Donor Information

FAQs

Our donors mean the world to us. Your contributions are the foundation of the services we provide to youth: 80 per cent of our budget comes from your generosity.

We have collected your frequently asked questions on donations here. You'll find questions and answers regarding:

Tax receipts
Payment options and updates
Monthly giving
Mailing lists
Giving options
Donor communications
How to contact us

Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) recent deadline extension for 2024 charitable donations means most donations made to Covenant House Toronto from January 1 to February 28, 2025 can be claimed on your 2024 tax return. Eligible donations include those made by cheque, credit card, or electronic payment. Visit the CRA website for a complete list.

Please review and connect with us if you can't find what you are looking for. Thank you!

A donation is defined as a voluntary transfer of cash or in-kind goods for either undesignated or designated use, with no expectation of a benefit returned to the donor.

Covenant House Toronto Charitable Registration number: 10699 0195 RR0001

Tax receipts

What is the minimum gift amount for which I can receive a tax receipt?

How long will it take to receive a receipt for my gift?

Once we receive your donation, it takes up to 15 business days for us to issue your receipt and mail it to you. At peak times, like Christmas, it may take as long as three to six weeks for us to mail out your tax receipt.

Donations made online are receipted immediately.

Donors who make multiple gifts during the year can ask for one tax receipt that is sent out no later than the end of February of the following year.

Can you email me a tax receipt if I mail you my donation?

If I’ve misplaced my tax receipt how do I get a replacement?

I’m a monthly donor, when can I expect a receipt for all my gifts?

Can I get a replacement receipt?

If you have not received your tax receipt by the middle of March, you have moved, or you have misplaced the receipt and need a replacement, a duplicate tax receipt can be issued by contacting our Donor Services department.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
(416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
donations@covenanthouse.ca

Can I get a tax receipt for providing a service?

As per Canada Revenue Agency rules, we cannot provide an official tax receipt for gifts of service. However, a gift of service may be eligible for receipting through a cheque exchange. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our Donor Services department if you have questions.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

Can I get a tax receipt for sponsoring an event?

Can I get a tax receipt for providing a product or personal property?

If the product/property is something Covenant House deems as necessary, the gift may be receipted. Some gifts may require a valuation to determine the value of the tax receipt. Please contact Donor Services if you have questions.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

Payment options and updates

Can I drop off a cash donation at any time of day?

What payment options do you accept?

Can I e-transfer my donation?

Monthly giving

What day of the month will my donation be withdrawn?

Can I suspend my monthly gifts?

Yes, we can suspend your gifts for a period of time. However, we will need written notice in order to process this request. Please note that an additional gift may go through if you cancel within five days of your next scheduled donation.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
20 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, ON
M5B 2P3

Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

Can I increase my monthly contribution anytime?

How do I cancel my monthly gifts?

Please contact our Donor Services department in order to complete this request. Please note that an additional gift may go through if you cancel within five days of your next scheduled donation.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
(416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
donations@covenanthouse.ca

Mailing lists

How do I update my mailing address, credit card or bank account information?

You can provide us with these changes by emailing, calling or writing to our Donor Services department. Please do not provide credit card or banking information by email.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
(416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
donations@covenanthouse.ca

My parent/spouse was a donor and is now deceased. Please remove them from your mailing list.

Please email, call or submit your request by post to our Donor Services department at the contact information listed below.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
20 Gerrard Street East
Toronto, ON
M5B 2P3

Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

Please note: Covenant House prepares its mailings up to six months in advance, so as a result, you may receive mail for up to six months after you’ve made a request to be taken off our mailing list.

Can I customize the number and type of mailings I receive?

Yes, customization is absolutely an option. Let us know your preferences by noting them on any reply form from our mailings or by contacting our Donor Services department.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

Why do you mail donors gifts like cards and calendars? Aren’t they expensive?

While these gifts may not be for everyone, we find they are very popular among many donors and raise millions in support of our youth programs. If you do not wish to receive gifts in the mail, please contact our Donor Services department.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

How do I get more cards and/or calendars?

We don’t typically stock extra card packages and calendars. However, to see if we have extras available, please contact our Donor Services department.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

How do I get off mailing lists?

You can contact the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) to request that your name appears on the DO NOT Contact List. Please note this takes several months to activate. You can call CMA at 1-866-580-3625.

If you donate to other charities and/or subscribe to any periodicals or magazines, please inform them directly as well and direct them not to trade or rent your name. This will help with the overall process.

Please note: Covenant House prepares its mailings up to six months in advance, and as a result, you may receive mail for up to six months after you’ve made your request to be taken off our mailing list.

Giving options

Do you receive non-cash gifts?

Yes, we can accept the following types of gifts:

Gifts of property: personal and real estate
Financial products such as securities, RRIFs, insurance policies, etc.

These types of gifts can be made today, or deferred, such as a bequest. If you are thinking of making this type of gift, we strongly suggest you consult your financial advisor and speak with our staff to learn more about our policies and practices.

Please see our Leadership Giving page for more information.

Can I drop off household items and clothes?

While we are most grateful for the generous support of donors, we have limited storage space and must manage the quantity of items we receive.

Please refer to the Donate Items page for a list of donations we are currently seeking.

Please contact us in advance to discuss the items you would like to donate.

Do you accept gifts of food?

Do you have endowments?

Can I designate my United Way gift to Covenant House?

Yes, you can. In order to do so, you will need to provide our charitable registration number, 10699 0195 RR0001, when designating the gift.

To ensure we have your name and address so that we can thank you, please do not indicate that you want to remain anonymous when completing the gift form.

What types of gifts can I make through my corporate giving portal, Benevity?

Can I restrict a gift to a specific program?

Yes, you may restrict a gift to a specific program; however, it is best to speak with a Covenant House staff member before you doing so to ensure the gift can be best utilized and is consistent with the mission and priorities of the agency.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

Covenant House complies with the Income Tax Act and Canada Revenue Agency guidelines and any other applicable guidelines.

Can Covenant House decline or return a gift?

Yes, we can decline and/or return gifts deemed a potential risk to the agency or unnecessary. If you have questions related to your gift, it is best to speak with our Donor Services department before sending it to Covenant House.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

Donor communications

Do you do door-to-door fundraising?

Yes, Covenant House Toronto is looking to expand its community of monthly giving donors. One way we are working to reach more caring donors is through neighbourhood outreach. We currently have a team of committed representatives who are visiting neighbourhoods in GTA inviting people to become monthly donors.

Our representatives can be identified by their blue vests with a white Covenant House logo and an ID badge.

If one of our representatives visits your home, you will have the opportunity to sign up as a monthly donor on the spot/at your door.

How it Works:

Our representatives use secure tablets to process donations on-site, ensuring the safety and confidentiality of your financial information.
All transactions are encrypted to safeguard your personal data. This is a convenient and secure method that helps us receive your urgently needed contribution as soon as possible.
These tablets can accept both credit card and donations from your bank account. Please note our representatives never accept or carry cash donations.
Representative will enter and submit your information into a secure tablet. You will receive a verification call from the following number 1-833-381-1247.
An agent on the phone will proceed to confirm your information on a secure recorded line and process your first donation on the spot.
You will also receive a confirmation email from Covenant House noting your donation details.
Your Tax Receipt will be generated annually and mailed to the address provided every February.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the authenticity of a representative, please don't hesitate to contact our donor services team, and we'll be happy to answer any questions and verify their credentials. Please call us during business hours from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-800-435-7308.

Can I be removed from your email communications?

Yes, by law you can unsubscribe by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of your email. This unsubscribes you from email communication automatically. If you need assistance, please contact our Donor Services department.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

Can I be removed from your call list?

Yes, please contact our Donor Services department, and they will be happy to comply with your wishes. We prepare our lists in advance so please allow two to three weeks for your request to take effect.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

If you wish to be removed from ALL call lists, please call 1-866-580-3625.

My phone number is unlisted. How did you get it?

We cannot access your telephone number if it is unlisted unless you provided it to us at some point. If you prefer we not contact you by phone, we’d be happy to comply with your request. Please contact our Donor Services department to advise them.

Donor Services
Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT
Phone: (416) 598-4898 or 1-800-435-7308
Email: donations@covenanthouse.ca

What is your governance model?

How much are your administrative costs?

Contact us

For general gift and donor communications enquiries, please contact our Donor Services department, open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

Donor Services

(416) 598-4898
1-800-435-7308
donations@covenanthouse.ca

FAQs

Tax receipts

What is the minimum gift amount for which I can receive a tax receipt?

How long will it take to receive a receipt for my gift?

Can you email me a tax receipt if I mail you my donation?

If I’ve misplaced my tax receipt how do I get a replacement?

I’m a monthly donor, when can I expect a receipt for all my gifts?

Can I get a replacement receipt?

Can I get a tax receipt for providing a service?

Can I get a tax receipt for sponsoring an event?

Can I get a tax receipt for providing a product or personal property?

Payment options and updates

Can I drop off a cash donation at any time of day?

What payment options do you accept?

Can I e-transfer my donation?

Monthly giving

What day of the month will my donation be withdrawn?

Can I suspend my monthly gifts?

Can I increase my monthly contribution anytime?

How do I cancel my monthly gifts?

Mailing lists

How do I update my mailing address, credit card or bank account information?

My parent/spouse was a donor and is now deceased. Please remove them from your mailing list.

Can I customize the number and type of mailings I receive?

Why do you mail donors gifts like cards and calendars? Aren’t they expensive?

How do I get more cards and/or calendars?

Do you share my name and address with other charities?

How do I get off mailing lists?

Giving options

Do you receive non-cash gifts?

Can I drop off household items and clothes?

Do you accept gifts of food?

Do you have endowments?

Can I designate my United Way gift to Covenant House?

What types of gifts can I make through my corporate giving portal, Benevity?

Can I restrict a gift to a specific program?

Can Covenant House decline or return a gift?

Donor communications

Do you do door-to-door fundraising?

Can I be removed from your email communications?

Can I be removed from your call list?

My phone number is unlisted. How did you get it?

What is your governance model?

How much are your administrative costs?

Contact us

Donor Services