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Support YUL > How to donate

How to donate

Making a Donation to the York University Libraries

How can I make a donation?

 Gifts from individuals, corporations, or foundations help us build stronger collectons and create more wired study spaces for students to read online materials and complete assignments in safe and comfortable library settings. Other donations help us develop and provide access to more online services and collections that are available to students and faculty anywhere and at any time. Every contribution makes a difference. York University Libraries can accept your gifts by any of the mean s described below.

Cheque or money order

 If you wish to make your donation to the York University Libraries using a cheque or money order, please make cheques and money orders payable to York University Foundation, and mail the cheque or money order to:

York University Foundation

West Office Building

4700 Keele Street Toronto,

ON M3J 1P3

Please indicate that you wish to make your donation to the York University Libraries.

If you would prefer to make a cash donation, please deliver your gift of cash in person to the York University Foundation Office . Please do not send cash in the mail.

Credit card

 If you wish to use your credit card to make a donation, please call our pledge line (416) 650-8210 and make your donation over the phone.

Monthly giving and payroll deductions

If you wish to donate monthly, there are several options:

  • You may donate a specific amount monthly on your credit card.
  • You may donate through monthly automatic bank withdrawals.
  • If you are a faculty or staff member of York University, you may set up monthly payroll deductions. Your donations will continue until you inform us of a change.

For more information on monthly donations, please contact the York University Foundation office Tel: (416) 650-8245 .

Gifts-in-kind

Do you have a valuable collection of books or memorabilia? If so, you may be able to make a gift-in-kind donation. Gifts-in-kind are eligible for the same kinds of tax benefits and recognition as other gifts to York Libraries; however, the gift must undergo an assessment procedure. A receipt for tax purposes is then issued for current fair market value. If you are interested in giving a gift-in-kind, please contact the York University Foundation Tel: (416) 650-8245 who will put you in contact with the appropriate library department.

Securities & shares

Gifts of securities or shares are ideal donations for individuals who have much of their finances tied up in investments. York University Libraries are happy to accept donations of securities or shares. The tax benefits of this type of gift – especially if the shares have appreciated significantly – can be surprisingly high. For more information about giving shares or securities, or to discuss a project or program you are interested in, please contact the York University Foundation office.

Insurance policies

Insurance policies enable you to make a significant, lasting gift to the York University Libraries, with minimal outlay of current savings or income. By taking out a life insurance policy with the York University Libraries designated as the beneficiary, you will receive a tax receipt for the policy premiums you pay each year. When you pass away, the proceeds from the policy will go to York University, towards a project or fund you personally have selected. For more information about making the York University Libraries a life insurance beneficiary, or to discuss a project or program you would like to help establish, please contact the York University Foundation office.

Bequests and wills

You can choose to leave some or all of your estate to the York University Libraries. This could include money, investments, property, real estate or other parts of your estate. By indicating your wish to donate in your will, you can make a substantial gift that will not encroach on your current lifestyle. By working with York’s Estate Planning experts, you can maximize the tax benefits of your donation, and ensure that your contribution is dedicated to a project that is particularly meaningful to you. For more information about including the York University Libraries in your will, or to discuss a project or program you would like to help establish, please contact the York University Foundation office.

Charitable remainder trusts

A charitable remainder trust enables you to do three things: leave a planned gift, realize some tax benefits from that gift, and play a role in determining how that gift will be utilized. Entering into a trust agreement essentially leaves a significant gift to York University Libraries while you are still alive. The actual gift – or capital – has been legally promised to the Libraries as part of your estate, but you still receive the income on that capital, such as interest on its investment. You will also receive a tax receipt for the donation immediately, which can be applied toward current and future income. Meanwhile, you will have access to York’s Estate Planning experts to help you maximize tax benefits and ensure your contribution is dedicated to a project that is particularly meaningful to you. For more information about including the York University Libraries in your charitable remainder trust, or to discuss a project or program you would like to help establish at the Library, please contact the York University Foundation office.

Gift Plus Annuity Plan

The Gift Plus Annuity Plan combines your gift to the York University Libraries with an annuity which YUL purchases on your behalf through a licensed insurance company. Your guaranteed annuity payments will continue throughout your lifetime, unaffected by changes in the economy or interest rates. If you wish, the annuity can be written to cover you and your spouse through your lifetimes. The exact amount of your annuity will depend on your age, the size of your contribution and the annuity rates in effect at the time of your gift. Depending on your age, a portion of your annuity payments will be tax-free. Older individuals will receive entirely tax-free payments plus a donation receipt. The portion of your contribution not required for the annuity will be used by the York University Libraries as you direct. It could be put to immediate use or invested until it grows to equal your original contribution. To discuss a project or program you would like to help establish, please contact the York Foundation office.

Corporate matching gifts

Many companies encourage their employees to contribute to charities by offering a “matching gift” program. This means the company will donate funds equal to your contribution to the same fund, effectively doubling the gift. Check with your employer to see if they offer a charitable gift-matching program.

In memoriam

If you would like to honour the memory of a friend, family member, professor or colleague who has passed away, a memorial gift to the York University Libraries is often an appropriate method. To discuss memorial giving options and opportunities, please contact the Chief Development Officer for York University Libraries.

In honour

“In Honour” gifts are meaningful ways to make a donation to recognize an individual or couple. The most common in honour donations are made on occasions such as 50th wedding anniversaries, birthdays, retirements, or other major milestone life events in someones life. Donations can be made for any reason to honour someone who has made an impact on your life. To discuss in honour gift options and opportunities at the York University Libraries, please contact the Chief Development Officer for York University Libraries.

Useful Links

 York University Foundation