Other
Ways to Give

Charitable giving looks different today. Let’s explore what’s possible.

Cash may still be king in commerce—but when it comes to charitable giving, it’s no longer the only, or even the best, way to make an impact. As financial habits, assets, and planning tools evolve, so too do the options for supporting causes you care about.

At Alberta Ballet, we believe giving should reflect your life—not disrupt it. That’s why we offer a wide range of smart, flexible options for you to support our work. Whether you're early in your financial journey or actively managing an estate, there’s a way to give that aligns with your goals, your assets, and your values.

Download our
Top Ten Donor Insights Report

Financial Assets

Donate stocks, mutual funds, RRSPs, RRIFs, or TFSAs for maximum impact and tax savings.

Gifts of appreciated financial assets are one of the most tax-smart ways to support Alberta Ballet. You can reduce capital gains taxes, unlock more of your investment’s value, and leave a meaningful legacy.

What You Can Give:

  • Publicly traded securities

  • Registered accounts: RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs

  • Private company shares

  • Flow-through shares

How You Can Give:

    • Step 1: Contact us for our brokerage details and to complete a simple transfer form.

    • Step 2: Ask your financial advisor to initiate an in-kind transfer of securities to Alberta Ballet’s brokerage account.

    • Step 3: Receive a tax receipt for the full fair market value on the day of transfer.

    You pay no capital gains tax on the appreciated value.

    Donate Now through CanadaHelps

    • Step 1: Ask your financial institution to name Alberta Ballet as a full or partial beneficiary on your registered account(s).

    • Step 2: Let your advisor or executor know, and notify Alberta Ballet so we can acknowledge your gift.

    • Step 3: Upon death, Alberta Ballet receives the balance, and your estate receives a tax receipt.
      This can significantly reduce or eliminate estate taxes on these accounts.

    Tip: RRSPs and RRIFs are fully taxable in your estate unless directed to a spouse or charity. Naming Alberta Ballet helps offset or eliminate that tax.

    • Step 1: Speak with your accountant and legal advisor.

    • Step 2: Alberta Ballet must review and approve the structure, valuation, and sale process.

    • Step 3: An independent appraisal is required, and advance coordination is essential.

    Note: These gifts require advance planning and must comply with CRA rules.

  • Flow-through shares provide an initial tax deduction when purchased, and when donated, can generate a large charitable tax credit. For many high-income Canadians, this strategy can result in tax savings far greater than the original investment.

    1. Work with an experienced advisor or broker
      Flow-through shares are specialized investments. We recommend working with experts such as PearTree Canada — the country’s leading platform for flow-through share donations — to ensure your gift is structured for maximum tax efficiency.

    2. Calculate your exemption threshold
      Your threshold is generally the originalcost of your flow-through shares minus any capital gains already realized on past flow-through donations since March 22, 2011. Gains above your threshold will be taxable, but your tax receipt may still offset this cost.

    3. Transfer the shares in-kind
      Coordinate with your broker and Alberta Ballet (or PearTree) to donate the shares directly without selling. This ensures you qualify for capital gains exemptions up to your threshold.

    4. Get a qualified appraisal if needed
      An independent appraisal may be required for large donations to confirm fair market value and ensure CRA compliance.

    5. Receive your donation receipt
      Once the shares are transferred, Alberta Ballet will issue a tax receipt for the FMV on the day of donation.

    6. Claim your credits and file your taxes
      Apply your donation tax credit to reduce taxes owed — credits can offset up to 75% of net income in the year of the gift (and unused amounts can carry forward five years).

    Note: You do not need to consult Alberta Ballet to make this donation. PearTree will work directly with you on your gift. Contact them today: peartreecanada.com

Cash Giving

Still essential. Still powerful.

Cash donations continue to be a lifeline for Alberta Ballet. Whether you’re giving once, monthly, or annually, every dollar supports our performances, our artists, and our community programs.

You can make a cash donation online, by mail, or by phone. For many, this is the easiest and most familiar way to give—and it’s still deeply appreciated.

How You Can Give:

  • One-time cash donations are simple and powerful. Whether online, by cheque, or through a donor-advised fund, your gift supports the areas of greatest need or a program you designate.

    Steps to Give:

    1. Donate securely online [here]

    2. Or mail a cheque to Alberta Ballet, 141 - 18 Ave SW, Calgary T2S 0B8

    3. Choose to allocate your gift (if desired) or leave it unrestricted

    4. Receive your charitable tax receipt within 30 days

    Documentation:

    Tax receipt issued automatically for online donations

    For mailed cheques, ensure return address and donor name is included

  • Monthly donors provide stable funding Alberta Ballet can count on throughout the year. Even small monthly gifts add up to significant impact over time.

    Steps to Give:

    1. Visit our Monthly Giving page [here]

    2. Select “Monthly” under donation frequency

    3. Choose your amount and payment method (credit or debit)

    4. You’ll receive a single consolidated tax receipt at year-end

    Documentation:

    CRA-compliant annual receipt issued before February 28

  • Give every year—automatically. This option lets you set up a donation that recurs on the same date each year. Perfect for birthday giving, end-of-year generosity, or aligning your gift with Alberta Ballet’s season launch.

    Steps to Give:

    1. Visit our donation page (donate here)

    2. Select “Annually” under donation frequency

    3. Enter your donation details and select your billing date

    4. Each year, your gift will renew automatically unless you update or cancel

    Documentation:

    A receipt is issued each year on the day your gift is processed

  • Celebrate someone meaningful with a donation in their name. These gifts are a beautiful way to recognize a loved one while supporting a cause they care about.

    Steps to Give:

    1. Go to our donation page (donate here)

    2. Select “This gift is in honour or in memory of someone”

    3. Add recipient info if you’d like a card sent on your behalf

    4. Tax receipt issued to you (not the honouree)

    Documentation:

    Optional tribute card available

    Online receipt issued immediately

  • Double your impact. Many employers will match charitable donations. Some offer payroll deduction programs.

    Steps to Give:

    1. Ask your employer if they offer matching gifts or payroll donations

    2. Complete your company’s matching gift form (if applicable)

    3. Make your donation to Alberta Ballet through your workplace platform

    4. Let us know so we can ensure your match is applied

    Documentation:

    Alberta Ballet provides a charitable receipt for your portion of the gift

    Matching receipt will be provided by your employer or their platform

Life Insurance

Turn modest premiums into a powerful legacy.

A gift of life insurance allows you to make a significant impact at Alberta Ballet—often much larger than you could give in your lifetime—without affecting your current cash flow. It’s a flexible, accessible option for donors at all stages of life.

How You Can Give:

  • You stay in control of the policy, it’s easy to change or update, and it’s simple to arrange through your insurance provider. The receipt goes to your estate helping offset final taxes.

    • Step 1: Contact Alberta Ballet to let us know your intent. We’ll ensure your gift aligns with your goals and provide suggested beneficiary wording.

    • Step 2: Contact your insurance provider to request a Beneficiary Designation Form.

    • Step 3: Complete the form, naming “Alberta Ballet Company” as a full or partial beneficiary.

    • Step 4: Return the form to your insurer and provide Alberta Ballet with a copy for our confidential records.

    • Step 5: Update your will or estate plan to reflect this designation, if needed.

    Documents Alberta Ballet Can Provide:

    Sample beneficiary designation language

    Letter of intent template (optional)

  • You receive a charitable tax receipt annually for the premiums you pay. If it’s an existing policy with cash value, you may receive a receipt for that value today. Alberta Ballet receives the full benefit later, and you benefit now.

    • Step 1: Contact Alberta Ballet to discuss your goals and confirm we’re able to receive ownership of the policy.

    • Step 2: Request a Change of Ownership Form from your insurer.

    • Step 3: Complete the transfer form, naming Alberta Ballet as both owner and beneficiary.

    • Step 4: Continue paying premiums — and receive a charitable tax receipt for each payment.

    • Step 5: Notify us with copies of the documentation when the ownership transfer is complete, so we can issue receipts and steward your gift.

    Documents Alberta Ballet Can Provide:

    Charitable gift of insurance agreement (template)

    Sample language for ownership forms

    Annual receipt tracking sheet

  • Supports Alberta Ballet now, but protects your family’s inheritance. This can often be used in straightforward or complex estate plans or business succession.

    • Step 1: Contact Alberta Ballet to explore whether a major gift or legacy fits your current plans.

    • Step 2: Speak with your financial advisor or insurance agent about purchasing a life insurance policy for your heirs.

    • Step 3: Make your charitable gift now (e.g., of securities or property).

    • Step 4: Assign your heirs as beneficiaries of the new insurance policy.

    • Step 5: Ensure the entire plan is documented in your estate and financial planning files and provide updated copies to Alberta Ballet.

    Documents Alberta Ballet Can Provide:

    Major gift pledge agreement (if needed)

    Summary document for your financial advisor

  • Uses your group life insurance plan through your employee benefits by naming Alberta Ballet as a beneficiary. Makes it easy for those who don’t hold private policies

    • Step 1: Contact Alberta Ballet to express your interest and confirm we can receive the gift.

    • Step 2: Check with your HR or benefits provider about naming a charity as a beneficiary.

    • Step 3: Complete their beneficiary designation form, naming Alberta Ballet.

    • Step 4: Notify us once the change is confirmed with copies of the documentation, so we can recognize your future gift.

    Documents Alberta Ballet can provide:

    Sample group policy designation wording

Real Estate

Your property can build a legacy far beyond bricks and mortar.

Gifting real estate—such as a home, vacation property, rental unit, or land—can offer substantial tax benefits and create lasting impact. Whether given now or through your estate, real estate gifts reduce capital gains tax and provide a charitable tax receipt for fair market value.

How You Can Give:

  • Donate your property today and receive a full tax receipt.
    You transfer full legal ownership of a home, land, or other real estate to Alberta Ballet immediately. You receive a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value, and we assume responsibility for the property. This is the simplest and most direct form of real estate giving.

    Steps:

    • Start by contacting Alberta Ballet’s gift planning team. We’ll discuss your goals, assess gift feasibility, and provide information for your professional advisors.

    • Obtain an independent, qualified appraisal of your property’s fair market value for tax receipting purposes.

    • We conduct a due diligence review, including a title search, site inspection, and (if required) environmental assessment.

    • Enter into a formal Gift Agreement outlining terms of the donation and transfer.

    • Transfer title to Alberta Ballet through your lawyer. A charitable tax receipt is issued for the appraised value.

    Capital Gains Implications: You are deemed to have disposed of the property at fair market value, which may trigger capital gains tax on any appreciation. However, you receive a charitable tax receipt for the full value, which can help offset the tax. T4037 Capital Gains Guide – CRA

    Recommended Forms:

    Gift of Real Estate Agreement Template (provided by Alberta Ballet)

    Independent Property Appraisal (arranged by donor)

    Property Disclosure Form (completed jointly)

    Environmental Site Assessment (if applicable)

  • Keep living in your home while securing a tax benefit now.
    You legally transfer ownership of your property to Alberta Ballet today but retain the right to live in or use the property for the rest of your life (Gift of Residual Interest). You receive a tax receipt for the present value of the future gift, and we take full possession upon your passing or after a specified term.

    Steps:

    • Meet with Alberta Ballet’s gift planning team to explore whether a residual interest gift aligns with your plans.

    • We provide a sample Deed of Gift and walk through appraisal and legal requirements for your advisors.

    • Obtain a third-party appraisal of the present value of the residual interest (this is used for the tax receipt).

    • Execute a Residual Interest Agreement with Alberta Ballet and register it legally.

    • Continue living in or using the property. The title transfers to Alberta Ballet upon your death.

    Recommended Forms:

    Residual Interest Agreement Template (provided)

    Property Appraisal of Present Value of Future Interest (donor’s responsibility)

    Legal Counsel Acknowledgment Form (for all parties)

  • Keep earning income from your rental property—for life.
    You transfer a rental or income-producing property into a trust that names Alberta Ballet as the beneficiary (Charitable Remainder Trust CRT). You retain income from the asset during your lifetime and receive a tax receipt today for the present value of our future share. We receive the asset when the trust ends.

    Steps:

    • Contact Alberta Ballet to review your objectives and receive guidance for your financial and legal advisors.

    • Work with your professional advisor to establish a Charitable Remainder Trust and designate Alberta Ballet as the beneficiary.

    • Transfer ownership of the property into the trust. You retain income rights for life.

    • Submit an independent actuarial valuation of the remainder interest for charitable receipting.

    • The trust passes the property to Alberta Ballet after your death.

    Recommended Forms:

    CRT Template Language (for use by donor’s lawyer)

    Alberta Ballet CRT Intake Summary (for gift planning team records)

    Actuarial Valuation Report (donor’s responsibility)

  • Include your property in your will—no disruption today.
    You name Alberta Ballet in your will to receive a property upon your death. This allows you to retain full control and use during your lifetime, while creating future impact. Your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt, reducing probate and estate taxes.

    Steps:

    • Connect with Alberta Ballet to review the property and confirm its suitability before updating your will.

    • We can provide sample bequest language and coordinate with your legal representative if desired.

    • Work with your lawyer to include Alberta Ballet in your will as a beneficiary of the specified property.

    • Inform us of your bequest. This allows us to plan for the future and recognize your gift appropriately.

    • Upon your death, your estate transfers the property to Alberta Ballet and receives a charitable tax receipt.

    Recommended Forms:

    Sample Will Addendum or Bequest Language

    Notification of Planned Gift Form (optional, confidential)

    Gift Acceptance Pre-Review Form (used internally for suitability review)

  • Sell the property and donate some or all of the proceeds.
    If you’re not ready to donate a property directly, you can still make a meaningful impact by donating a portion of the proceeds from its sale. This option allows you to sell the property on the open market, realize its full value, and then contribute part or all of the net proceeds to Alberta Ballet. You’ll still be eligible for a charitable tax receipt based on the amount donated, and this approach may simplify the transaction while preserving flexibility. Whether it’s your intention to support us immediately or through a future estate plan, we can help coordinate the process and ensure your gift is recognized meaningfully.

    Steps

    • Start by speaking with Alberta Ballet to learn how your gift can be structured before listing the property.

    • Decide with your advisor how much of the proceeds you wish to donate and how the gift will be timed.

    • Complete the sale through your realtor and lawyer.

    • Transfer the proceeds (as a lump sum or multi-year pledge) to Alberta Ballet.

    • Receive a charitable tax receipt for the donated amount.

    Recommended Forms:

    Pledge Agreement Form (if gift spans multiple years)

    Gift Notification Letter (confirming donor intent)

    Donor Recognition Preferences Form

Gifts-in-Kind

Donating tangible assets such as artwork, equipment, vehicles, or other valuable property is a powerful way to support Alberta Ballet. Gifts-in-kind provide resources that we can use in our productions or fundraising, helping us save costs and enhance our performances. As a donor, you also benefit: Alberta Ballet is a registered charity, so your donated item is eligible for a charitable tax receipt equal to its fair market value. In other words, you can make a meaningful contribution and receive potential tax advantages for your generosity.

What You Can Give:

We gratefully accept a range of tangible goods. Below are the categories of in-kind gifts that donors can contribute to Alberta Ballet. Please note that, in most cases, these items will be sold or used by Alberta Ballet through private sales, auctions, raffles, or other fundraising activities to support our work.

  • Artwork & Collectibles

  • Vehicles & Machinery

  • Business & Office Equipment

  • Event & Auction Items (e.g. luxury goods, merchandise, travel experiences)

  • Cryptocurrency

How You Can Give:

  • Ready to donate a tangible item? Here are the clear steps to follow for gifts-in-kind donations. (Note: Alberta Ballet must review and approve all in-kind gifts before acceptance to ensure they meet our needs and guidelines.)

    • Step 1: Contact Alberta Ballet – Reach out to us to discuss your intended gift. The first step is to let our team know about the item you’d like to donate. We will provide initial guidance, answer any questions, and ensure the donation process starts off smoothly.

    • Step 2: Provide Item Details for Evaluation – Supply detailed information about your item (description, dimensions, condition, photos, history / provenance, etc.). Alberta Ballet will review these details to determine if we can accept the gift. Like all charities, we have guidelines on what gifts-in-kind we can accept, so we need to confirm the item aligns with our current needs and policies before giving formal approval.

    • Step 3: Obtain a Third-Party Appraisal (if required) – For valuable items (generally those worth over $1,000), you will need to get an independent professional appraisal to establish the item’s fair market value canada.ca. (According to CRA guidelines, donations of property over $1,000 should be professionally appraised by a qualified third party.) This appraised value will be used to issue your official tax receipt, ensuring it is accurate and compliant with Canada Revenue Agency rules.

    • Step 4: Finalize Approval & Paperwork – Once the gift is approved and its value confirmed, we will complete the necessary documentation to finalize the donation. Alberta Ballet may provide a formal gift agreement or acknowledgment letter for you to sign. For high-value or title-controlled goods, you might also need to sign transfer of ownership forms – for example, transferring the title of a vehicle or equipment to Alberta Ballet. These legal steps ensure the asset is officially transferred and accepted by our organization.

    • Step 5: Arrange Delivery & Receive Your Tax Receipt – With paperwork done, coordinate with Alberta Ballet to deliver the item or arrange for pick-up. We’ll work with you to make the logistics as easy as possible. After we receive the item, Alberta Ballet will issue your charitable tax receipt for the appraised fair market value of the gift. Keep this receipt for your records and tax filing purposes as it allows you to claim any eligible tax credits for your generous donation.

    Helpful Documentation:

    Gift-in-Kind Intake Form Gift

    Acceptance Letter Appraisal (if over $1,000)

    Ownership Transfer/Deed of Gift

    Gift Agreement (if needed)

Tax Receipts for In-Kind Gifts
In accordance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines, Alberta Ballet can issue an official tax receipt for eligible in-kind donations. To qualify, items must be independently appraised at Fair Market Value (FMV) by a qualified third party. The appraisal must be submitted in writing and accompany the gift. Alberta Ballet reserves the right to determine whether the gift aligns with our fundraising or operational priorities.

*Gifts of cryptocurrency like Bitcoin or Ethereum are treated as gifts of property by the CRA. If your crypto has appreciated in value, donating it directly can eliminate capital gains tax and provide a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value.

Learn more on the CRA website.