Ways to Give

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Meaningful impact at Laurentian University

There are so many ways to make a meaningful impact at Laurentian University — from monthly credit card donations to making arrangements for a legacy gift in your will. All donations help today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders.

Explore our donation options below to discover which one best suits your financial and philanthropic goals.

Monetary Contributions

These gifts are available for immediate use in the form of cash, cheque, money order, electronic transfer, credit card, or pre-authorized contributions paid monthly.

Monthly Giving

By dividing your annual donation into twelve equal payments, you can meet your philanthropic goals while effectively managing your personal finances.

Your donation will be automatically withdrawn from your bank account or charged to your credit card. You will receive one consolidated tax receipt for your monthly donations at the beginning of the following year.

Memorial Gifts

Memorial gifts are a special way to honour a friend or loved one who has passed away. By supporting the university, these gifts ensure a legacy for the deceased.

Honorary Gifts

Honorary gifts are a meaningful way to pay tribute to a living person, like a teacher or friend, that has played an important role in your life.    

Gifts In Kind

A wide range of non-cash donations, such as books, real estate, artwork, special equipment and other tangible personal property, are commonly referred to as gifts in kind. These gifts may enhance an academic department or Laurentian’s library collection.

A tax receipt is issued for the appraised fair market value of the gift. Contact University Advancement for more information.

Staff and Faculty Giving

Making a gift provides an opportunity for university employees to help enhance the quality of the University’s programs through their financial contributions. Employees can direct their gifts to the award, team or program of their choice through a payment option that works best for them, including payroll deduction.

Here. Now. Forever. Annual Appeal

Each year, through the annual appeal, a group of current students call graduates of Laurentian University. If you are an alumnus or alumna, during the first two months of each semester, you may receive a call from one of these student fundraisers.

You can update your contact information, provide feedback about your Laurentian experience, learn about the great new things happening around campus, and find out about alumni events happening in your area! You also have the opportunity to support your favourite aspect of Laurentian by making a donation to the designation of your choice.

The annual appeal is a great way to keep involved with Laurentian life and an easy way help support current students.

Our student callers simply can’t wait to speak with you!

Matching Gift Program

Does your employer have a matching gift program? If so, you may be able to double your impact!

Please request a matching gift form from your employer and submit your claim, completed and signed, with your gift to the address below:

Laurentian University
University Advancement
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury ON P3E 2C6

Donation of Publicly Traded Securities

Donate securities directly to the University to avoid paying the capital gains tax on your investments.
There is a real advantage to making a gift of shares or securities directly to the charity of your choice. You receive a charitable tax receipt for the fair market value of the shares when they are received, and you are not required to declare any resulting capital gains on income.

Please contact universityadvancement@laurentian.ca for the form and instruct your broker to transfer shares electronically as a “Free Delivery” to: 

RBC Dominion Securities
1361 Paris St ON P3E 3B6
(705)523-3100
Attention: Mr. Ron Andrews

Example: Jeff decided to support Laurentian University with a gift of $100,000. When reviewing whether he should sell his shares in a publicly-listed corporation and then donate the cash proceeds, or donate the shares directly, Jeff learned that he would have a greater net tax benefit by donating the shares directly to Laurentian. The chart below assumes a tax rate of 50 per cent.

SELL SHARES & DONATE CASH

DONATE SHARES DIRECTLY

Fair Market Value: $100,000

$100,000

Cost Basis: $20,000

$20,000

Capital Gain: $80,000

$80,000

Taxable Gain: $40,000

$0

Tax Credit (at 50%): $50,000

$50,000

Tax on Gain (at 50%): $20,000

$0

Tax Savings: $30,000

$50,000

*The information presented here is provided as general information and should not be taken as formal legal or tax advice. Donors should consult with their own legal and financial advisors.

Bequests

A charitable bequest is a distribution from your estate to Laurentian University through your last will and testament. A bequest provides you with the opportunity to support Laurentian University once your needs and those of your loved ones have been met.

Funds are usually bequeathed as a:

  • A residual amount
  • A share or a percentage of your estate
  • A specific dollar amount or item*

*It is important to contact the University Advancement office before arranging a gift in kind bequest to ensure that it supports Laurentian University’s academic priorities.

If you wish to direct your gift to a specific area or for a specific purpose, please contact University Advancement for detailed bequest language.

Charitable Gift Annuities

A gift of annuity is made when you make a contribution of cash or other property to Laurentian University in exchange for a guaranteed lifetime income (or for a stated interval of time). It is an agreement or contract between you and the university. Upon death, the charitable organization of your choice would receive the remainder of the original contribution.

Charitable Remainder Trust

A charitable remainder trust allows you to make a contribution to the university while retaining an interest in the gift or transfer and receiving a charitable deduction for the assets ultimately passing to Laurentian University. For example, if you donate a piece of property to a trust, you retain the right to the income and/or use of the property for your lifetime. Given your donation of the “remainder interest” (or capital), the capital gain on the donation may be significantly less than the full gain on the property. After a fixed period of time, or upon your death, the property fully passes to the University. Since it was held in a trust, it is not part of your estate for probate purposes. The charitable receipt provided at the time of the gift is equal to the value of the property discounted by your life expectancy.

Gifts of Residual Interest

When you make a gift of residual interest, you donate your personal property to Laurentian University and you can continue to use and enjoy the property throughout your lifetime. You will receive a charitable tax receipt for the present value of the property when the gift is made. Upon death, Laurentian University receives the deed of the property. These donations can include assets such as real estate.

Life Insurance

A gift of life insurance is an affordable way to make a huge impact. A modest annual premium, paid over time, can result in a significant future legacy.

Three ways to donate life insurance:

  • Donate an existing policy: receive a charitable tax receipt for the net cash surrender value and any premiums paid after the donation date.
  • Donate a new policy: receive a charitable tax receipt for any premiums paid after the donation date.
  • Assign Laurentian University as the beneficiary of your individual or workplace insurance policy. Your estate receives a charitable tax receipt.

Sue Lekun

Philanthropy Officer

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 3453

Lily Racine-Bouchard

Manager, Advancement

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 4029

Ayden Meilleur

Third-year student in Kinesiology

Despite a long year of balancing a packed schedule, studying for exams and getting up early for practice, Ayden Meilleur, a third-year Laurentian Voyageur student-athlete, believes all his hard work has “paid off” after being named a recipient of the Frederick Arthur Walmesley Memorial Bursary.

“It’s really nice to be appreciated like this,” said Meilleur, a member of the men’s soccer team. “Receiving a bursary really does help you get through the tough times.”

Established by the late Thelma V. Walmesley in memory of her brother, the Frederick Arthur Walmesley Memorial Bursary is awarded to students entering their second, third or fourth-year of any undergraduate program, on the basis of academic standing, financial need and participation in Interuniversity Athletics.

It takes significant commitment and dedication to perform on the field and maintain a high GPA, and Meilleur, who is currently obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, believes receiving a bursary definitely keeps himself driven to accomplish more.

“The bursary is a nice incentive,” he said. “It really does motivate you to keep up your studying and the work you are doing.”

Meilleur, who is a Thunder Bay native, is studying to become a doctor. Being a proud northerner, he would like to continue his education at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM).

“I do appreciate it,” Meilleur said. “I’m actually hoping for NOSM, and just the competitiveness of it makes it hard, but receiving bursaries like this motivates you to try and get that higher GPA. I always wanted to stay in the north, and being recognized here draws me in even more.”

Having been the beneficiary of a donor’s generosity, Meilleur is also looking forward to helping future students achieve their academic success.

“Believe me, just a little goes a long way for a student,” he said. “It makes you think about doing the same for another student someday. It would be nice if I could be the next generation to give back to the community.”

To learn more about memorial gifts and gift planning please contact the Development Office by calling 705.675.4872 or emailing development@laurentian.ca.

Amber McKenzie

B.Sc. in Psychology with a minor in Biology

I always knew I wanted to go to university after I graduated high school. I remember flipping through all the university handbooks and imagining different careers, and finally landing on Psychology at Laurentian. I remember feeling so excited when I was accepted, and spending the whole summer deciding what to bring for my first year in the Single Students Residence.

Despite being very excited to start University, I was also very worried about university fees, residence fees and the cost of everything else.  In order to attend Laurentian, I had to leave my home town of Bradford and despite OSAP and my part-time job, it wasn’t enough to cover all of the costs. During my first year, I applied to as many awards that I was eligible for and received two donor funded awards.  I am forever grateful to the donors who made these awards possible. They not only reduced the immediate amount of fees I had to pay, but because it was an award, it meant I wouldn’t have to worry about paying it back later!

I am now going into my 4th year, and have received five awards during my time at Laurentian.  These awards have helped me every year to reduce financial stress and have allowed me to focus more on my studies.

I will always be thankful to the donors that helped me and countless other students reach our goals.  They will never know how big of an impact they have made on my life, and the difference they make in students’ lives every day. Without these donors, I may not have had the opportunity to graduate on time, or be able to focus on getting good grades. One year from now, I will be a Laurentian alumna and off in the world doing a job I love thanks to these donors. I look forward to the day I will be able to give back to help students just like me.

Jason-Scott Benoit

Secondary School Coordinator

Looking back, my university years were the best of my life. They didn’t start out that way though. To be honest, I struggled through my first two years and found myself at a crossroads. It was an academic advisor who provided guidance and support, and gave me the tools I needed to get back on track.

That academic advisor changed my life.

Overwhelmed with appreciation, I knew it was imperative to give back. Last year, I was in a position to do so, and The Positive Inception Award was established.

Inspired by my brother, Ryan Benoit, a bright young man with cerebral palsy, the Positive Inception Award is given to a grade 12 student entering his or her first year of studies at Laurentian who has a positive outlook on life and demonstrates leadership qualities both in school and throughout the community. The award is designed to acknowledge the recipient’s efforts and encourage them to continue achieving success.

The Positive Inception is a clothing company my brother started during his 3rd year of studies in the Sports Administration (SPAD) program at Laurentian. Ryan, who is now a graduate of the SPAD program, shares his story of perseverance via the brand to encourage people to stay positive and motivated in order to reach their goals. The clothing company is getting to be more popular with each passing day.

Thanks for reading,

Student Emergency Fund

Support a Great Cause: The Student Emergency Fund

The Student Emergency Fund is there to support students during times of urgent need. In just hours or days, eligible students can receive financial help to navigate emergencies such as family emergencies, temporary housing, or even domestic violence. You can also make a difference by sharing your input to help guide future donations.

The Student Emergency Support Fund was established by Laurentian University shortly after the COVID-19 emergency was declared on Tuesday, March 10th, 2020.

The goal of the fund is to provide financial assistance to students with:
 

  • Food purchases and other costs for financially disadvantaged students;
     
  • Addressing housing challenges for students who are self-isolating to protect their loved ones in remote, rural and Indigenous communities, or who are stranded far from home and loved ones due to border closures;
     
  • Securing an internet connection at home, for those who may have just been using the internet on campus previously;
     
  • Income loss due to a business closure or lay-off;
     
  • Other financial hardships that may have presented themselves due to the COVID-19 measures implemented by Laurentian University, and all levels of government.

Support Our Students

Donate now to the “Student Emergency Support Fund”. If you are interested in discussing different options for giving, please contact the Advancement Office at 705-675-4872, or universityadvancement@laurentian.ca.

Charitable tax receipts will be issued for all eligible donations.

Thank you to everyone who has already made a donation. You are making an impact and showing our students some #LaurentianLove.

Sue Lekun

Philanthropy Officer

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 3543

Lily Racine-Bouchard

Manager, Advancement

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 4092

Contribute to our pride and tradition.

Proud Student-Athlete Leaders

Our Voyageurs have a proud tradition of excellence and achievement in athletics and academics locally, and within the communities in which they compete. As OUA All-Stars, academic All-Canadians and mentors to local children, our Voyageurs lead by example.

Join the Legendary Potbangers!

Voyageur Athletics places a great deal of importance on the student-athlete experience, from first year through to graduation. By contributing to our Support-our-Athletes Program, you are enhancing the student-athlete experience and improving their competitive edge. As a program donor, you become the proud supporter of a winning team focused on excellence.

.Jersey

220+ Voyageur Athletes

.Trophy

12 National Championships

An identification badge

64 Provincial Championships

News

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Brandon Edwards Named Men’s Basketball Head Coach
#
Laurentian Receives Donation to Install a New International Quality Floor in the Ben Avery Gym
#
Basketball Player Amber-Lyn is Shooting for Success on the Court and in the Classroom

"We genuinely appreciate the support of the students and the Laurentian community..."

A collage of various Laurentian University viewbook photos, featuring students and Sudbury landscapes.

“Being a varsity athlete is an incredible opportunity that only a few get to experience. It is by far the greatest honour to represent Laurentian University and Sudbury at such high competition. Time management, leadership and perseverance are only a few of the many skills that I’m learning as a student athlete helping me in so many other aspects of my life. It gives me a sense of connection and belonging to my community with all the support at our games. To me, the best part of it all is being a role model for the younger generations, the ones that never miss a game and tell you they wish to someday do what you’re doing; that’s what makes it all worth it. We genuinely appreciate the support of the students and the Laurentian community, and I am very aware of the rising costs to field competitive programs. I chose to attend Laurentian University because basketball and varsity athletics have been a fundamental core value of this proud institution.”

Kayla Deschatelets

Timmins, ON, Women's Basketball

Make Some Noise!

Your Contribution

A contribution to the Laurentian Voyageurs Athletics will go a long way to improving the experience for our athletes. As you may well be aware, there is a world of difference between meeting base requirements and presenting an elite team on a competitive stage. We encourage you to engage with one of our coaches to establish what that contribution will mean to the team. Each team is unique, as are their needs and the opportunities your contribution represents. You are a critical player to the team’s outcomes.

Our Teams

All of our athletes compete in the OUA and USports levels, with the exception of Lacrosse which is a club sport. We have both women and men’s leagues for each sport, with the exception of baseball which is a mixed league.

Partners and Sponsorships Available

Sue Lekun

Philanthropy Officer

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 3453

Lily Racine-Bouchard

Manager, Advancement

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 4029

University Advancement

R.D. Parker Building, Room P-227

935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON

Research

Future Driven

Laurentian University researchers will change the world. Your gifts will help them do it.

In 2017 and in 2018, Laurentian was named Canada’s number one undergraduate university in total sponsored research income*. With considerable growth in research activity, the University is strengthening external linkages, enhancing community relationships and expanding its global reach. Our research and innovation activities are catalyzed within Northeastern Ontario, reflecting our unique geographic, cultural and demographic circumstances.

*According to Research Infosource

News

A group of McEwen Architecture students and professors smiling.

Canadian Research of Finnish Architecture Showcased in Museu

The Laurentian University sign and garden at the campus entrance.

Laurentian University Receives Funding from the Province to

Laurentian University executive staff and professors with Sudbury politicians.

Laurentian Researchers Awarded $2.2 Million in Funding

Areas of Strength

Materials, Minerals, Matter and Energy

  • Fundamental Subatomic Physics: Sudbury is a global location of choice for deep underground research and Laurentian, through its partnership with SNOLAB, is pushing the boundaries of basic research to increase fundamental knowledge and to find solutions in the areas of neutrinos and dark matter, where some of the techniques developed can be applied successfully in other fields.
  • Mineral Exploration: cutting-edge fundamental and applied research, using multidisciplinary and multiscale approaches across the full spectrum of the geosciences to advance our understanding of the formation and space-time distribution of the mineral resources needed by an evolving society.
  • Mineral Extraction and Processing: research that advances and innovates in mineral extraction and processing through the applied sciences of mining technology, methods and design, and examines economic, labour, health, and safety issues, in partnership with industry, government and Indigenous communities.
  • New Materials: integrative research to develop new materials and cutting-edge technologies for advanced astroparticle physics experiments, biomedical and industrial applications and environmental remediation.

Environment

  • Impacted Northern Landscapes: a globally recognized leader in research to develop innovative remediation and reclamation strategies and solutions in industrially-impacted landscapes, including finding new values in mining environments through innovative biomining, bioprospecting, and carbon capture technologies.
  • Biodiversity and Conservation: research that addresses stressed aquatic ecosystems, species-at-risk, and the effects of human stressors on wildlife, including the impacts of climate change and resource management on the terrestrial and aquatic communities and their environments.
  • Built Environments: design-build, materials research and research-creation methods to find built solutions for livable environments for northern climates and climate change adaptation.

Health, Health Services and Well-Being

  • Health and Safety: innovation and discovery to solve relevant and critical problems and eliminate occupational injury and disease in the workplace.
  • Rural and Northern Health: research to improve health determinants, services and access to care for rural and northern communities, with a particular focus on promoting health equity of northern and rural residents and enhancing our understanding of the healthcare system.
  • Healthy Life Trajectories: research, intervention, and programming that promotes and enhances mental, emotional, physical, social and community wellness at all stages of life and that recognizes intersectionality.
  • Biomedical and Genomic Research: basic and applied research into the molecular and genomic basis of biological complexity and disease, including ethical issues.

Histories, Identities, Cultures and Languages

  • Indigenous and Ally-Led Community-Centred Research: research that respects Indigenous worldviews and Indigenous communities’ voices, that benefits Indigenous peoples and supports and promotes Indigenous peoples as researchers.
  • La Francophonie in Ontario and Canada: research, art and creative-based practices, education and outreach to understand the diverse realities, cultures and dynamics of Francophone communities in Ontario and across Canada.
  • Realities and Challenges of Northern Ontario: research that addresses the historical, political, economic, environmental, industrial and commercial specificities of this region.
A collage of various Laurentian University viewbook photos, featuring students and Sudbury landscapes.

Research Centres

A collage of various Laurentian University viewbook photos, featuring students and Sudbury landscapes.

Research Chairs

A collage of various Laurentian University viewbook photos, featuring students and Sudbury landscapes.

Strategic Research Plan

Logo for The Key, Laurentian University's Research Magazine.

The Key - Laurentian University's Research Magazine

Sue Lekun

Philanthropy Officer

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 3453

Lily Racine-Bouchard

Manager, Advancement

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 4029

University Advancement

R.D. Parker Building, Room P-227

935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6

Planned Giving

Plan a gift. Create a legacy.

EMPOWER FUTURE GENERATIONS

One of the most important choices you can make during your lifetime is the impact you wish to leave for future generations. After ensuring the people closest to you are taken care of, you may wish to leave a gift to support an organization or a cause that has deep meaning for you.

When you make a gift to Laurentian University through your will or retirement plan, you are often able to make a larger gift than you would have thought possible, with specific tax advantages that result in significant savings for the estate.

They will never know how big of an impact they have made on my life

A collage of various Laurentian University viewbook photos, featuring students and Sudbury landscapes.

"I will always be thankful to the donors that helped me and countless other students reach our goals. They will never know how big of an impact they have made on my life, and the difference they make in students’ lives every day.”

Amber McKenzie

B.Sc.

Wyona Thompson Fund

A new $200,000 gift has been made to the School of Education in the name of Wyona Thompson, Laurentian University alumna, who passed away in June 2021. This gift will be used to support full-time students in the Bachelor of Education programs in both English and French. The “Wyona Thompson Fund” will create scholarships to reward students for academic merit, bursaries to assist students in financial need, and will provide travel support to students completing placements outside the Greater Sudbury area, with preference given to placements in underserved Northern areas. 

Ways to Give

Life Insurance

A gift of life insurance is an affordable way to make a huge impact.
A modest annual premium, paid over time, can result in a significant future legacy. Three ways to donate life insurance:

  • Donate an existing policy (receive a charitable tax receipt for the net cash surrender value and any premiums paid after the donation date).
  • Donate a new policy (receive a charitable tax receipt for any premiums paid after the donation date).
  • Assign Laurentian University as the beneficiary of your individual or workplace insurance policy. Your estate receives a charitable tax receipt

Bequests

Remembering Laurentian with a bequest from your estate will help sustain and strengthen the University in years to come.
A charitable bequest is a distribution from your estate to Laurentian University through your last will and testament.


You can designate your bequest to support the areas of Laurentian closest to your heart, including scholarships or bursaries to help future students achieve their dreams or a particular department or area of research. You can also choose to leave funds to the highest priorities of the University and know that your gift will have a great impact on students, faculty and researchers when the time comes. Your gift may be endowed or used immediately.


Funds are usually bequeathed as:

  • A residual amount
  • A share or a percentage of your estate
  • A specific dollar amount or item

It is important to contact the Advancement Office before arranging a gift in kind bequest to ensure that it supports Laurentian University’s academic priorities.

If you wish to direct your gift to a specific area or for a specific purpose, please contact the Advancement Office for
personalized bequest language or you can use the following:
“I give and bequeath to Laurentian University of Sudbury, Ontario the sum of $___ or the ___% of my estate.”

Charitable Gift Annuities

A gift of annuity is made when you make a contribution of cash or other property to Laurentian University in exchange for a guaranteed lifetime income or for a stated interval of time. It is an agreement or contract between you and the University. Upon death, the charitable organization of your choice would receive the remainder of the original contribution.

Charitable Remainder Trust

A charitable remainder trust allows you to make a contribution to the University while retaining an interest in the gift. Assets best used for charitable remainder trusts are those that have greatly appreciated since the original purchase date. The assets ultimately passing to Laurentian University receive a charitable deduction.


For example, the most common form of charitable remainder trust is one in which the donors place assets (such as securities, property, or stocks) in a trust from which they receive payments for life, with the remainder going to Laurentian upon death. Because the trust is deemed a charitable entity, it pays no taxes on income or capital gains from typical investments.

Gifts of Residual Interest

When you make a gift of residual interest, you donate your personal property to Laurentian University while retaining the right to use the property for life or term of years. You will receive a charitable tax receipt for the present value of the property when the gift is made. Upon death, Laurentian University receives the deed to the property. The gift removes the donated property from your estate, resulting in lower probate and other estate-related fees.

HERE. NOW. FOREVER .

Laurentian University’s Advancement Office is happy to assist you in arranging the planned gift that best meets your own needs, goals, and timeline. Those considering a planned gift should consult their own legal, tax and/or financial advisors. Our staff would be pleased to speak with these advisors as well.

Sue Lekun

Philanthropy Officer

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151

Lily Racine-Bouchard

Manager, Advancement

universityadvancement@laurentian.ca
935 Ramsey Lake Rd.
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6
705-675-1151 ext. 4029

University Advancement

935 Ramsey Lake Road,
Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6