Donor support is the key to ensuring we can continue to build on a century of protecting nature for future generations.

The HNC relies on volunteers and financial support from members and supporters to operate our many programs. While we occasionally receive foundation and government grants for specific projects, the Club must raise funds for ongoing programs and management of our Nature Sanctuaries ourselves. Our membership fees are low to encourage broad community involvement.

Online Donations

Donations can be made on a one-time or monthly basis. You have the option of designating how your funds are used. See Funds below.

Donations by Cheque/Mail

Treasurer
Hamilton Naturalists’ Club
PO Box 89052
Hamilton, ON L8S 4R5

Please make cheques payable to “Hamilton Naturalists’ Club”.

Donation Options

Your support in any form is needed and appreciated. Even small gifts add up and help us show potential funders that there is broad-based support for protecting nature in our community. Regular or planned gifts such as securities, bequests, insurance, annuities, trusts, RRIFs and RRSPs are particularly beneficial as they provide the HNC with financial stability and allow for long-term planning.

• Cash Donations
  On a one time or monthly basis can be made to provide support for HNC initiatives.
• In Memoriam and In Honour Of Gifts
  Designate your gift to the memory of a special person, in recognition of an important milestone in someone’s life or as an environmentally friendly alternative at special celebrations.
• Gifts of Land or Conservation Easements 
  If you want to see your land protected forever we’d love to discuss conservation options and the tax benefits of a donation. Contact the General Manager at land@hamiltonnature.org
• Gifts of Securities or Mutual Funds 
  When you donate stocks, bonds or mutual fund units directly to the HNC there is no capital gains tax on the increased value of these securities giving you a potentially significant tax savings over selling the securities and donating cash.
• Bequests 
  Leaving a legacy for nature through your will with a bequest to the HNC can also save your estate taxes.
• Insurance 
  Making the HNC the beneficiary of your insurance policy may save your estate taxes and probate fees. Transferring ownership of the policy to the HNC provides an immediate tax credit, plus further donation receipts for payments on future premiums and potential tax savings for your estate.
• Charitable Gift Annuities and Charitable Remainder Trusts
  Mechanisms that allow donors to receive a tax benefit now plus a guaranteed income for life from the annuity or trust and potential tax savings for your estate.
• RRIFs, RRSPs, and Pensions 
  Making the HNC the beneficiary or alternative beneficiary of your RRIF, RRSP or pension may save your estate considerable taxes and avoid probate fees.

If you are interested in making a planned gift to the HNC we recommend that you seek competent professional advice. HNC representatives would be pleased to meet with you or your advisors to provide assistance.

For more information on donation options contact our Treasurer at treasurer@hamiltonnature.org

Funds

No matter how you choose to support the HNC you always have the option of designating how your funds are used by directing your donation to one of our seven permanent funds. The Endowment Funds are managed on our behalf by the Hamilton Community Foundation.

• General Fund (Greatest Need)
  Supports the HNC’s operating expenses, including Monthly Meetings and publication of The Wood Duck. Donations to this fund will be put towards our greatest needs.
• Bird Study Group Fund
  Supports the expenses of the Bird Study Group, including monthly meetings.
• Falconwatch Fund
  Supports the annual costs of the Falconwatch program (coordinators, equipment, veterinary expenses) to protect Peregrine Falcon chicks at the downtown Hamilton Sheraton Hotel.
• Grimsby Wetlands Fund
  Supports the conservation and stewardship of the Grimsby Wetlands.
• Urban Biodiversity Conservation Fund
  Supports the conservation and stewardship of urban areas and pollinator gardens, as well as public outreach and education programs.
• Wildlands Acquisition Fund
  Supports the costs of land acquisition and permanent protection of land as Nature Sanctuaries.
• Sanctuary Maintenance Fund
  Supports the conservation, stewardship and management of the HNC’s Nature Sanctuaries.
• Amaolo Stream Restoration
  Supports the restoration of the nature sanctuary’s degraded stream to reduce erosion, improve water quality and aquatic habitat, and reconnect the stream to its floodplain.