Your gift to the Church helps so many

Charitable giving is seldom about the monetary amount or the transaction itself. Many Catholics see it as an act of stewardship, returning to God a portion of what He has given, with thoughtful planning helping make such gifts reach even farther. 

The Development Office of the Archdiocese of Toronto shared three simple principles that make the difference towards charitable giving bearing more fruit. As Nicholas Chow explained, giving early and praying over gifts made in life or through an estate, considering the kind of gift as carefully as the size and wording, and clearly stating each gift are often-overlooked ways to make the most out of charitable giving. 

“A lifetime of giving and a gift in your Will can work together. The kind of gift can matter as much as the amount, and unclear wording in a Will can get in the way of your good intentions,” the development coordinator shared with The Catholic Register. “We also encourage donors to seek good advice from an Ontario lawyer and a financial advisor, with the Archdiocese keeping a list of advisors who can help.”

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As he explains, good stewardship includes giving wisely, so that more of each gift reaches the ministry a person believes in. A gift of shares remains one of the simplest and most popular ways to give due to its tax efficiency. 

“In Canada, gifts of publicly traded shares to a registered charity are generally exempt from capital gains tax, and the donor or estate receives a receipt for the full value. Take a parishioner whose shares cost $10,000 and are now worth $110,000. If the shares are sold and the cash is donated, roughly $25,000 in capital gains tax would apply in this example, and the gift would be about $85,000. If the shares themselves are given, the full $110,000 goes to the charity,” Chow said. 

Those planning to give shares through their Will are encouraged to state so clearly, as timing and structure matter. While every situation is different, those interested in putting the office’s advice into practice are encouraged to speak with a lawyer or financial advisor; a gift in a Will will earn a tax receipt for a person's estate, which can have a favourable effect on their final tax return. Additionally, life insurance which names the Church directly goes straight to it, without being reduced by taxes and probate fees. 

As for more flexible or lesser-known ways Catholics can support Catholic ministries through their estates or lifetime gifts, Chow shared that one of the most overlooked options is naming a parish or ministry as the beneficiary, or backup beneficiary, of an RRSP, RRIF or life insurance policy — done via a simple form that does not require changing your Will.

“A gift does not have to stay with the parish, either. It can go to ShareLife, the Shepherds’ Trust, St. Augustine’s Seminary or St. Michael’s Choir School, and many people divide it among several. You also do not have to wait until the end of life, with some donors starting while they are living through regular parish giving, a tribute gift to mark a birthday, wedding or sacrament, a gift of life insurance or a donor-advised fund,” he said. 

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As always, those exploring charitable giving are encouraged to contact the Development Office with any inquiries, as sometimes even what seems to be the most valuable gift turns out to best stay right where it belongs.

“One donor offered a painting of the Crucifixion he believed was worth over a million dollars. The appraisal came back at $2,500, and he was glad to keep it on his wall. If you would like to explore any of these options, please contact the Development Office. All calls are confidential,” Chow said. 

The planned giving office can help donors align their specific charitable goals with both their personal financial situation and their faith priorities. 

“It usually begins with a conversation,” Chow said. “Every donor comes to us with a different story, and we start by listening to what matters most to them, in their faith and in their family. Our role is to guide, not to give tax or legal advice, so we point people to the right advisors.” 

The team is happy to share its estate planning guide, hold webinars and seminars and keep a list of Catholic lawyers and advisors on hand. Once a donor knows what they would like to do, the office helps with details, such as the correct legal name of the parish or charity for the Will, and a clause that lets a gift be used for a similar purpose if the original one becomes impossible.

Most importantly, the office conveys that it is never too early to think about charitable estate gifts and offers practical steps for when it is the right time to involve professional advisors. 

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“Pray about your plans, decide who you would trust as your estate trustee with a backup and as your attorneys for property and personal care, and talk with them first. Then reflect on what you want your legacy to say, including which parish or ministry you want to remember, and review the beneficiary designations on your RRSP, RRIF and life insurance, since these pass outside your Will,” Chow said. 

For help in getting started, visit https://www.archtoronto.org/pl/offices-and-ministries/social-justice--outreach/development-and-sharelife/home/, 

A version of this article appeared in the November 08, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Your gift to the Church helps so many".