Like you, we know that every client and every file is unique. However, we gathered here some of the questions most frequently asked by financial advisors and asset managers looking to guide their clients in the creation of a philanthropic fund. If you have not found the answer you were looking for, contact us and we will gladly help.

Questions frequently asked by advisors and managers
How is FGM different from other philanthropic management services?

By working with the Foundation of Greater Montréal, you and your clients benefit from fees that are among the lowest on the market, personalized services and a reputable, trustworthy governance structure. FGM tailors its approach to each client, their situation and their goals. With a simplified and transparent fund creation process, optimizing your clients’ charitable donations has never been easier.

What are the advantages FGM can offer my clients?
FGM has a thorough understanding of the philanthropic ecosystem. This allows it to maximize the impact of the donations it receives, notably by combining them with gifts from other philanthropists or through matching programs. The Foundation also seamlessly takes charge of all administrative aspects related to the funds, from producing tax receipts to distributing grants. It’s a turnkey service.
What will happen to my clients once I contact FGM?
FGM expands your service offer. The relationship you have built with your clients is fully maintained, and you remain their main contact. We will present our services as a complement to yours. An FGM contact is then attributed to you and made available to answer any question you may have about philanthropy. A lot of information is also accessible through our self-service web portal.
What will happen to the management of my clients' assets?
You retain the totality of the asset management. If your client and yourself agree, it is also possible to transfer those assets to the FGM’s Investment Fund (FGMIF). The FGMIF has integrated one of the most advanced responsible investment policy in Canada. It also performs impact investing in Greater Montreal and elsewhere in Canada
What about the minimal thresholds to open a fund, additional contributions and fees?

If you retain the asset management, the minimum amount necessary to create a fund is $100,000. If the assets are invested in the FGMIF, the minimum is $1,000 and the fund’s balance must reach $10,000 within 5 years.

There is no minimum for additional contributions. Fund creators are free to make subsequent donations to their funds as they see fit, notably in order to maximize the tax benefits stemming from their gifts.

Maximum administration fees correspond to 1% of the fund’s value (collected monthly), to which are added the fees determined by the asset manager. Read this explainer to learn more.

Which types of assets can be accepted as gifts?
Gifts can be donated in the form of bank transfers, cheques, private equity or publicly-traded securities, life insurance policies or bequests, among others. FGM also accepts, under certain conditions, in-kind donations such as real property. Take a look at our Policy on the acceptance and disclosure of donations to learn more.