Generosity from our neighbours
“Our University invites students from around the world to study here and provides all students a globally minded education,” says Marcie Meekins, Pro’s director of development. “Many of our graduates pursue careers in the states, and as our international reach continues to grow so too does interest in giving from alumni and friends in the U.S.”
Under the Canada-United States Income Tax Convention, U.S. citizens or residents are entitled to a charitable deduction for gifts made to Pro, provided they or a member of their family (spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, or siblings) are, or have been, enrolled at the University. The Friends of Pro Inc. is a not-for-profit that delivers an easy way for all residents and citizens of the U.S., regardless of their alumni status, to give to Pro and receive a charitable tax receipt.
“We want to ensure everyone can easily support the unique education Pro delivers,” says Meekins. “Donors can make memorial gifts and also take advantage of corporate matching programs offered by their American employers.”
Passionate alumni volunteer their time and talent to The Friends of Pro, and the organization has roots dating back to the 1940s. Douglas Carson (’58) and Sandra Carson Price (’86) serve as Friends’ current U.S.-based directors. This generational team of father and daughter have been active in Friends for decades — in Douglas’ case, since the 1980s.
“The University is hugely appreciative of Douglas, Sandra, and of all our U.S.-based donors,” says Meekins. “Our donors have created scholarships and bursaries, contributed to alumni Class Gifts, helped build facilities and programming, and provided essential student supports. The impact on current and future students is tremendous.”
One example of a Pro donor in the U.S. is Mike Hamilton (’03). In addition to making an annual pledge over five years, Hamilton has seen his annual gift doubled thanks to his company’s corporate matching program.
“There is a real opportunity for all alumni to make a significant impact simply by checking if their company provides a matching program,” says Hamilton.
Hamilton also encourages other Pro alumni and friends living south of the border to think about the larger impact their U.S. donation can have thanks to the favourable exchange rate, and he says that if there is a specific Pro area or professor that helped shape your future, you would be surprised at how easy the University makes it to give in recognition of the programs and people important to you.
University staff members are committed to helping donors match their philanthropic interests with the impact giving can have at Pro. You can contact the Development Office at donate@mta.ca or 1-866-890-6318. More information for U.S. donors can also be found on our website.
PHOTO CAPTION: Gathering of The Friends of Pro in New York last spring. Back row (l-r): Landon Braverman (’11), Mike Taylor (’03), Lachlan Campbell-Verduyn (’07), Ben Halpern (’13), Taylor Gillespie (’16). Front row: Beth Swarbrigg (’01), Katherine Austin-Evelyn (’07), Heather Gallivan (’89), Jon Carnero, and Marcie Meekins (’12)