Why Give

Our region is a natural paradise with many warm and lively communities. We are all very fortunate to live here. Giving back to your community through the Sunset Community Foundation can be very rewarding. Your donations enable us to make more grants to local charities, supporting projects that help the most vulnerable and build new opportunities for all.  Gifts through the Foundation become part of a permanent fund that continues to give year after year.  It’s a way to make a difference in your community, now and for many years to come.

Here are some reasons to give to the Sunset Community Foundation:

  • We permanently invest donations, using the income to support all kinds of great community projects.
  • We started with $1.5 million in 2000. We now hold $3 million. And we’ve granted almost $2 million to local charities!
  • Our admin fees are under 2% annually.
  • The money stays in our region, helping those who need it most.
  • We understand community needs, and make grants, large and small, where they will have the most impact.
  • We work with donors to help them live their values and realize their philanthropic goals.
  • We support everything from education and sport to poverty reduction and the environment.
  • Your gift is pooled with others to reduce costs and maximize returns.
  • We are professional, transparent, and accountable stewards.
  • You will be making a difference now and forever, helping us build stronger, healthier, and more equitable communities for all.

South Huron Community Fund

If you live in South Huron, you’ll want to contribute to the South Huron Community Fund, a rapidly growing fund that supports activities and services in Exeter and area. GBCF provides administrative and investment services, to help SHCF grow. 

How to Give

Here are some ways you can make a big impact for less than you think. Check out our , or keep reading.

  1. Cash
    Perhaps you have just sold your house or business, retired, or marked some other life milestone. This may be a good time to make a once-in-a-lifetime donation to your community. Keep in mind that tax benefits reduce the real cost of your gift by as much as 50%. You can use the credits in the year of your gift or carry it forward for up to five years.
  2. RRSP/RRIF
    You can name the Foundation the beneficiary of an RRSP or RRIF. Your estate will receive a tax receipt for the full amount of the donation. Or if you don’t need the income, you can donate RRIF payments, knowing the charitable tax receipt will offset the tax payable.
  3. Publicly traded securities
    When you donate appreciated stocks, bonds and mutual funds, you receive a charitable tax receipt for the full market value on the day of transfer. As with any cash gifts, the tax savings can be significant. In addition, you don’t pay tax on any capital gains (increase in value from the time of purchase) when you give securities.
  4. Bequests
    When you make a bequest through your will, you control your money throughout your lifetime but have the satisfaction of knowing you’ll be helping in the future. Your estate receives a tax receipt for the full value of the gift, which helps to offset taxes. In your bequest, you can name a specific amount, a percentage or a residual.
  5. Life insurance
    Life insurance is a relatively easy and practical way to make a large gift to the Foundation. You can:
    1. Designate the Foundation as the owner and beneficiary of a paid-up life insurance policy.
      Your estate will receive a charitable tax receipt for the value of the death benefit, and the Foundation will receive the proceeds.
    2. Designate the Foundation as the beneficiary of paid-up insurance policy.
      You will receive a charitable tax receipt for the cash value of the policy, and the Foundation will receive the death benefit value of the policy.
    3. Designate the Foundation as the owner and beneficiary of a current insurance policy
      You will receive a charitable tax receipt for the annual premiums you pay, and the Foundation will receive the death benefit value of the policy.

However you choose to make your forever gift, you may be able to create a named fund and direct how the proceeds of your fund are used. We’d be happy to tell you more. Be sure to speak to your professional advisor about your charitable plans.