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Gift Annuities

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Download PDF application form

Extend your Christian Witness with a Gift Annuity

A charitable gift annuity is an agreement by which a person makes an irrevocable gift to The Presbyterian Church in Canada and, in return, receives a regular income for life. The gift annuity is set up to provide the Church with about 50% of the initial gift when payments end.

A gift annuity to The Presbyterian Church in Canada, in addition to providing you with a life-long guaranteed income, continues the Church's work and mission into the future.

All or some of the income is tax exempt, depending on your age at the time you acquire a gift annuity. And a joint gift annuity provides life-long income for your spouse, brother or sister, as well as for you.

A gift annuity gives you the satisfaction of knowing that your Christian witness extends far into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do I need to acquire a gift annuity?

As little as $5,000.

May I have more than one gift annuity?

Yes, as many as you like.

How is gift annuity income calculated?

It is determined by a formula based on

  1. your age when acquiring a gift annuity
  2. current investment rate
  3. the expectation that half of the investment will eventually be available for the Church's work.

How much of the income will be tax free?

It depends on your age and life expectancy. In addition to your receiving tax-free income, part of the original gift may also be tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.

When will I receive payments?

You decide: monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually (Choosing semi-annual payments gives a slightly higher return.)

Do I have a say in how the Church will use what is left?

Absolutely. You can give it for

  • the general funds of The Presbyterian Church in Canada (Presbyterians Sharing . . .)
  • our work among the world's poverty-stricken people through International Ministries or Presbyterian World Service & Development
  • a particular work of the church (for example, new church development in Canada, international educational ministry, theological education, church camping, benevolence funds)
  • your own congregation.

You may spread your gift among several areas, indicating what percentage is to go where.

What are the Benefits from a Gift Annuity?

  • guaranteed income for life
  • income that is mostly tax-free
  • a safe, guaranteed investment
  • an opportunity to decide which church work to support with your gift
  • as many gift annuities as you like
  • satisfaction, knowing that your legacy will continue the work and mission of The Presbyterian Church in Canada

How to Acquire a Charitable Gift Annuity:

  1. Contact the Planned Giving Office and ask for a quotation for a charitable gift annuity. You will be asked for your date of birth, gender, your preference for a single or joint (then both birth dates are required) annuity, and the amount of your gift (minimum is $5,000; no maximum). You will be given a quotation that includes the amount of the charitable gift receipt you will receive immediately, the amount of your semi-annual payments, and the percentage of those payments that is tax-free.
  2. Ask the Planned Giving Office to mail or e-mail the application form to you, or download it here. Complete the form and return it to the Planned Giving Office, along with your cheque and photocopy/ies of your birth certificate(s).
  3. You will receive two copies of the official charitable gift annuity contract; sign both (two signatures required for a joint annuity) and return one to the Planned Giving Office. A receipt for your gift will be mailed immediately.