: 1-888-352-7222 or by email at heritage@uOttawa.ca
Thank you for considering leaving a legacy to the University of Ottawa.
Give NowWill preparation discount for alumni
Thinking about including the University of Ottawa in your will? The following estate lawyers (and uOttawa graduates) offer discounts:
Ottawa Region
Antoine Merizzi, LLB '01
McGuinty Law Offices, Barristers & Solicitors
1192 Rockingham Avenue
Ottawa ON K1H 8A7
Tel. 613-526-3858
Fax: 613-526-3187
a.merizzi@mcguintylaw.ca
Alicia Natividad, BA, LLB '81
Barrister & Solicitor
814 - 116 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G3
Tel. 613-566-7045
Fax: 613-566-7086
asn@anatividad.ca
John E. Johnson, LLB '72
Nelligan O'Brien Payne
50 O'Connor Street, Suite 1500
Ottawa ON K1P 6L2
Tel. 613-231-8253
Fax: 613-788-3653
john.johnson@nelligan.ca
James Shields, LLB '68
Shields & Hunt Central Park Office
68 Chamberlain Avenue
Ottawa ON K1S 1V9
Tel. 613-728-8504
jshields@shields-hunt.com
Vladimir Hajtol, JD '11
Connolly Nichols Allan & Snelling LLP
303 Terry Fox Drive, Suite 104
Kanata ON K2K 3J1
Tel. 613-270-8600 ext. 226
Fax: 613-270-0900
vhajtol@compellingcounsel.com
Gatineau
Véronique Chénard-Thériault, LL.L '04
Thériault & Chénard-Thériault
45 Jeanne d'Arc Street
Gatineau QC J8Y 2H3
Tel. 819-770-8880
vctheriault@notarius.net
Toronto Region
Henri J. Charlebois, LLB '75, Burlington
Hastings & Charlebois
3513 Mainway Drive
Burlington ON L7M 1A9
Tel. 905-332-1888
Fax: 905-332-0021
hjcharlebois@hclawyers.ca
Barry S. Corbin, LLB '80, Toronto
Corbin Estates Law
393 University Avenue, Suite 2000
Toronto ON M5G 1E6
Tel. 416-593-4200
Fax:416-593-1352
barry.corbin@corbinestateslaw.com
Rahul Kesarwani, LLB '92, Toronto
Kesarwani Law Office
3817 Bloor Street West
Toronto ON M9B 1K7
Tel. 647-349-8300
Fax:416-237-0458
rahul@legal-solutions.ca
Barry E. Smurlick, LLB '70, Hamilton
Schreiber & Smurlick
1219 Main Street East
Hamilton ON L8K 1A5
Tel. 905-545-1107
If you are an estate lawyer who is a University of Ottawa graduate and are interested in participating in this program, kindly contact heritage@uOttawa.ca.
For more information about the wording to be used in your will, or if you would like to learn more about giving through your estate, please contact 613-562-5800 ext. 3269 or heritage@uOttawa.ca.
Corporate Giving
The University of Ottawa has a long history of building mutually beneficial relationships with companies of all sizes, in a variety of capacities.
We provide ready access to expert faculty and staff, talented undergraduate and graduate students, and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as opportunities to get involved with philanthropic activities that have a lasting impact on our society. We invite you to explore the numerous ways to partner with us:
Research
As a top 10 Canadian research university, uOttawa is working on the frontiers of virtually every field, making us top of mind for industry and government when they seek special expertise and fresh insight. Our Technology Transfer and Business Enterprise (TTBE) office staff are experts at helping you find the right program or partnership for your company's research needs.
Give NowEducation and skills training
The University of Ottawa prides itself on preparing its students to find their place in the world. Opportunities to be involved in career fairs, recruitment campaigns or co-op programs give your company access to incredible students trained by world-class professors and researchers.
The Career Services and Co-operative Education staff can work with you to plan your recruitment strategy.
Give NowCorporate giving
Like many other universities, the University of Ottawa relies upon support from the private sector to sustain its research and educational programming, as well as to enrich the student experience.
We know that giving back to the community is important to you as a company. There are many ways you can give: cash, stocks and securities and gifts-in-kind . You can direct your support to a faculty, department, special project or a Campaign for the University of Ottawa strategic priority Destination 2020. You can also create a matching gifts program for your employees Matching Gifts.
Give NowEvent sponsorship and community building
Companies can sponsor events or special promotions. Businesses that have partnered with the University of Ottawa over the years have found that their own brand is made stronger by association. We work with corporations to ensure that agreements will both meet the goals of the business and the needs of the University. We can help you connect with the right audience, whether it's a specific group or those at University-wide events.
Our office would be pleased to assist in helping you build a partnership with the University. Please contact us at corporations@uOttawa.cawith any questions or inquiries.
Give NowGifts in Kind
Gifts-in-kind are gifts of property other than cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. They may include gifts of supplies, equipment, books or artwork.
Please note that gifts-in-kind are accepted at the discretion of the University of Ottawa, depending upon whether the gift contributes to the mission of the University.
In order to determine the appropriateness of the gift, the Development Office may consult with the relevant faculty, service or section. Ultimately the final decision regarding whether or not to accept a gift-in-kind resides with the Administrative Committee of the University. For gifts of art, the final decision resides with the Advisory Committee on the Acquisition of Works of Art (ACWA).
If your gift is accepted, you will receive a tax-creditable receipt for its fair market value, determined through an appraisal process.
Gifts of $1,000 or less
If the gift has a value of $1,000 or less, the Canada Revenue Agency will accept a valuation done by a staff member of the University, providing that he or she is knowledgeable in the field and is qualified to appraise the object at its fair market value.
Gifts greater than $1,000
For gifts-in-kind greater than $1,000, the donor must provide a recognized independent appraiser to perform the valuation. Upon receipt of the valuation, the University will secure the services of a second independent appraiser to assess the value.More information about gift-in-kind policies can also be found at the following links:
- ◦ Gifts-in-kind policy - http://web5.uottawa.ca/admingov/procedure_41-1.html
- ◦ Naming policy - http://web5.uottawa.ca/admingov/procedure_41-1.html
- ◦ Non-expendable endowment funds policy - http://web5.uottawa.ca/admingov/policy_111.html
If you are considering making a gift-in-kind, please contact heritage@uOttawa.ca.
Give NowGifts of Securities
Donate securities directly to the University to avoid paying the capital gains tax on your investments.
Current legislation in Canada allows you to donate publicly traded securities, mutual funds and bonds to registered charities without having to pay capital gains tax. (To avoid paying capital gains tax, the securities must be transferred directly to the University and not cashed first.)
Advantages
- Donors benefit from excellent tax incentives.
- The tax receipt reflects the value of the shares on the day of transfer to uOttawa.
- If a donor's charitable credits for the year exceed the standard 75% of net income, the donor may carry the excess tax credits forward for up to five years.
To make a gift of securities to the University of Ottawa
- Contact your broker to initiate the transfer of securities.
- Complete our gift of securities form and mail, fax or email it to
University of Ottawa, Development Office
190 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5
Fax:613-562-5127
securities@uOttawa.ca
Life Insurance
A gift of life insurance enables you to make a significant, lasting contribution to the University of Ottawa at a modest cost, while providing attractive tax advantages.
Immediate tax advantages
If purchasing a new policy: By making the University the owner and beneficiary of the policy, you receive immediate tax-creditable receipts for any premiums paid.
If transferring an existing policy: By making the University the owner and beneficiary of the policy, you receive an immediate tax-creditable receipt for the policy's cash surrender value.
Deferred tax advantages
When you name the University as the policy's beneficiary, your estate is entitled to receive a tax-creditable receipt. The gift remains outside of the estate and is not subject to probate fees.
RRSPs and RRIFs
You can name the University of Ottawa as beneficiary of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF).
The value of your retirement plan is taken out of your estate, which can greatly reduce the tax owing on your final tax return to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Due to recent tax changes, it is no longer necessary to designate the recipient charity in your will; * just sign a declaration with your financial institution specifying the University as a beneficiary.
- Please note that if you are a resident of the Province of Quebec, beneficiaries of your RRSPs and RRIFs can only be designated through a clause in your will.
For more information on gifts of insurance, REER or RIFF please contact 613-562-5800 ext. 3440 or email heritage@uOttawa.ca.
Matching Gifts
Make your gift go even further by making it part of a matching gifts program. Corporate and government funded programs can enable your gift to be doubled and sometimes even tripled.
Employer matching gift programs
Employer matching gift programs allow employees and corporations to join together and enhance their charitable giving. Companies have various methods for matching gift request submissions, including online forms and paper forms that you submit to the University of Ottawa.
An increasing number of corporations or corporate foundations are providing matching gift programs for their employees, doubling or even tripling donations. Some companies also match gifts made by employee spouses, retirees, widows, widowers and board members.
How to take part
- To find out if your company has a matching gift policy:
- If your company has a matching program, you may be able to access the necessary forms directly through your search.
- Complete the following two steps in the order indicated for your company:
- Submit your proof of donation to your human resources office
- Return a completed matching gift form to
University of Ottawa
Attention: Annual Giving
190 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa ON K1N 6N5
If you have any questions about matching gifts, please contact the University of Ottawa Development Office at 1-888-352-7222 or email annualfund@uOttawa.ca.
American Friends
Many graduates of the University of Ottawa have taken up temporary or permanent residence in the United States. These alumni continue to have a strong commitment to supporting the University of Ottawa and may wish to benefit from a tax deduction on their American tax return.
Income Tax Convention
The Canadian-U.S. Income Tax Convention (also known at the "Tax Treaty") allows charitable income tax deductions under the following conditions:
- Under Article XXI (5) of the Treaty, a U.S. donor may make a contribution to a Canadian college or university at which the donor, or a member of the donor's family, is or was enrolled ("qualifying university"). Your family members for this purpose are your brothers and sisters (whether by whole or half-blood, or by adoption), spouse, ancestors, lineal descendants and adopted descendants. The usual U.S. donation limits still apply.
- The donor has income earned in Canada and the gift is to a registered Canadian charity that would have a similar status if it were located in the U.S. In this case, the gift is deductible against the Canadian source income, subject to U.S. percentage limitations.
Friends of the University of Ottawa
If neither you nor any of your family members have ever been enrolled at the University of Ottawa, you can still make a donation through the Friends of the University of Ottawa and be eligible for a charitable tax deduction on your United States income tax return.
Friends of the University of Ottawa is an independent charity organized in the United States that works to advance the University by supporting special projects approved by its board of directors.
To qualify for a United States charitable contribution tax receipt, gifts to the Friends of the University of Ottawa must be unconditional. You may, if you wish, make a recommendation on how your gift will be used to advance the University. To take advantage of this option, please make your cheque payable to the "Friends of the University of Ottawa" and send it to
Friends of the University of Ottawa
c/o Roha & Flaherty
1725 I Street N.W., Suite 300
Washington, D.C. 20006-2423
Important considerations
The Tax Treaty and the tax laws are very clear with respect to the tax treatment of outright gifts of cash and cash bequests across the Canada/U.S. border.
Charitable bequests
United States law allows for American donors to leave charitable bequests to a Canadian charity such as the University of Ottawa and receive the same tax benefits as for a charitable bequest to an American charity, provided that the Canadian charity, if situated in the U.S., would qualify as a charitable organization.
However, certain types of charitable donations require special consideration:
Gifts of appreciated securities
If a donor owns the securities for more than one year, the donor is eligible for a tax deduction equivalent to the current value of the securities, and is not taxed on the resulting capital gain (the difference between the current value and the original purchase price). If the securities have been owned for less than one year, the donor is still not taxed on the gain but the deduction is limited to the adjusted cost base.
Gifts of life insurance
If ownership of a life insurance policy is transferred irrevocably to a qualifying charity organized in the United States or to a Canadian university under the above discussed tax treaty, the donor receives a tax deduction for either the replacement value (for a paid up policy) or for the cash surrender value (for a policy for which premium payments are still being made). In the case of the policy where premiums are still being paid, the donor also receives a tax deduction for the value of the annual premiums. In the case of a new policy turned over immediately to the university, the donor can deduct the value of the premium paid to put the policy in place as well as all subsequent premium payments. If the premiums are paid to the charity, the donor is entitled to a charitable contribution deduction up to fifty percent of the donor's adjusted gross income (if the gift is to a university or other public charity). If the premiums are paid directly to the insurance company, the law is less clear; in this circumstance, the gift may be deemed a gift "for the benefit" of a charity, and may thus be deductible only up to thirty percent of the donor's adjusted gross income.
As in Canada, should the death benefits of a life insurance policy be transferred directly to the university, the donor's estate may use the resulting tax receipt to offset estate tax payable on the donor's estate tax return.
Charitable remainder trusts
A charitable remainder trust pays an annual income for the life of the donor. It provides an immediate income tax charitable deduction for the present value of the remainder interest going to a university or other public charity. As well, if the trust is funded with appreciated property, the donor pays no tax on the capital gain. The trust, which because of its charitable status is tax exempt, may sell the asset, reinvest the proceeds of the sale and also pay no tax on the gain. For this reason it is most common to transfer highly appreciated assets, which have been providing little or no income to the donor.*
*Please note:
An American donor who creates a charitable remainder trust to benefit the University of Ottawa must name the Friends of the University of Ottawa as the remainder beneficiary.
To ensure that your outright cash or planned gift meets the requirements for an American tax deduction, or to arrange a confidential conversation or meeting, please contact
University of Ottawa
Development Office
190 Laurier Avenue East
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5
Canada
Tel. 1-888-352-7222
Fax: 1-613-562-5127
This information is general in nature. It does not constitute legal or financial advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. We strongly encourage you to seek professional legal, estate planning and/or financial advice before deciding upon your course of action.
Donor Bill of Rights
Philanthropy is a tradition of giving, sharing and improving quality of life.
Rights and PoliciesContact us
University of Ottawa
Development Office
190 Laurier Avenue East (Map)
Ottawa, ON
K1N 6N5
Canada
Toll-free: +1 888-352-7222
Fax:: +1 613-562-5127
annualfund@uOttawa.ca
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