When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
~Kahlil Gibran

AIDS Calgary is forever grateful for your contribution in memory of your loss. With your donation, we will continue to provide services directed at reducing the harm associated with HIV/AIDS in our community. Please follow this link to contribute online or you may mail in a cheque with our Printable Donation Form.

A Giving Circle is a circle of friends, family or coworkers that group their charitable donations together and collectively decide what charities to make a contribution to. Once a Giving Circle is formed it is important to commit to several years of philanthropy at a predetermined fundraising goal.

Giving Circles can fluctuate in size and charitable directions. Most Giving Circles are relaxed and casual. Often they are a group of friends or coworkers that have decided to direct their funds towards a specific cause or community need. Other Giving Circles are much larger and provide additional benefits such as providing learning opportunities (e.g. members of the Circle participate in grant writing and production of proposals).

Are you thinking about creating a Giving Circle ? Its fun, rewarding and most of all – Impactful! There are a few steps in creating a Giving Circle and AIDS Calgary Awareness Association would be excited to assist you.

In 2006, the federal government made changes to the annual budget benefiting Canadians that donate publicly traded securities (shares or mutual funds) directly to their charity of choice by eliminating the payment of capital gains tax on direct gifts.

This change provides a wonderful opportunity that may apply to you and benefit your favorite charity. AIDS Calgary has staff and volunteers that are here to assist you – please consider this as a way to give.

Below is an example of a contribution made of purchased shares contributed at maturity.

Action	Sold Shares	Donated funds
Purchase	$5,000	$5,000
Worth today	$25,000	$25,000
Capital Gain	$20,000	$20,000
50% Taxable Capital Gain	$10,000	0
Payable Tax 45%	$4,500	0
Tax Credit – 45% of donation	$11,250	$11,250
Remaining Tax credit – pay liability	$6,750	$11,250
Charitable Benefit	$25,000	$25,000
Benefit	$31,750	$36,250

A Planned Giving Program offered by AIDS Calgary in many ways optimizes the benefits of your charitable donation to both the charity and the donor. The option to plan a gift made through your Will and estate is a fantastic way to leave a legacy for friends, family and even strangers to remember you by. Bequests of money or property, gifts of life insurance, annuities and gifts of securities are some of the most common planned gifts. Your ability to give through this method must be discussed with a professional.

We recommend that you discuss your planned giving considerations with family members and friends. By doing this assures your beneficiaries that you have considered their well-being when planning your estate. In addition, please contact AIDS Calgary to confirm our legal name to be listed properly in your will.

The Importance of a Will?

Without a will your estate can be divided up by rules established by the law and your legacy and assets may not be distributed in the manner that you would have originally planned.

If you are considering leaving behind a legacy and securing a financial future for your family and friends, please contact us. We would like to assist you in getting in touch with professionals.

---