Financial and Estate Planning

There are many ways to support McMaster University’s students and research initiatives by incorporating giving into your financial and estate planning. These kinds of gifts help you achieve your philanthropic goals while realizing significant tax savings.

Give the gift of stock.

Did you know that with a gift of publically listed securities, you can eliminate the capital gains tax and realize immediate tax savings?

If you hold appreciated securities and wish to make an outright gift to McMaster University, gifts of stock, rather than cash, will enable you to make a larger gift at a lower cost.

If you make a gift of stock, you will eliminate the taxable portion of their capital gain on the stock that is transferred, and receive a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value of the securities.

Create your legacy at McMaster through a bequest gift.

Many donors feel that they can’t afford to make a significant gift during their lifetime. However, a charitable bequest will allow you to make a significant contribution to McMaster in the future with little or no effect on current finances.

A bequest is a gift directed to McMaster, determined by the donor, and made through a provision in the donor’s will. A bequest gift is eligible for a charitable tax receipt that can be applied to the donor’s final two income tax returns, thereby reducing the overall tax burden on the estate.

Bequest gifts continue to be the most popular method by which alumni and friends make future gifts to the University.

Other ways of supporting the future of McMaster.

You may also wish to support the University through a number of other giving options, including gifts of life insurance, gifts of retirement savings plans, charitable remainder trusts, or gift annuities.