This booklet is a guide for those considering establishing a private foundation. Read it here.

Donors

Individual Donors

Hamilton Community Foundation makes it easy to direct your interests and passions towards related organizations and causes that need the most help. With more than 50 years of knowledge and experience behind us, we’re your best resource for giving back to the community!

How does HCF help me benefit the community?

HCF is essentially a collection of various types of gifts and donations, large and small, contributed by people from all walks of life. It’s structured to help donors make their community a better place - whether their interest centres on an area of specific concern like children, arts or the environment, or extends more generally across broader community needs.

Your gift to the community gives year after year because your donation is invested and  managed professionally, with the resulting income given out to the community each year to address the charitable priorities identified by you as a donor or by the Board of Directors working on your behalf.

When should you make a gift?

Although a large portion of the gifts to HCF are through bequests, more and more donors create gifts during their lifetime. Sometimes people start their fund with a small gift and add to it as they become comfortable with the process. Establishing a fund during your lifetime gives you a chance to truly see the difference your support makes in peoples lives!

What about my children's inheritance?

Donors sometimes ask how they’ll be able to both take care of family and support their community. One approach is to think of the community as another heir. After family and friends are taken care of, a donor can leave the residue of their estate to HCF. By doing so, their gift may also result in a tax benefit for the estate.

Whatever your interest or cause, HCF is here to help you establish a permanent fund or work to address community needs for generations. To learn more about making a gift to HCF in your will, please contact your professional advisor or our Vice President of Development in confidence at 905-523-5600.

Working with Hamilton Community Foundation

Learn how to create a fund.

View the types of funds available.

Advantages to Gifts of Securities

Canada Revenue Agency rules eliminate tax on capital gains of transfers of marketable securities.