Non-cash gifts can help out your parish as much as a monetary donation

When making a donation to the Church in your will, remember that what you leave behind doesn’t necessarily have to be monetary.

Non-cash gifts, referred to as gifts in kind, can include stamps, coins, art, musical instruments, real estate, an old car, jewellery, books or computers, according to information published on the archdiocese of Toronto’s development office web site.

These may be gifts used in day-to-day parish activity that enhance spiritual development or help the Catholic community.

“At this time, many parishioners are also considering gifting Air Miles, points from credit cards and affinity programs,” reads the information.

A sacred space committee looks at what can and cannot go into a Church according to canon law. The committee is made up of clergy and lay people educated in canon law, art and architecture.

And since not all items left to the archdiocese in wills can be used in parishes, one of two things will happen. They will either provide the item to your designated parish or charity or the item will be sold and the funds will be sent to the parish or charity of your choice.

Canada Revenue Agency guidelines state that charitable donation receipts for gifts in kind are calculated using the fair market value of the property. And depending on the value of the item, it may need to be professionally appraised.

At this point, all funds will be sent to the parish or charity in its entirety.

“The archdiocese of Toronto, our churches and charities do not charge fees or take any commissions of any kind on the processing of gifts in kind,” according to the development office’s policy statement on gifts in kind.

For more information on planned giving to the archdiocese of Toronto, call 1-800-263-2595 or see www.archtoronto.org/development/business.htm.