We show our donors where the money goes

Re: An easy way to boost charitable giving in Canada, April 21.

The idea of providing people with the opportunity to make a donation before filing their taxes is a good one — it has been around for a while. For more than 80 years, United Way has provided donors with a similar system through our workplace campaign. Donors can give through their payroll department and realize the tax benefit immediately. Giving this way has raised millions of dollars and had a profound impact on people and communities across Canada. This system is an efficient way to give that ensures help goes to where it is needed most and will have the greatest impact. However, it’s only part of the equation.

Today’s donors are looking for more than a box to check. They also expect to see the results achieved from their contribution. That’s why reporting and evaluation is a critical component of our work and something we communicate to our donors.

United Way recognizes the value of government to encourage charitable giving. The federal government’s First-Time Donor’s Super Credit provides new donors with a tax incentive to give. This tax credit was viewed by the charitable sector as a valuable contribution made by government to help stimulate donations and attract new funds to charities.

The needs in our community are greater than ever before and we applaud ideas that could help increase charitable giving in Canada. With so many worthy causes in Ottawa and across the country, it takes new and innovative ideas to facilitate donations. For this reason, we are happy to see this discourse in the Citizen, and we hope it prompts readers to think about how they can make a difference.