donor

DESIGNATED

funds

Use your DDF to make an enduring impact on Alberta Ballet.

Donor-Designated Funds (DDFs) allow donors to contribute assets (like cash, securities, or other investments) into a fund from which they can direct grants to Alberta Ballet over time. Once the fund is set up, you receive an immediate tax receipt and can advise how and when distributions are made to registered charities like Alberta Ballet.

Why Choose a Donor-DESIGNATED Fund (DDF)?

Donor-Designated Funds (DDFs) offer a smart, strategic way to give. You can contribute when it makes the most financial sense for you—such as during a high-income year—and take an immediate tax deduction, even if you distribute the funds to charities over time.

Why Not a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) instead?

While many donors are familiar with Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)—offered through financial institutions or community foundations—fewer know they can create a similar fund directly with Alberta Ballet Foundation. With a Donor-Advised Fund, you can recommend where your money goes—but you don’t control it. The sponsoring foundation does. A Donor-Designated Fund (DDF)—whether through Alberta Ballet Foundation or another community foundation—allows you to:

  • Choose how your money is used—from scholarships to new productions

  • Name the fund in honour of yourself or someone you love

  • Receive full tax advantages, just like with a DAF

  • Ensure your dollars go directly and efficiently to the cause you care about most

  • Avoid delays, bureaucracy, and generic disbursement schedules

If you’re thinking about establishing a lasting legacy—or you’re already considering a DAF—talk to us first about the benefits of a DDF at Alberta Ballet Foundation. It may be the clearest path to the impact you want to have.

DDFs provide flexibility, privacy, and convenience, allowing you to support Alberta Ballet on your own timeline while simplifying tax planning and record-keeping. They also make it easy to involve your family in your philanthropy or to build a long-term charitable legacy.

Whether you’re planning a one-time grant or a recurring gift, a DDF can amplify your impact—while keeping giving simple. If you have a Donor-Designated Fund—such as one held at Alberta Ballet Foundation or the Edmonton Community Foundation or Calgary Foundation—you can direct gifts to Alberta Ballet while enjoying flexibility, tax efficiency, and control over your charitable giving.

How to establish a ddf:

  • If you don’t already have one, you can open a DDF with Alberta Ballet Foundation or another community foundation using cash, securities, or other eligible assets. The foundation manages the investments and provides administrative support.

  • Once you set up a DDF, you can recommend a grant to Alberta Ballet (our legal charitable entity) to support Alberta Ballet’s work. You may choose to direct your gift toward:

    • General operations

    • Community programs

    • Scholarships and financial aid

    • New choreographic works

    • Live orchestral music

  • When directing a grant, include the following information:

    • Charity Name: Alberta Ballet Company

    • Charity Number: 87125 3536 RR0001

    • Address: 141 - 18 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0B8

    • Purpose (Optional): e.g., “For community outreach” or “For general support”

  • Let us know when you’ve directed a grant. This ensures we can properly acknowledge your gift, provide a receipt if needed, and discuss recognition opportunities.

  • You can also name Alberta Ballet Foundation as a beneficiary of your Donor-Designated Fund to create an enduring legacy. This ensures your charitable intent lives on through continued support of the arts.