Regular Donations Continue

You can always donate to a party or its ridings, even outside of election times. However, during an election campaign, fundraising events happen more frequently. If you sign up for the newsletter, you will likely receive many emails asking for donations. Sometimes, you may even get a phone call asking for your support.

Note that contribution limits apply on a calendar-year basis. This means your donations during the campaign count toward the same annual limit as any other time of year.

Action

Make a Donation to the Party You Support

Here are the donation pages for each party. If you want to donate to a specific riding, see the article How to Donate for details.

Anonymous Contributions

Most cash contributions are banned in Canadian federal politics. However, there is an exception for anonymous cash donations1, which often occur during campaign events. For example, at an office opening event, a donation basket may be passed around so people can contribute cash anonymously.

These donations do not count toward your individual contribution limit, but they are subject to campaign reporting limits and must follow Elections Canada’s rules on anonymous donations. You also cannot claim a tax credit for them.

Each person may contribute up to $20 in anonymous cash at an event, but only if they are physically present. You cannot make an anonymous donation on behalf of someone else or send money by other means. If you place a cheque in the basket instead of cash, your name will be recorded, and the donation will no longer be considered anonymous.

If you only have bills larger than $20, do not place them in the basket, even if you’re eager to donate more. Contributions over $20 without the donor’s name are not permitted. As a result, the campaign must send the money to Elections Canada, meaning they cannot use your donation. It also creates additional administrative work for the campaign.

In-Kind Contributions

An in-kind contribution2 is also called a non-monetary contribution. During campaigns, supporters often bring snacks to the campaign office to help volunteers keep working.

If the fair market value of a non-monetary contribution is $200 or less, the campaign may choose to accept it as having nil value3. This means it won’t count toward your contribution limit or the campaign’s expense limit. However, you won’t receive a tax receipt.

In-kind contributions are convenient for both donors and campaigns and are usually welcomed. Food items are common examples. However, large or perishable in-kind donations should always be coordinated with staff in advance to ensure they can be used and won’t go to waste. For example, if you want to donate five extra-large pizzas, it’s a good idea to check with campaign staff first to make sure they’re needed.

If you want to avoid any hassle, donating items like cans of soda is a simple option. They don’t spoil quickly, and volunteers especially appreciate them during warm-weather campaigns.

Also note that the prohibition on corporate donations applies to in-kind contributions. This means if you own a pizza restaurant, you cannot donate pizzas from your business account or inventory. Only personal, non-commercial contributions are allowed.

Sidetrack

Why Do Some People Choose Nil-Value In-Kind Contributions Over Monetary Donations?

If you made an in-kind contribution valued at less than $200, it is treated as having a nil value. Here’s why that can benefit both the campaign and the donor.

First of all, the campaign has a spending limit. This means each campaign cannot legally spend more than the specified amount for each riding, even if they receive enough donations to do so. When you make an in-kind contribution of nil value, that donation does not count toward the expense limit. This allows the campaign to use its expense limit for other essential costs instead. Also, because the donation is treated as having nil value, it does not count toward the donor’s annual contribution limit either.

The downside is that these donations do not qualify for tax credits, which may be a drawback for some donors. However, if a donor has already reached the maximum federal political contribution tax credit by donating over $1,275, where the tax credit of $650 maxes out, the negative impact on the tax credit from additional donations does not actually affect them. (The federal tax credit is 75% on the first $400, 50% on the next $350, and 33.3% on the next $525, capping at $650.)

Donating to Independent Candidates

Donations to independent candidates are only permitted once candidate appointed an official agent. The contribution limit for independent candidates is $1,7504 (in 2025, subject to increase each year by $25) per person, per candidate, per campaign.

Key Takeaways from This Topic

Can I donate during an election campaign?

Yes. Regular donations continue throughout election season, and campaigns often ramp up fundraising during this time. Just remember that all donations count toward your annual contribution limit.

What is an anonymous cash donation, and is it allowed?

You can give up to $20 in anonymous cash at an event, but only in person. You can’t donate anonymously by mail or on someone else’s behalf. Also, you won’t receive a tax receipt for an anonymous cash donation.

What happens if I give more than $20 in anonymous cash?

If a campaign receives more than $20 without identifying the donor, they must send the money to Elections Canada. That means your donation won’t help the campaign and creates extra work for them.

What is an in-kind contribution?

It’s a non-monetary donation like food or supplies. If it’s worth $200 or less, it can be accepted as having nil value, meaning it doesn’t count toward donation limits but also doesn’t qualify for a tax receipt.

Why would someone make a nil-value in-kind contribution?

It helps campaigns stay under their legal spending limit and doesn't affect your donation cap. This is especially useful for donors who’ve already maxed out their tax credit for the year.

Can I donate items from my business to a campaign?

No. Corporate or commercial in-kind donations are prohibited. All contributions must come from individuals using personal resources, not business inventory or funds.

How much can I donate to an independent candidate?

You can give up to $1,750 per campaign to each independent candidate, but only after they’ve appointed an official agent.

References

  1. Anonymous Contributions, Elections Canada ↩

  2. Contribution Types, Elections Canada ↩

  3. Political Financing Handbook for Candidates and Official Agents (EC 20155) – February 2025, Elections Canada ↩

  4. Understanding spending limits, Elections Canada ↩

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