F.A.Q.

 

What is a Foundation?

The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation is an incorporated, non-profit society, registered with Industry Canada and which the Canada Revenue Agency has authorized to issue charitable tax receipts.

 

What is the ‘Mission’ of The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation?

The mission of the Encounters With Canada Support Foundation is provide financial support for the Encounters With Canada Program participants, to subsidize selected projects, to promote the EWC program across the country, and to provide an opportunity for anyone who appreciates the program to participate by donating to a well-managed, cost effective, tax-advantaged, flexible, charitable foundation. 

 

Why should I make The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation my 'Charity of Choice'?

There are four main reasons which make The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation a 'standout' amongst other Canadian charitable organizations.

  1. It has a very compelling mission; that is, to financially support EWC, Canada's foremost national youth program.  See our Mission Statement.
  2. The Foundation is managed by a competent and caring board of directors.  See our Board of Directors.
  3. Because of the generosity of Corporate Supporters, our volunteer Board of Directors and our extremely efficient business design we are able to ensure that 100% of individual donations are targeted toward achieving our mission.  Not one penny of individual donations goes toward covering our overhead.  Very few can live up to that claim.
  4. We have an admirable operational ethic.  Some years ago Rotary International developed what is known amongst Rotarians as The Four Way Test.  The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

            Of the things we think, say or do

  1. Is it the TRUTH?
  2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
  3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
  4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

We emulate this operational ethic and consider it to be a key component of managing our Foundation.  We value our Donors, keep our commitments to them and value their participation.  We want to build long term relationships.

 

Who governs the Foundation?

The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation is governed by a board of directors who have considerable experience with The Encounters With Canada Program and with financial and foundation management. 

 

Who can donate to the Foundation?

Any individual, corporation, or institution that appreciates the Mission of The Encounters With Canada Support foundation.  

 

Which endowment funds are available?

One can donate to:

  • The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation General Permanent Endowment Fund where the use of the income from that fund is determined by the board, but is generally used to subsidize student participation fees for attending the Encounters With Canada Program.   
  • The Canadian Unity Council Permanent Endowment Fund,
  • The Brigadier-General R. Duane Daly Permanent Endowment Fund,
  • Specifically designated ‘Special Purpose Funds’ set up by the board of directors.
  • A Personally Named Fund. For a minimum accumulated donation of $10,000, a donor may establish and name a specific fund whose income will be placed in The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation General Permanent Endowment Fund or will be used for a specific purpose agreed upon by the Board and the Donor. 

 

Can we donate to specific projects for use right now and get a tax receipt?

Yes, our ‘flow-through’ feature allows donors to give to an immediate need or purpose and get a tax receipt for the year of the donation.

 

What types of donations can be made?

Donations can be made in the form of:

  • Cash,
  • Bequests
  • Insurance Policies,
  • Gifts ‘in kind’ such as:
    • Publicly traded shares,
    • Real estate,
    • Charitable Remainder Trusts,
    • A Gift of a Residual Interest

 

Can I make use of the Foundation in my estate planning?   

Definitely, contact us to discuss the bequest features of the Foundation.

 

Will the Foundation work with my estate planning professional?

Definitely, have your professional contact us.

 

What happens to my donation?

Your donation will be pooled and invested, with the earnings either going to a specified use or be allowed to accumulate to build up the fund.  The Foundation investment portfolio is managed on ongoing basis by one of Canada's most prestigious portfolio management firms, R.B.C. Dominion Securities which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal Bank of Canada.  With 400,000 clients worldwide and $130 billion in assets under administration, they are Canada's leading full-service investment and wealth management firm.  The portfolio is invested according to the following two foundation policy statements:

 

How will my donation be recognized?

Donors will be recognized for their generosity according to The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation Contribution and Recognition Guidelines Policy.

 

Why Should I make a donation to The Encounters With Canada Support Foundation? 

  • You will be supporting Canada’s largest and most successful national youth citizenship and leadership program.
  • Our volunteers are committed, competent and have tremendous integrity.
  • Our low cost of operations means a higher percentage of donations are targeted toward the program.


Help Canada’s young leadership move forward by giving a gift that keeps on giving.


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