There are so many ways to support the Foundation. While we welcome monetary gifts of any size (by cash, cheque, credit card and interact), we also welcome legacy gifts, ‘in-kind’ gifts of goods and services, event support and, of course, the gift of time!

Foundation volunteers can help us achieve our goals through identification and research of potential donors, donor stewardship, campaign assistance and event support. Please get in touch with us at development@bgcvic.org if you can provide help in any of these areas.

Gifts can be made on a one-time basis or in the form of a pledge over several years. Multi-year pledges help provide more stability to programs by ensuring cash flow. We endeavour to provide appropriate public recognition if so desired, however, we respect the rights of our supporters with regard to anonymity.

Operating Fund - We have an on-going need for operating funds, which can be directed to a program of your interest or left undesignated.

Endowment Fund - Monies directed to our endowment fund remain intact with only the interest earned being expended. There are a number of options to explore for individuals or businesses wishing to establish a named fund:

Unrestricted Named Fund ($5,000 minimum) - The donor may select an appropriate name by which the fund is known. A fund of this type provides the Foundation with a great deal of flexibility in deciding where the income can be used most effectively.

Donor Designated Named Fund ($10,000 minimum) - Donors may name the fund as desired and designate the program or area of interest to which the income from the fund will be applied each year. For example, The Mel Cooper Fund for Youth Leadership provides support for youth leadership initiatives. The Betty Hansen Memorial Fund provides small grants to either recognize individuals who have made a significant volunteer contribution or for projects that further volunteerism in some way.

A donor may wish to establish a named fund to completely underwrite the operating costs of a program and a sufficient capital investment would then be determined based on a realistic rate of return. The entire fund does not have to be established with one gift but may be started with an initial gift of 20% with the balance to be paid over the next four years, for example.

Donations less than $5,000 can still be made to the general endowment fund, the Our Children-Our Future Fund, or directed to one of the existing funds, eg. The Mel Cooper Fund for Youth Leadership.  Again, the principal remains intact and only the income expended.

Capital Funds - Capital funds are needed for a variety of purposes - from ongoing building maintenance to the purchase of vehicles or major equipment or to the expansion or establishment of new buildings.  For example, we are currently seeking additional capital funding for a new kitchen at our Metchosin Camp.  Plans are being developed to renovate our Yates Street facility to allow better use of the great space this building has.  Support for this project is very welcome.

Gifts-in-Kind - New or good used gifts-in-kind are gratefully appreciated. Please call ahead to confirm the need. For larger donations we issue tax receipts for the fair market value of the gift.

Legacy Gifts - Leaving a bequest to the Boys & Girls Club Services of Victoria is simple and involves no immediate cost to you. You can make a gift of a specific sum of money, personal property, real estate or a gift of a percentage, or all, of the residue of your estate.

Gifts of Securities - The federal budget of May 2006 eliminated capital gains tax on gifts of publicly traded securities to public charities.  Publicly traded securities are all securities listed on Canadian and major international exchanges.  This includes stocks, trust units, exchange-traded funds, warrants, etc., as well as mutual fund units and bonds.  The donation must be an "in kind" transfer of the security itself, not the cash proceeds of the sale of the security.  The transfer is best made electronically from the donor's investment account to the charity's custody or brokerage account.

Life Insurance Policies - Through relatively small premiums, a life insurance policy enables you to assist the Foundation with a substantial gift that otherwise might be beyond your resources. This type of gift can be independent of a will and does not deplete your estate or deprive your heirs. Such a gift may be directed toward a specific purpose selected by you or transferred to our endowment fund.

If you assign a new or an existing policy to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Victoria Foundation, you will receive tax receipts for the value of the policy and for subsequent premium payments. Insurance proceeds are contractual in nature and do not fall within your estate, so you can avoid probate fees and other taxes. Alternatively, you can direct proceeds from an insurance policy to the Foundation through your will. Tax receipts go to your estate.

In either a new or existing policy, there are increased charitable tax benefits to the donor if the Foundation is made both the beneficiary and registered owner.

Workshop or Event Sponsorships
These are areas where local businesses would have the opportunity to demonstrate their support for their community by sponsoring workshops and other events. Depending on the level of support, the workshop or event could carry the donor's company name and logo and would be included all advertisements. Our signature annual event is Monopoly Madness. See www.monopolymadness.ca for more information.

These are some examples of the various ways that you can help Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Victoria Foundation. This is not, by any means, an exhaustive list. An individual is just that - an individual. Each of us has a vision on how they wish to help their community. We hope that you will contact us to determine if there is a way that we can help you realize your vision while you help us realize ours!

Please contact Kate Mansell, Director of Development, at 250-478-3872 or 250-384-9133.