Giving Back with Purpose: A Conversation with Kelsey Gagnon

Wednesday, February 4 2026 | 08 h 36 min | Magazine Optik, Optik Magazine, Practice Management

By Dr. Roxanne Arnal, CFP®, CLU®

Recently Dr. Roxanne Arnal, CFP®, CLU® spoke with Kelsey Gagnon, Associate Director, Advancement, School of Optometry & Vision Science at the University of Waterloo about the Waterloo Eye Institute capital campaign and the ongoing needs of students. In the following interview, learn more about the numerous benefits of charitable giving and the tax advantages available to donors.

Roxanne: Kelsey, thanks for joining me today. Charitable giving is something close to both our hearts, and I know the Waterloo Eye Institute capital campaign is a big focus right now. Can you tell us a bit about the current needs?

Kelsey: Absolutely, Roxanne! The Waterloo Eye Institute is a transformative project for the profession. We’re not only building infrastructure to support students, research and patient care but we are creating a national centre of excellence. Fundraising is ongoing, and contributions, especially from alumni, can leave a lasting legacy well beyond graduation.

Roxanne: That’s powerful. Let’s talk about how people can give. Most of us are familiar with writing a cheque or donating online. What’s the process like at Waterloo?

Kelsey: It’s very straightforward. You can donate online, even using a QR code for convenience. And if you’re donating through a corporation, it’s even more efficient; those donations can be made with pre-tax dollars, which often allows donors to give more. If you prefer to give by cheque, you can contact me directly to receive our mailing address.

Roxanne: Right, and from a tax perspective, both personal and corporate donations come with a charitable donation receipt, which can be used to reduce your income tax. It’s a simple way to make a meaningful impact while being tax conscious.

Donating Securities: A Smart Strategy

Kelsey: I’ve also had donors ask about giving through securities. Can you explain how that works?

Roxanne: Definitely. Donating publicly traded securities, like stocks or mutual funds, is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. You get two major tax benefits:

• A donation receipt for the full market value of the securities.
• And you avoid paying capital gains tax on any appreciation.

So, if your investments have grown significantly, donating them directly can really supersize your gift without having to use post taxed income.

Kelsey: That’s great to know! We do accept securities at the University of Waterloo, and donors can reach out to me for a gift of securities form. Once it’s filled out, they just take it to their financial advisor to process the transfer.

Life Insurance: Giving Beyond Your Lifetime

Kelsey: What about life insurance? I’ve heard it can be used for charitable giving too.

Roxanne: Yes, and it’s often overlooked. If you have a policy, you no longer need for its original purpose, it can be repurposed to support a cause you care about. There are three main ways that life insurance can be used in giving:

• Name a charity as the beneficiary: the charity receives the death benefit, and your estate gets a donation receipt for the full value.
• Transfer ownership of an existing policy: you get a tax receipt for the policy’s fair market value and ongoing receipts for any future premium payments you make.
• Buy a new policy for charity: you receive donation receipts for every premium payment, which helps reduce your annual tax bill.

Kelsey: That’s such a thoughtful way to leave a legacy. And for those interested, our website https://uwaterloo.ca/support/give to-waterloo/how-to-give has more details on how to give through life insurance.

Donor-Advised Funds: Flexible & Family-Friendly

Kelsey: Some donors want to give but aren’t ready to decide where the funds should go. What’s your take on Donor-Advised Funds?

Roxanne: Donor-Advised Funds, or DAFs, are perfect for that. You get an immediate tax deduction when you contribute, and the funds can be distributed to charities over time. Plus, if you donate appreciated investments to a DAF, you avoid capital gains tax just like with direct donations.

And here’s the bonus: the money in the DAF grows tax-free, which means your future gifts can be even larger. It’s also a great way to involve your family in philanthropy and simplify your giving with just one account and one receipt.

Final Thoughts

Kelsey: Roxanne, thanks for allowing me the opportunity to discuss the many ways alumni, and others, can donate and how taxation plays a role in enhancing the benefits one gets from charitable giving. It’s clear that giving isn’t just about generosity, it’s also about strategy.

Roxanne: Exactly. Whether it’s cash, securities, life insurance, or a DAF, there are smart ways to give that can also align with your financial goals. A little planning with your advisor can go a long way in maximizing both your impact and your tax benefits.

If anyone wants to learn more about giving to the University of Waterloo, School of Optometry & Vision Science, you can reach out to Kelsey at 519-502-3131 or kelsey.gagnon@uwaterloo.ca. And don’t forget to mention any special dedications or class group contributions!

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