Special Olympics provides many sporting and competitive experiences for people in Ontario with intellectual disabilities. Working towards a common goal of achievement and accomplishment allows Special Olympics athletes to know that they can set goals in other areas of their lives, too – as students, employees, in their families and the larger community. Here are a few ways you can support our work:

Charitable Donations and Federal Tax Credits:

As a tax payer, you can claim up to 75% of your net income as donations except the year before or the year of your death, when 100% can be claimed.  You may also claim up to 100% of your net income when you donate certified cultural property or ecologically sensitive land.  The first $200 you donate is eligible for a federal tax credit of 15% of the donation amount.  Any amount over $200 is eligible for a 29% tax credit, to a maximum of 75% of your net income.

Donations must be made by December 31st if you want to claim them against your income for the current year.  However, you don’t have to claim all of the donations you make during the calendar year on your current year return.  Any donations that you don’t claim can be carried forward to claim on your return for any of the next five years (a carry forward).

When you claim a carry forward, you should attach a note to your return that includes the following:  the year of the return with which you submitted the receipt; the portion of the eligible amount you are claiming that year; and the amount (if any) you are carrying forward.  Keep in mind that you have to claim tax credits for gifts that you carried forward from a previous year before you claim tax credits for gifts in the current year.  You can find more information about qualified donees at www.cra-arc.gc.ca
 

Make a Gift in Honour of Someone
Looking for a way to acknowledge someone who has touched your life? Honour giving, where your gift is made as a tribute or memorial, is a meaningful way to appreciate the good someone’s done in your life. You will help a Special Olympics athlete experience the joy of competition, the thrill of achievement and the long-term benefits of physical activity.

Provide a Unique Wedding or Special Occasion Favour
When you’re planning your next big event, think about an “in lieu of” favour gift to Special Olympics. We’ll provide place cards for you to distribute to your guests, allowing you to honour your special day with a gift that will truly make a difference.

Celebrate an Event
Your friends and family might enjoy something a little more meaningful, like a donation to Special Olympics, where even a small amount can be enough to buy medals or uniforms for a team, high-quality/safe sports equipment, or professional training for a volunteer coach. Your gift can mark a loved one’s significant life event in a more distinctive way than a generic gift card.

12 months of the year, Special Olympics provides opportunities for people to come together and share aspirations, courage, and compassion. Every gift to Special Olympics creates a new hero who inspires hope in others.

Your gift can help make that happen in your community. Even the smallest gift can make a difference … why not make a difference today?

All funds are in Canadian Dollars.

For more information please contact our Donations Assistant: 1-888-333-5515 ext. 229.
 

OTHER WAYS TO GIVE:

Gifts of Securities:

Many charities rely on donations and sponsorship as their main sources of revenue in order to fund their cause and all other expenses.  In May, 2006 the Government of Canada significantly enhanced the tax treatment of donations to charities of publicly traded securities listed on the major indices. When individuals sell an appreciated stock, mutual fund or flow through shares, you are required to pay tax on 50 percent of the capital gain. However, if you donate securities to charity, you pay no capital gains tax. This makes appreciated stock one of the most cost effective ways to donate to Special Olympics Ontario. The donated security will be receipted for the market value of the security as determined by either the closing price or average of the high and low trading price on the day the security was acknowledged and received in the account of the charity. 

For more information call (416) 447-8326, toll free at 1-888-333-5515 or complete the online request form.

Planning a legacy in your will:

This is the most common type of planned giving.  There are a number of ways this can be accomplished in a will; (i) leave a designated dollar amount  (ii) leave a percentage of your estate and (iii) leave one’s whole estate.  It is advisable to discuss with a lawyer the mechanics of accomplishing this as part of your estate planning. 

AIR MILES Rewards Miles:

The Air Miles Rewards Program is proud to be a sponsor of Special Olympics.  By donating your Air Miles Rewards Miles to our organization, your donation will allow athletes and their coaches who travel to out of town competition to offset many of the associated expenses. These events allow athletes to qualify and travel to Provincial, National and International level competition.  To donate your Air Miles today click here or call (416) 447-8326 Ext. 229 or toll free at 1-888-333-5515 Ext. 229.   

Click here to donate your AIR MILES.

Gifts In Kind:

Special Olympics Ontario hosts many fundraising events and initiatives throughout the year.  Gifts in Kind are graciously received and allow us to offset associated costs.  If you are able to offer product in kind, please contact us at (416) 447-8326 and we will gladly make arrangements to collect your donation.