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Frequently Asked Questions

The most common planned-giving questions are answered for you right here.

1.   What is a bequest to SickKids Foundation?
A bequest is the act of giving property by Will to SickKids Foundation.

2.   Do I need to disclose details about my bequest?
No. You don't have to disclose any details about your bequest to SickKids Foundation. However, it would help us enormously in planning for the future clinical and research programs if we had some idea of our potential income. If you choose to inform us of your plans, your pledge is simply a statement of your present intentions and is not binding in any way.

3.   Can SickKids Foundation issue a receipt prior to the transfer of property by the deceased's estate?
No. However, a donation tax credit can still be claimed on the deceased taxpayer's final return. Where we receive a letter from the estate advising of the gift and its value, SickKids Foundation can issue a letter to the estate acknowledging the gift and stating that it will accept the gift.

4.   What name should you include in your Will to make a bequest to SickKids?
The name you should include in your Will to make a bequest to The Hospital for Sick Children is The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation. The foundation is the Hospital's parallel charity which raises money, performs estate administration and manages the endowment on behalf of the hospital.

5.   How can I ensure that my money is designated to the area of the hospital most important to me?
Your gift can be directed to a specific area or project or to the Hospital's highest priority needs. We would be delighted to provide you with appropriate bequest wording to help ensure your gift is used as you wished and directed to the fund or area you have chosen to support. For more information, please contact us at 416.813.8271.

6.   What is SickKids Foundation's Charitable Business Number?
108084419RR0001

7.   What assets can I use to make a gift to the SickKids Foundation?
Generally speaking, during your lifetime you can make an outright gift of cash, securities or other property (e.g. real estate, personal property).

Through your Will or with a distribution from a RRSP/RRIF or life insurance policy, your gift can be designated to SickKids Foundation in accordance with your wishes.

8.   What sort of gift plans also return income to me?
A charitable gift annuity allows you to make a gift to SickKids that also returns income to you, your spouse, or other individuals of your choosing. This may be attractive to you if you are a conservative investor 65 years of age or older.

9.   What tax deduction will I receive for my gift?
Your tax benefits will depend on several factors: the type of gift, its timing, whether it is outright or deferred or has any income payments. In general, though, here are some guidelines:

  • Outright gifts to SickKids Foundation generate a charitable tax credit. In general, annual donations in excess of $200 will receive a tax credit of approximately 46 cents for each dollar donated. Outright gifts of appreciated securities or mutual funds are receiptable at fair market value, with no recognition of capital gains - a great tax benefit!
  • Donations of public company stock, purchased through stock option plans, to charity have the same tax treatment as gifts of public appreciated securities. Assuming the shares qualify, they must be donated in the year they are acquired and donated within 30 days after their acquisition.
  • Your annual general donation claim limit is 75% of net income (100% in the year of death and the year immediately preceding death).
  • Gifts of personal property, such as art, books and collectibles, are fully deductible so long as they are relevant to our mission. We can advise you on this point.
  • Charitable bequests made through your Will are deemed to be made in the year of death and can be claimed on your final tax return. The annual general donation claim limit increases from 75% of net income to 100% in the year of death and any excess donations can be carried back one year and applied to the extent of 100% of your net income.
  • A donated life insurance policy may also be eligible for a donation tax credit provided that SickKids Foundation is assigned as the owner and beneficiary at the time of the gift. The amount eligible for the credit is the cash surrender value of the policy, plus any accumulated dividends and interest at the time of the transfer. Your future premium payments will also qualify for a donation tax credit.
  • You may wish to donate the proceeds of a life insurance policy to SickKids upon your death instead of donating your policy during life. You may do this either by designating SickKids Foundation as the beneficiary of your life insurance proceeds or naming SickKids Foundation as a beneficiary under your Will. In either case, SickKids Foundation will receive the tax-free life insurance proceeds and your estate will be eligible to claim a donation tax credit.
  • The charitable deduction for a gift that returns income to you, such as a charitable gift annuity, is the fair market value of the gift asset minus the present value of the income interest you retain. In the case of a gift from a charitable remainder trust, you will be eligible to claim a donation equal to the present value of the trust's residual interest. In many cases, a valuation will be required to calculate the value of the residual interest.

10.   I'd like to donate a painting. Will you determine its value for my income tax deduction?
Donors of artwork and collectibles are required to secure an independent appraisal of the items to establish fair market value. The appraisal must be related to the gift - an insurance appraisal won't suffice. We can assist you on this point.

11.   If I create a bequest or life-income gift, will you continue to ask me for annual contributions?
Your planned gift is a significant addition to our long-term financial strength and our ability to meet the challenges and opportunities the future will bring. However, today's efforts are supported through annual gifts and we greatly appreciate and encourage any continued annual support you may want to consider.

12.   How will I be recognized for my planned gift?
We will welcome you to consider becoming a member of the J.P. Bickell Society, which recognizes donors of future bequests and planned gifts. Members will be invited to an annual event and, if they wish, be listed in the Donor Hall of Honour in the main atrium of The Hospital for Sick Children. The amount and purpose of your gift are strictly confidential and will not be disclosed publicly. Of course, we will also respect your wishes if you wish to remain anonymous.

For more information on how you can build your legacy, please contact:

The Office of Gift & Estate Planning
phone: 416.813.8271
e-mail: gift.planning@sickkidsfoundation.com
Or complete our online request form.