The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the City’s donation activity in 2019 as outlined in the annual reporting requirements of the Policy on Donations to the City for Community Benefits.
For the 2019 fiscal year, 7,439 donations for which tax receipts were issued were received, with a total value of $1.31 million. Donations were made by both individuals and organizations. While most donations came from individuals and organizations that live or operate within the city, donations were also received from other parts of the province and country.
It is important to note that this summary only pertains to donations for which tax receipts were issued by the City. For example, this summary does not include donations under $20, gifts from foundations which do not qualify for a tax receipt, or in-kind donations where a tax receipt is not requested by the donor. Agencies and corporations that issue their own tax receipts are also not included in this summary.
At its meeting on October 30, 2012 City Council adopted the “Amendment to the Donations to the City for Community Benefits Policy” (EX23.17) staff report. This report amended the donor requirements in the Donations to the City for Community Benefits Policy.
At its meeting on May 26 and 27, 2008 City Council adopted the “Delegation of Authority to Receive and Spend Donations to the City for Community Benefits” (EX20.3) staff report, as amended. The report updated the Policy on Donations to the City for Community Benefits.
The Donations to the City for Community Benefits Policy requires Strategic Partnerships to provide Council an annual summary of the City’s donation activity for the prior fiscal year.
Donations are accepted by the City through DonateTO, in person, by mail, eFun (for commemorative tree and bench program) and e-transfers.
Launched in 2017, DonateTO is the City’s corporate, online donor resource and donation platform that supports the donation transaction and the issuance of tax receipts and thank you letters as applicable. The online portal includes features such as ecards for in honour or in memory donations, a list of City programs to allocate the donation, and intake for specific initiatives and emergencies.
Table shows the donation funds received each year from 2012 to 2019.
| Year | Number of Donations | Total Value of Donations |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7,439 | $1.31 Million |
| 2018 | 7,855 | $1.10 Million |
| 2017 | 7,820 | $1.08 Million |
| 2016 | 7,325 | $1.35 Million |
| 2015 | 7,133 | $1.25 Million |
| 2014 | 7,171 | $1.12 Million |
| 2013 | 7,996 | $1.09 Million |
| 2012 | 9,121 | $1.28 Million |
Includes only donations that received a tax receipt.
The information provided includes donations for which tax receipts were issued by the City. The actual value of donations collected by the City is higher as donations under $20 and gifts from foundations do not qualify for a tax receipt.
Acknowledging the goodwill of Toronto residents and businesses is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to improving donor stewardship and cultivating relationships. However, due to privacy and confidentiality requirements and considerations, the City is not authorized to disclose the names of donors nor amounts given without the express consent of these donors.